How Big Is The Scar In A Frontal Hairline Lowering?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in one-stage frontal hairline lowering? How big will the scar be? As long as the scar isn’t noticeable, I’m definitely interested. How long is surgery? How long is recovery? Will I have to take any medication before surgery? Will I be completely out? Will I accomplish what I’ve wanted all my life, to be able to wear my hair off my face/forehead immediately?

A: For forehead reduction/frontal hairline lowering, there are two techniques based on how much advancement of the frontal hairline is needed. If the amount of advancement is in the 1 to 1.5 cm range, then it can be done in a single operation. Larger amounts (> 2.5 cms) would require a first stage placement of a tissue expander to create the amount of scalp needed to move forward. Frontal hairline lowering is done through a hairline or pretrichial incision and is best thought of as a ‘reverse browlift’. Instead of the forehead skin being lifted from the pretrichial incision, the scalp behind is advanced forward and forehead skin removed where the new hairline will be. While this does place the incision/scar right at the new hairline, it usually heals very well and is barely detectable in patients with little pigment in their skin. (Caucasians) It is a procedure performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour and a half to complete and is done as an outpatient. Recovery is very quick and there is no swelling of the eyes that is usually seen. One can shower and wash their hair the next day.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana