Forehead Reshaping (Contouring & Reduction)

What is Forehead Reshaping?

Comprising the entire upper third of your facial structure, the forehead is an important feature that essentially “frames” the entire face. Forehead reshaping (contouring and reduction) is ideal for adults who are unsatisfied with the size and/or shape of their forehead and want to alter its appearance. Your forehead may make your face appear too masculine, too feminine, or simply out-of-balance with other facial features.

Who is a Good Candidate for this Procedure?

Typically, the procedure is performed on women who feel their brow and forehead appear too prominent or masculine-looking. But it is also often performed on men who feel that their forehead is too feminine in appearance or oddly-shaped in some way.

How is Forehead Contouring and Reduction Performed?

To access the forehead area, an incision is made either right at, or behind the hairline, depending on whether or not the hairline position needs to be changed. Although the exact procedure depends on the individual, most often the brow bone is osteotomized and reconstructed to reduce its size, and the orbital bones are reshaped to reduce masculine characteristics. Often, the frontal bone (between the eyebrows) is removed, shaped, and then reattached so that it does not interfere with the underlying sinuses. If the forehead must be reshaped, to fill out a ridge or concavity, your surgeon will use a synthetic material to create the desired more rounded shape. Due to the location of the incision, forehead contouring is often done in conjunction with a brow lift or hairline restoration. Deep sutures will dissolve naturally while external sutures will be removed at a follow-up appointment five days following surgery.

Forehead reduction

What can I expect Post-Op?

The most common side effects are bruising and swelling. These typically resolve within a week or two; however, it is not uncommon to have some minor swelling that lasts up to two months. Loss of sensation in the forehead area is normal and normally resolves on its own within two to four months. In some patients, it can take up to 10 months for the feeling to return to normal. Although this may feel uncomfortable, it is harmless.

Is there Scarring?

When thinking about a surgical procedure, it is always important to take scarring into consideration. Since the incision is made at the hairline, any scarring is minimal and fades over time. When making the incision, we are very careful with the placement to minimize scarring. When done in conjunction with hairline lowering the scars are virtually invisible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an ideal forehead shape?

Not technically, however, Dr. Deschamps-Braly encourages people who are dissatisfied with their forehead or brow contour that there might be an “ideal” forehead that’s achievable through forehead contouring or reduction.

Who is a good candidate for forehead contouring?

Anyone who thinks their forehead is too prominent, asymmetrical, or just oddly shaped might be a good candidate for forehead reshaping.