Can I Go Blind From Having Forehead Augmentation Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have some questions about Forehead Augmentation. I have a somewhat sloped forehead and ever since it was pointed out to me I am struggling to unsee it. It is much more noticeable and bothersome from a side profile view. After doing some research on possible solutions I discovered the forehead augmentation surgery. It is something that I am not ready to do just yet however would possibly consider undergoing down the road when I am ready. That being said I do have some questions and concerns about the surgery. My first priority is of course my health and safety. I have done my research about what this surgery entails. The idea of going under anesthesia is very scary to me if something were to go wrong. My other concerns are around blindness, permanent bruising and swelling around the eyes as well as potentially getting an infection. Can you please share with me your honest thoughts about how safe this procedure is? The last thing I want to do is something that could put my life at risk or cause myself to go blind or obtain permanent bruising around my eyes. On the other hand I have extensively studied my forehead and looked into what I think I would like my forehead to be cosmetically changed to. I also have drawn on my face to show what I would like my side profile to look like. If I were to share these pictures and videos with you would you be able to give me a rough idea if what I am looking to do is safe and aesthetically achievable? Also I have questions about the skin on the forehead. By reducing the slope and flattening the forehead, would this make my eyebrows shift around or look different? I like the rest of my face and I don’t want to do anything that would change the positioning of my eyebrows. Also would I lose control of my eyebrows meaning lose the ability to raise or lower them “have facial expressions”? I understand I asked you a ton of questions with out having a consultation however if you could please give me your honest thoughts to my questions and concerns that would give me a better idea of whether this surgery is something I am comfortable undergoing and if the results I am looking to obtain are even achievable.

A: Thank you for your inquiry. In answer to your forehead augmentation questions:

1) Almost all forehead augmentations today are done with a custom forehead implant designed from a 3D CT scan of the patient. This is the most effective procedure that requires the smallest scalp incision to place with the lowest risk of any postoperative aesthetic issues.

2) Of all the forehead augmentations I have done over the past 30 years with every conceivable material, I have never seen an infection. Most certainly the risks of blindness or any major medical problems are not even on the radar screen for occurrence.

3) The implant is placed in the deep periosteal plane of the forehead which is well below the frontal branch of the facial nerve…so movement of the eyebrows is not affected. Nor will the implant change the eyebrow position.

4) My assistant Camille will pass along the general cost of the surgery to you tomorrow. She can also arrange for a virtual consultation time.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana