Can A Scalp Advancement Be Done With A Thin Frontal Hairline?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was interested in getting my hairline lowered as well as brow and frontal bone reduction. However I have a very thin hairline due to constant damage to my hair follicles. Any suggestions and how long after would I have to wait to get a separate surgery.

A: If I understand your question correctly, you would like hairline lowering/scalp advancement combined with frontal/brow bone reduction. The concern, which is both understandable and appropriate, is whether with a fine and thin hairline that you should have the procedure. The answer to that question would be based on what your frontal hairline looks like now (please send me a picture), how much scalp laxity you have and whether you were eventually planning on any hair transplantation along the hairline after the procedure. (as some people do for scar camouflage) The quality (hair density and pattern) of your frontal hairline determines how well the scar would do and its potential visibility. Your existing vertical forehead skin length and your natural scalp laxity determines how much scalp advancement/hairline lowering is possible and whether the result justifies the effort. Knowing that one may be considering the potential for hair transplantation later gives one more freedom to perform the procedure is someone with less than an ideal frontal hairline.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana