Visible scarring is an understandable concern for patients undergoing facial feminization surgery. However, with the right techniques and the care of a specialized surgeon like Dr. Deschamps-Braly, patients can expect fantastic results without unsightly scarring. This is what you should expect about scarring and recovery time after a forehead reduction in San Francisco.
What is Forehead Reduction Surgery?
Forehead reduction is a cosmetic surgery commonly included with facial feminization surgery. The female forehead is typically smaller in width from the hairline to the brows and the frontal bones of the forehead sit farther back. During the forehead reduction procedure, the frontal bone between the eyebrows and orbital bones around the eyes will be carefully reduced and restructured to set the forehead back and soften its appearance to create a more feminine appearance.
The Forehead Reduction Procedure
Forehead reduction is performed under general anesthesia as an individual surgery or in combination with other facial feminization procedures. During surgery, Dr. Deschamps-Braly will place the incisions along the hairline or just behind it so there will be minimal visible scarring, if any. The incisions will be carefully sutured to close the wounds without pulling the skin back too tightly. Bandages will be placed over the incisions and the sutures will be removed at our office in a post-operative appointment.
How Long Does It Take the Scar to Heal?
After a forehead reduction procedure, patients should expect moderate swelling and bruising and a slightly red and raised incision line. However, swelling goes down significantly during the first week and the incisions will gradually fade and become less noticeable. It can take up to three months for the incision to be easily camouflaged and up to a year for the scar to fully heal.
How to Minimize Scarring
Choose the Right Surgeon
Receiving a brow reduction from an experienced surgeon like Dr. Deschamps-Braly is the first step in ensuring a smooth recovery process and the best possible results. He is highly knowledgeable in the best surgical techniques to minimize scarring that won’t distract from your beautiful results.
Follow Post-Operative Instructions
Properly following post-surgical instructions is crucial to reduce scarring and prevent complications. Keep the incision area clean and apply ointments or scar creams as prescribed. Avoiding strenuous activity to reduce strain on the healing incisions can also minimize the risk of a poorly healed scar.
Concealing Your Scar
If you feel self-conscious about your healing incision line, there are many easy ways to hide it until it is fully healed. After one week, patients can safely wear hats or headbands to cover up the incision. Brushing your hair forward can also hide its appearance until new hairs grow and permanently conceal the scar.
Schedule a Consultation
At The Deschamps-Braly Clinic, we are committed to helping each of our patients feel more confident with personalized facial feminization surgery. To learn more about forehead reduction and the results you can expect, schedule a consultation today with double board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon, Dr. Deschamps-Braly.
Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, and craniofacial surgery for adults and children. He is also one of the world’s foremost leaders and innovators in facial gender confirmation surgery.
