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Hairline / Forehead

Forehead Reduction / Contouring

Reduction or reshaping of the frontal bone and brow ridge, often with hairline advancement.

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Region
Forehead
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Theatre time
2–4 hours
Downtime
3–4 weeks

Overview

Forehead contouring reshapes frontal bossing or the supraorbital ridge, sometimes with setback of the anterior sinus wall. It is a core component of facial feminisation and can be combined with hairline lowering.

What it changes

  • Brow ridge prominence
  • Forehead slope and curvature
  • Orbital rim contour
  • Hairline position when combined

Common goals

Soften or increase brow ridge definition
Change forehead slope
Rebalance the upper third

Candidates

General factors a surgeon may consider. Only a qualified surgeon can assess whether you are a candidate.

  • General physical health suitable for the anaesthetic required
  • Realistic, clearly articulated aesthetic or functional goals
  • Stable anatomy appropriate for the technique proposed
  • Non-smoking or willingness to stop for the surgeon's required window

Surgical approach

  1. 01Coronal or hairline (pretrichial) access
  2. 02Burring, or type-III setback of the anterior sinus wall with plate fixation
  3. 03Simultaneous hairline advancement where planned

Recovery timeline

  1. Day 1

    Immediate post-operative period. Swelling begins, dressings or splints may be in place, supervised rest.

  2. Week 1

    Peak swelling and bruising. Limited activity, soft diet where relevant, first follow-up visit.

  3. Week 2

    Bruising fades. Many people feel socially presentable, light activity resumes.

  4. Week 4

    Most acute swelling resolves. Gradual return to exercise as cleared by the surgeon.

  5. Month 3

    Contours become clearer. Residual swelling continues to settle.

  6. Month 6

    Result is largely representative of the final outcome.

  7. Month 12+

    Final refinement, scar maturation, and revision assessment if needed.

Risks & complications

Bleeding, haematoma, or infection
Temporary or, rarely, permanent nerve disturbance
Asymmetry or an outcome that differs from expectations
Scarring, delayed healing, or wound problems
Anaesthetic risks
Possible need for revision surgery
Scalp numbness
Frontal sinus complications
Contour irregularity
Visible incision
Frontal nerve branch injury

Limitations

Bone thickness limits burring alone
Does not address midface or jaw proportions

Before & after cases

No verified cases published yet

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Surgeons performing this procedure

Surgeon data pending verification

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Cost

$8,000 – $25,000

These are broad estimates only. Actual costs vary significantly by country, surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, imaging, orthodontic treatment, revision policy, and individual complexity. Always obtain a written quotation.

Questions to ask your surgeon

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Information on this platform is for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. Surgical suitability, risks, and expected outcomes must be assessed by an appropriately qualified surgeon.