How Can I Reverse An Overdone Frontal Hairline Advancement?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I previously had a brow lift, and unfortunately the surgeon lowered my hairline in the center at the same time, which has created a more masculine appearance.

I understand that my options for correcting this may be limited, but I am very motivated to restore a more natural look and am willing to consider even more involved approaches if necessary. I’ve spent time researching tissue expansion surgery and would be open to pursuing that route, even over an extended period.

My main concern is the risk of blood supply complications. From what I’ve read, that seems to be one of the primary downsides, aside from the temporary appearance during the process. I would really appreciate your insight into how common or significant this risk tends to be.

Thank you very much for your time and guidance.

A: That is an unfortunate forehead reshaping technique for a female. That being said, as you may be aware, there are two fundamental different approaches to the low frontal hairline. The simplest and most obvious one is to shave the hairline back to a more proper position and ultimately perform laser hair removal on that area. That can certainly be effective and its effects more immediate so it is important to point that out as an option. The alternative to that is the forehead tissue expansion approach. While this can be effective it’s success depends on how much frontal hairline reduction is needed and the motivation of the patient. In a thin female with now very tight soft tissue forehead coverage the tissue expansion must be slow not only for avoiding vascular compromise of the skin but also to allow the tissues to adequately overcome its natural elastic deformation properties. This requires a commitment at least 8 to 12 weeks which is socially very onerous given the abnormal forehead appearance that will sue. Thus you can understand the importance of the concept of patient motivation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon