Forehead reduction surgery has become an empowering solution for many individuals who feel self-conscious about the size of their forehead. People from all walks of life—whether it’s young professionals, mothers, or even retirees—have found relief and confidence through this procedure. Often, they have been teased about their forehead size in their younger years or become increasingly self-aware as they age. As a surgeon, helping patients achieve a balanced, harmonious look without drastically changing their natural appearance is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. 

What is Forehead Reduction Surgery? 

Forehead reduction surgery, also known as hairline lowering, is a cosmetic procedure that repositions the hairline to reduce the height of the forehead. This simple yet effective surgery can make a significant difference in a person’s appearance, harmonizing facial proportions and boosting confidence. The goal is not to change who you are but to make you feel more comfortable with your reflection. 

Why Do Patients Choose Forehead Reduction Surgery? 

Many patients seek forehead reduction surgery for various reasons, ranging from aesthetics to genetic factors and even hair loss concerns. Here’s why people typically opt for this surgery: 

 

• • Aesthetic Balance: Some patients feel that their forehead is disproportionately large compared to their other facial features, affecting their overall look. 

• • Genetics: High hairlines can be hereditary, passed down through generations, making some individuals feel out of balance. 

• • Hair Loss: Receding hairlines can contribute to the appearance of a larger forehead, prompting patients to want their hairline moved forward for a more youthful look. 

The overarching aim is to create facial harmony while maintaining the patient’s natural look. The impact of this surgery is often life-changing, helping patients feel more at ease in their skin. 

My Approach to the Procedure 

When a patient decides to undergo forehead reduction surgery, my top priority is ensuring they feel fully informed, comfortable, and confident throughout the process. This involves acareful, step-by-step approach to ensure the best possible outcome. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure: 

 

• • Consultation: The journey begins with an in-depth consultation where we discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations. I will closely examine your facial structure and hairline to determine the best approach for the surgery. This is a time for open dialogue, where I encourage you to ask questions. My aim is to empower you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Together, we create a customized plan to achieve your desired results. 

 

• • Anaesthesia: Your comfort during surgery is paramount. Depending on the complexity of the procedure and your personal preference, I will recommend either local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. This ensures you experience minimal discomfort while allowing us to focus on delivering precision results. 

 

• • Incision and Hairline Advancement: The surgical process involves making a carefully planned incision along the hairline. I then gently advance the scalp forward to reduce the height of the forehead. Many patients initially express concerns about scarring, but I take special care to place the incision within the hairline, ensuring it remains discreet and blends naturally over time. 

 

• • Suturing: Once the scalp has been advanced, I meticulously close the incision using fine sutures. My focus is on creating a natural, seamless look that enhances facial balance. The placement of the sutures is designed to ensure minimal visibility, promoting optimal healing. 

Recovery: What to Expect 

Recovery from forehead reduction surgery is generally smooth, with most patients able to resume their usual activities within a week. Here’s a more comprehensive breakdown of what to expect: 

 

• • Swelling and Bruising: It is normal to experience mild swelling and bruising around the forehead area, particularly in the first few days post-surgery. The swelling usually subsides within a week. To aid in reducing discomfort, I recommend applying cold compresses, which can help minimize the swelling and provide relief. 

 

• • Suture Removal: Around one week after the surgery, your sutures will be carefully removed. By this time, the incision will have started to heal, and because it’s placed within the hairline, the scar is usually so discreet that even close friends or hairstylists will find it hard to detect. 

 

• • Return to Normalcy: One of the most encouraging aspects of forehead reduction surgery is how quickly patients return to their daily routines. Many are pleasantly surprised by how seamless the recovery process is. Within a week, most people are back to work or social activities, feeling more confident and refreshed. 

Post-Operative Care 

Proper post-operative care is essential to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results. Here are some key aspects of aftercare

 

• • Keep the Area Clean: It is important to gently clean the incision site as directed to avoid infections and support the healing process. Using mild soap and water while being cautious around the sutures will help maintain a clean and healthy environment for the incision to heal. 

 

• • Avoid Strenuous Activity: For the first week post-surgery, it’s crucial to avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or any activity that could place strain on the forehead area. This will help minimize swelling and prevent any complications with the healing incision. 

 

• • Protect Your Scalp: Since the scalp is more sensitive to sun exposure following the surgery, it’s vital to protect the area by applying sunscreen with a high SPF or wearing a hat when outdoors. This reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and promotes a smooth recovery. 

Are There Risks? 

As with any surgical procedure, forehead reduction does carry some risks, though they are minimal when performed by an experienced surgeon. Here are the most common concerns

 

• • Scarring: While the incision is carefully hidden within the hairline, some patients worry about scarring. The good news is that most scars heal exceptionally well and fade over time, becoming nearly invisible. In rare cases where a scar is more visible, advanced techniques like laser treatments can help reduce its appearance. 

 

• • Temporary Numbness: Some patients experience temporary numbness near the incision site due to the nerves being affected during surgery. This is usually a short-term issue that resolves within a few weeks as the nerves regenerate. 

 

• • Hairline Irregularities: In rare cases, hairline irregularities or asymmetry may occur. However, I take meticulous care during the procedure to ensure the hairline appears even and natural. Any concerns can be addressed during follow-up consultations to ensure your satisfaction with the final outcome. 

One of my patients, who was preparing for her wedding, initially worried that the scar would be visible in her photos. However, after healing, the scar was so discreet that she was able to wear her hair up confidently, without any visible signs of the surgery. 

Forehead reduction surgery can significantly improve facial harmony and boost confidence for those who feel self-conscious about their forehead size. By carefully planning and customizing each step of the procedure, my goal is to help patients achieve a more balanced appearance while ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout their surgical journey. 

Who is a Good Candidate? 

You may be a good candidate for forehead reduction surgery if you feel that your forehead is too large or your hairline is too high. I assess every patient on a case-by-case basis to ensure that they are in good health and that their facial structure will benefit from the procedure. Recently, I worked with a woman in her 40s who had always felt her forehead was too large. After the surgery, she expressed how it changed her self-perception in the most positive way—helping her finally feel like her face looked balanced and harmonious. 

Conclusion: A Balanced Look for a More Confident You

Forehead reduction surgery can be a transformative procedure for individuals who have long felt that their forehead size negatively impacts their appearance. As a surgeon, my primary goal is to ensure you leave my care feeling more confident and comfortable in your own skin. If this is a procedure you’ve been considering, I encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can explore the options available and create a personalized plan that’s right for you. 

At Tara Healthcare, we combine medical expertise with personalized patient care, ensuring that your surgery results in a natural and balanced look. Let’s sit down and talk about how forehead reduction surgery can help you achieve the confidence you deserve. 

Dr. Karan Shetty 
MBBS, M.S,M.ch (Plastic Surgery) 
Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon 
Fellowship Super microsurgery (Tokyo), DFAFPRS (Germany) and 
University Hospital Moncloa (Spain) 

Dr. Karan Shetty is a board-certified Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive surgeon. He is a dynamic surgeon with special interest in Aesthetic surgery.  

He has completed his training in Super microsurgery from the University of Tokyo, Japan. He was selected for the prestigious DAFPRS (Dutch Association of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons) Fellowship in Rhinoplasty & Facial Aesthetics in Stuttgart, Germany. He has also undergone training in Breast Aesthetics & Body contouring in University Hospital Monclova in Madrid, contouring after Spain under Dr. Jorge Aso. 
Dr. Shetty has a special contouring after massive weight loss to help patients gain confidence to lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle. For the past few years, Dr. Shetty has also focused on rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation. Other interests include Liposuction, Breast augmentation, reduction and Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). 

Dr. Shetty is also working to serve the public as an Assistant Professor in Plastic Surgery in Bangalore Medical College & Research center. 

Socially, he is also the founding member of a nongovernment organization (NGO) called Anti-Pollution Drive to help collect data and aid in cleaning our environment. 

About Tara Healthcare: 
Tara Healthcare specializes in a wide range of surgical procedures including rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation, liposuction, breast augmentation and reduction, abdominoplasty, and more. Tara Healthcare’s approach is personalized to meet your unique needs and aesthetic aspirations, ensuring you receive care that is both high-quality and customized. At Tara Healthcare, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with the utmost precision and care. 
Contact Tara Healthcare today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards realizing your aesthetic vision.