Can My Upper Forehead Bony Ridge Be Reduced?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have had a bony ridge in my forehead every since my youth. It’s visibility fluctuates with how much weight is on my face. I don’t mind the ridge that much though sometimes in photos you can see it. There are 2 protruding elements and a depression in the middle. However, when I lost alot of weight the bony ridges are painful. Sometimes it feels like the bone is pushing into my skin (especially when dehydrated during physical activity). Is there anyway to shave that ridge down a bit? It also protrudes more when I lose weight. 

A: Such an upper bony ridge of the forehead is not rare and can be effectively reduced by a bone burring technique through a hairline incision. (forehead reduction) I suspect it protrudes a bit more when you lose weight because the overlying soft tissues becomes a bit thinner.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana