Patients considering a forehead reduction to bring down their hairline and shorten their forehead are becoming increasingly concerned about ending up with a forehead reduction surgery that has gone wrong. And the truth is, like any surgical procedure, this surgery can “go wrong”.

Let us explain.

When it comes to plastic surgery gone wrong, forehead reduction surgery is quite a young procedure to have many “cautionary tales” associated with it. However, there have been some of these procedures that have been botched for patients, and this usually comes down to the surgeon’s lack of skill, knowledge, and experience.

Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon

More than anything, it is crucial to emphasize that choosing the right plastic surgeon for this (and any other) plastic surgery procedure is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, “forehead reduction surgery gone wrong” has hit the headlines recently because many patients are choosing surgeons who are frightfully unskilled and inexperienced.

Not only should your surgeon be a skilled, board certified plastic surgeon, but they should also have a unique understanding of the structure of the face as well as extensive experience performing forehead reductions. Too many plastic surgeons are claiming they can perform this procedure when they do not have the knowledge, skill, or experience necessary to do so.

In this article, we’d like to highlight exactly why such experience and skill is needed by outlining what’s at stake if you do not do your research and choose the right surgeon for your forehead reduction surgery.

What Is Forehead Reduction Surgery?

Forehead reduction surgery (also called hairline lowering surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure designed to shorten the height of the forehead. This is achieved by essentially pulling the hairline down and removing some of the forehead skin.

Patients who seek this surgery are self-conscious about the size of their foreheads. Some individuals feel that reducing their forehead’s height can help balance out the rest of their facial features.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Forehead Reduction Surgery?

A good candidate for forehead reduction surgery typically meets these key criteria:

• Overall Good Health: You should be in general good health, free from conditions that may affect healing.
• Realistic Expectations: Understanding the procedure and having realistic goals is essential for a successful outcome.
• Excessive Forehead Size: Those with a high forehead or disproportionate facial features often seek this surgery for improved balance.
• Non-Smoker: Smoking can interfere with healing, so it’s best to be a non-smoker or be willing to quit.Scalp Elasticity: Adequate scalp skin flexibility is important for achieving optimal results.

If you meet these factors, forehead reduction surgery may be right for you, but always consult with a qualified surgeon to discuss your individual needs.

What Happens during Forehead Reduction?

Forehead reduction surgery, or hairline lowering surgery, is a fairly straightforward procedure but requires significant expertise to avoid complications. The process usually starts with the patient undergoing general anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the surgery. Afterward, the surgeon will make an incision along the hairline to allow for the removal of excess skin from the forehead.

The surgeon then pulls the scalp downward and repositions the hairline to the desired location. Once the scalp is in position, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures, ensuring that they are discreetly hidden within the natural hairline. The surgery typically takes a few hours, depending on the extent of the procedure, and patients usually go home the same day.

While recovery time varies from patient to patient, most people experience swelling and discomfort for a few days. The stitches are removed in about one to two weeks, and most individuals can return to normal activities within a few weeks, although strenuous physical activities should be avoided for a longer period.

Proper aftercare is critical in ensuring the best possible results and minimizing the risk of complications such as visible scarring or asymmetry.

Top Complications of Forehead Reduction Surgery

1. Hairline Abnormalities and Visible Scarring

It is important that hairline incisions are carefully performed and meticulously closed for optimal healing and low visibility. Unfortunately, if incisions are not made so that they heal properly, abnormalities may occur such as jagged edges or unnatural angles.

Another issue is pulling the scalp too tightly over the forehead area, which can cause excessive swelling and a jagged hairline, plus poorly healed, visible scars from hairline lowering surgery.

2. Asymmetrical Forehead

Improper surgical techniques or inadequate removal of the skin may result in forehead asymmetry. One side may appear higher or lower than the other side, or the curve of the hairline may be off on one side.

3. Hair Loss

Hair loss can also occur following an endoscopic forehead lift. Sometimes, hair loss is short-lived, and the hair ultimately grows back. But other times, permanent hair loss results.

4. Scalp Necrosis

Problems with blood supply to the scalp during surgery can lead to scalp necrosis. This may then cause scarring, problems with wound healing, or hair loss.

5. Nerve Damage

Both the aesthetics and functions of the face may be compromised if the nerves in the face are damaged. Changes in sensation, numbness, weakness, and even pain may result .

Ensuring a Successful Forehead Reduction Surgery

Here’s how to make sure that you don’t have a poor outcome after your hairline lowering surgery.

Choose an Experienced Surgeon

Select a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience and a successful track record in performing forehead reduction surgeries. It’s a bonus if they are adept at performing hair transplants as well, as this suggests more intimate knowledge with the structure of the face and head.

Review Before and After Photos

Take time to examine the surgeon’s forehead reduction before and after photos from previous patients. This will help to ensure their aesthetic preferences align with yours.

Discuss the Plan Before Surgery

Have open and thorough discussions with your surgeon about your goals, expectations, and concerns regarding forehead reduction surgery. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.

You’ll also want to land on a solid, cohesive plan with your surgeon. Make sure you know how much skin will be removed, what the shape of your new hairline will be, and other specifics. You want to feel completely confident about this plan moving forward.

Adhere to Postoperative Instructions

Follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions closely after surgery. Get plenty of rest, modify your lifestyle accordingly, care for your wounds properly, and take care of yourself in general with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Maintain Realistic Expectations

It’s important to remember that there are always risks with any type of surgery. Naturally, if you choose a reputable surgeon, they will do their best to achieve your desired outcome; however, be sure that you are aware of the potential complications and that you have realistic expectations as you move toward your operation.

FAQ: Forehead Reduction Surgery

Can forehead surgery go wrong?

Yes, forehead surgery can have complications. For example, a blood collection under the skin (hematoma) may form, requiring surgical drainage. Nerve damage is also possible, affecting the facial muscles; while this is typically temporary, it can sometimes be permanent. Additionally, there may be issues with wound healing, resulting in poor recovery.

Is a forehead reduction scar permanent?

A forehead reduction scar is permanent, but it’s usually hidden within the hairline, making it less noticeable. How visible the scar is depends on the surgeon’s skill and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Some scarring may still be visible, especially if there are healing issues.

Does forehead reduction look natural?

There’s a common misconception that forehead reduction surgery leads to an unnatural or “plastic” look. In reality, when done by an experienced surgeon, the procedure can create a more balanced and harmonious appearance, enhancing facial features without noticeable signs of surgery.

Will I have a scar after forehead reduction surgery?

Yes, due to the nature of the hairline lowering procedure, a scar will result. However, if someone’s surgery has gone wrong forehead reduction surgery scar visibility may be severe.

This is why you must choose an experienced surgeon who knows how to create extremely small incisions that will heal well and sit within the hairline so that they are not visible after recovery.

Who is a good candidate for a forehead reduction procedure?

If you do not like the positioning of your hairline in relation to the size of your forehead, you may be a good candidate for surgery to move the hairline forward or for a hair transplant.

Alternatively, some patients may choose to “lower their forehead” by getting hair transplantation (when hair follicles are removed from the back and sides of the head and transplanted to the top of the head). This may, of course, be helpful if you have a receding hairline or thinning hair as well.

Book a Consultation With Us Today

Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber is knowledgeable and experienced with facial plastic surgery procedures, including brow lift surgery, blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery), facelift surgery, neck lift surgery, and forehead reduction procedures.

If you have a large forehead and would like to speak to Dr. Sieber of Sieber Plastic Surgery San Francisco about undergoing a forehead lowering procedure, please call our office today to book your consultation.

References

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34305024/

Unhappy with the state of your midsection? You’re not alone.

Millions of men and women struggle with excess abdominal fat that they just can’t seem to get rid of. Often, the problem involves excess skin as well unwanted fat.

These issues do more than affect a person’s self-confidence. Sagging skin, for one, can make exercise problematic. It can be difficult to fit into clothes or find undergarments that feel comfortable. Moreover, excess belly fat has been linked to higher rates of morbidity when related to health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.

PLASTIC SURGERY OR LIFESTYLE CHANGES?

Naturally, a situation like this should prompt you to look at your diet and lifestyle. A nutritious diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can go a long way at slimming your waistline and improving your overall health. Likewise, getting regular exercise — even if it’s just 15 minutes a day — can help as well.

Still, we all know that diet and exercise can only go so far. What happens when you’ve been paying attention to what you eat and your physical activity and you’re still struggling with annoying abdominal fat and/or skin around the waist?

SPEAKING TO A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS

Plastic surgery has come a long way over the past decade. Today, there are more procedures than ever designed to help you achieve your desired silhouette and boost your confidence.

As far as abdominal fat removal and extra skin around the waist goes, patients usually have two options: tummy tucks or liposuction.

A lot of patients know this already, but they may not know which cosmetic procedure is best for them. While it’s always good to consult directly with a plastic surgeon about your option, we can take a look at each surgery individually right now.

Up ahead, we’ll examine the key differences and similarities between tummy tucks and liposuction to help you decide which procedure will be best for you.

TUMMY TUCKS VS. LIPOSUCTION

TUMMY TUCKS

Of the two procedures — tummy tucks and liposuction — tummy tucks tend to be more invasive. Larger incisions must be made so that skin can be removed, and small deposits of excess fat cells are generally removed as well.

Even though tummy tucks can target fat, they are primarily targeted at individuals who have excess skin that they want to get rid of or belly button issues. Often, candidates for tummy tucks have excess skin because they have recently lost a significant amount of weight — 50 pounds or more.

Alternatively, they may be mothers who have gone through one or more pregnancies and are now finished having children and are looking to find their shape again. Pregnancy can cause a separation of the stomach muscles (diastasis recti) as well as loose skin that doesn’t bounce back to its original shape.

With a tummy tuck, a flat midsection can be restored when your plastic surgeon repairs your stomach muscles (rectus abdominis), removes excess skin, and gets rid of small excess fat deposits.

The procedure involves making incision(s) near the pubic bone and sometimes near the navel to remove excess fat in the lower abdomen. The abdominal muscles are restructured, and the skin is then stretched tight over the abdominal, and the excess is cut off. The belly button is relocated if necessary, and the incisions are closed.

LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction tends to be less invasive than a tummy tuck. This procedure is aimed at individuals who do not have excess skin to remove but instead want to get rid of stubborn fat deposits, which may be located on the abdomen and elsewhere. For example, liposuction can also be performed on the upper arms, the thighs, the buttocks, etc.

Liposuction is not for individuals who have a significant amount of weight to lose. Liposuction patients who are overweight or obese should address this issue safely through diet and exercise, if possible. Of course, other options may be discussed with patients’ general practitioners as well.

Still, liposuction can help with removing those last few pounds after significant weight loss (or those that have simply crept on over time despite massive weight loss and your best efforts).

The liposuction procedure often takes several sessions. Small incisions are made near the sites where fat is to be removed. A thin metal tube called a cannula is then inserted by your plastic surgeon into the incisions.

Through various methods, the fat and fatty tissue will be agitated for easier removal through the cannula. The incisions will then be closed up.

DO I NEED A TUMMY TUCK OR LIPO

When deciding between a tummy tuck or liposuction, likely the biggest factor will be whether or not you need remove excess skin To be sure, liposuction is often used in conjunction with tummy tucks to remove both excess fat and excess skin. But if you don’t need any excess skin to be removed, liposuction alone is probably your answer.

Beyond this factor, you should be looking at considerations such as the overall cost of surgery, recovery time, and your overall lifestyle. Keep in mind as long as you continue on with a healthy lifestyle, the results of both surgeries should be permanent.

On the other hand, results are not always guaranteed if you allow excess fat to creep on over time. For this reason, plastic surgeons emphasize the importance of continuing on with a healthy diet and regular exercise once patients are cleared for movement after surgery

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU’RE A CANDIDATE FOR TUMMY TUCK OR LIPOSUCTION

Determining whether a tummy tuck or liposuction is right for you depends on several factors, including your body’s needs, your goals, and your overall health. If you’re dealing with loose skin, especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck is likely the best option. It targets excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles.

However, if you’re mostly concerned with stubborn pockets of fat without excess skin, liposuction may be a more suitable choice.

Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are usually those who have finished their family planning, as pregnancy can reverse some of the results. Liposuction, on the other hand, works best for individuals at or near their goal weight but struggling with specific areas of fat.

It’s best to consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your specific needs, examine your body, and determine the most effective procedure for achieving your desired results.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE RECOVER PROCESS?

The recovery process after a tummy tuck or liposuction can vary depending on the procedure and individual healing, but there are some common expectations to keep in mind.

After a tummy tuck, you may experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, especially around the incision sites. Your surgeon will provide pain management instructions and may recommend wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the healing process. Most patients need to take it easy for the first few weeks, limiting physical activity and avoiding lifting heavy objects.

