Forehead contouring is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the forehead and brow bone to create more harmonious facial features. It may address a prominent, flat or uneven forehead, with the aim of giving the forehead a balanced curve that suits the face. The surgeon reduces excess bone or augments the area depending on the shape required.
The bone is usually reached through an incision behind or within the hairline. Tissues are lifted so that the surgeon can smooth prominent areas or add a suitable material such as an implant, bone cement or grafted fat. The operation is generally done under general anaesthesia, taking care to protect the frontal sinuses and sensory nerves.
It often takes two to four hours. Swelling and bruising around the eyes last for several days, and forehead numbness may last for weeks. Stitches are typically removed within about two weeks and many people return to work after one to two weeks, while the final shape may take three to six months or longer to appear.
The final cost is set after a medical consultant reviews your case and photos.
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It may improve facial harmony by reducing a prominent brow or enhancing the curve of the forehead, giving a smoother and more natural profile. The benefit depends on your bone structure and tissues.
A healthy adult who wishes to change the shape of the forehead for cosmetic reasons or because of disproportion, with realistic expectations. People with sinus infection or conditions that prevent general anaesthesia may not be suitable.
A scan is often taken to assess the bone and sinuses. You are usually advised to stop smoking. The doctor decides whether and when blood-thinning medicines should be paused, so never stop prescribed drugs on your own.
A hidden incision is made in the scalp, tissues are lifted, and excess bone is smoothed with special instruments or a suitable augmenting material is placed. The incision is then closed with stitches under general anaesthesia.
Swelling, bruising around the eyes and forehead numbness last for days to weeks. Sleeping with the head raised and avoiding strenuous activity is advised. Your surgeon may prescribe a painkiller and an antibiotic, and sets the length of rest.
The shape becomes clearer after the swelling settles and may take several months to finalise. Bone reduction is usually permanent, whereas added materials may change over time, and a particular outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, temporary or permanent numbness of the forehead, asymmetry and injury to the frontal sinus. Rarely, the membranes surrounding the brain are injured, which is a serious complication. With added materials, rejection or infection may require removal, and revision surgery may sometimes be needed.
A linear scar remains behind or within the hairline, usually hidden by hair. Local hair loss near the scar can occur and is often temporary.
Waiting at least about two weeks is usually advised, until swelling settles and stitches are out. Your treating doctor confirms the right time for you.
The position of the eyebrows may change slightly depending on the incision and tissue lifting, and temporary numbness around the brows can occur. Your surgeon discusses this with you before surgery.