Liposuction recovery tends to be less invasive, but it still involves some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the treated areas. You may need to wear compression garments to help with healing, and while you might return to light activities within a few days, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice on when to gradually resume normal activities.

It’s essential to follow all post-surgery instructions carefully, attend follow-up appointments, and give your body the time it needs to heal properly. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will guide you through the process to ensure the best results.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR RESULTS AFTER SURGERY

To keep your tummy tuck or liposuction results looking their best, it’s important to stay committed to a healthy lifestyle. Focus on eating a balanced diet filled with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Regular exercise, including both cardio and strength training, will help you stay toned and prevent new fat from settling in.

Maintaining a stable weight is also crucial for preserving your shape. Try to stay consistent with your routine, and don’t forget to schedule follow-up appointments with your surgeon. By sticking to these habits, you can enjoy your results for years to come.

COMMON RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF TUMMY TUCK AND LIPOSUCTION

Like any surgery, both tummy tucks and liposuction come with certain risks and potential complications. While these procedures are generally safe, it’s important to be aware of what could happen during your recovery. Some common risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and fluid retention.

For tummy tucks, there may be a risk of issues like blood clots or changes in sensation around the incision sites. Liposuction, on the other hand, can sometimes lead to uneven fat removal, leading to lumps or contour irregularities.

It’s also worth noting that both surgeries carry a risk of anesthesia complications, though these are rare. To minimize your chances of experiencing complications, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.

If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms during your recovery, be sure to contact your surgeon right away. Keeping open communication with your doctor will help ensure a smooth and safe recovery process.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Which is better, lipo or tummy tuck?

If you need both fat removal and skin tightening, a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck may be recommended. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine which option is best for you based on your body type, goals, and health.

Which lasts longer, a tummy tuck or liposuction?

A tummy tuck typically offers longer-lasting results since it removes excess skin and tightens muscles, while liposuction removes fat. However, maintaining results from either procedure depends on lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise. Significant weight fluctuations can affect both outcomes over time.

Will liposuction flatten my stomach?

Liposuction can help flatten the stomach by removing stubborn fat in targeted areas, but it’s most effective if the patient has good muscle tone and skin elasticity. If there’s significant loose skin or muscle separation, other procedures may be needed for optimal results.

Should I get a tummy tuck or liposuction first?

Some doctors suggest starting with a tummy tuck, while others might recommend liposuction first. Ultimately, it depends on your specific goals and what you want to achieve. It’s best to discuss it with your surgeon to find the right approach for you.

Is a tummy tuck more effective than lipo?

In broad terms, a tummy tuck procedure primarily focuses on eliminating surplus skin, particularly the marks located between the belly button and the pubic area.

Conversely, liposuction does not address the issue of lax abdominal muscles, which is a key aspect addressed by tummy tucks. As a result, tummy tuck results are typically dramatic.

Can I get lipo instead of a tummy tuck?

Certainly, it is possible for patients get lipo instead of tummy tuck. 360 liposuction procedures are tailored to target waist sculpting, shaping the abdominal region, as well as addressing the flanks and back areas.

Is lipo less painful than tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks are often perceived as painful and invasive because they involve tissue manipulation and are considered invasive procedures. Nonetheless, it is essential to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to explore suitable options for managing pain during and after the surgery.

Which is better a tummy tuck or Lipo 360?

A tummy tuck is frequently chosen to address excess loose skin, whereas if you’re dealing with localized abdominal fat in specific areas, you might consider options such as lipo 360 or tummy tuck surgery.

Do I need lipo with my tummy tuck?

Patients can achieve enhanced results by combining a tummy tuck with liposuction. This dual approach effectively removes excess fat while simultaneously tightening the entire area and strengthening the abdominal muscles, resulting in a comprehensive improvement. Many patients have questions and ask “If I can get lipo with my tummy tuck?”

MAKING YOUR FINAL DECISION

Ultimately, the best way to know whether a full tummy tuck surgery or liposuction is best for you is to make a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber to discuss your options.

Sieber Plastic Surgery offers first-rate care for all of our patients. Dr. Sieber is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the breast, face, and body in the San Francisco area. His practice includes an emphasis on liposuction and tummy tuck procedures.

At your consultation appointment,  will help you determine whether liposuction or a full tummy tuck procedure will be best for you and your body. Call today to schedule your appointment and start looking forward to the new you!

REFERENCES

1. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/should-you-add-liposuction-to-your-tummy-tuck