Name of the Procedure:

Reduction Forehead; Contouring Only
Common Names: Forehead Contouring, Forehead Reduction, Brow Bone Reduction

Summary

Forehead contouring is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape and reduce the prominence of the forehead. During this procedure, a surgeon removes excess bone and reshapes the underlying structures to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Purpose

Forehead contouring primarily addresses an overly prominent forehead or brow bone. The goals include creating a softer, more feminine facial appearance, enhancing facial harmony, and boosting the patient's self-confidence.

Indications

• Macrocephaly or an oversized forehead.
• High or prominent brow bone.
• Gender dysphoria related to facial features.
• Patient dissatisfaction with forehead shape or size.

Preparation

• Patients may be advised to stop smoking several weeks before surgery.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements as directed by the surgeon.
• Pre-operative blood tests and medical evaluations might be required.
• Fasting for a certain period before surgery if general anesthesia is planned.

Procedure Description

• The procedure typically begins with the administration of general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
• An incision is made along the hairline or within the scalp to minimize visible scarring.
• The surgeon carefully removes and reshapes the bone of the forehead and brow area to achieve the desired contour.
• The incision is closed with sutures, and a bandage or compression garment is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

Setting

Forehead contouring is usually performed in a hospital or an accredited outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Board-certified plastic surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon.
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.
• Surgical nurses and assisting staff.

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the incision site.
• Bleeding or hematoma.
• Scarring.
• Nerve damage, leading to numbness or loss of sensation.
• Asymmetry or dissatisfaction with cosmetic results.
• Anesthesia-related risks.

Benefits

• Enhanced facial harmony and aesthetics.
• Improved self-esteem and confidence.
• Long-lasting results, with many patients reporting satisfaction for years following the procedure.

Recovery

• Patients will need to rest and limit activities for several days after surgery.
• Pain and swelling are common, managed with prescribed medications.
• Sutures are typically removed 7-10 days post-surgery.
• Full recovery and return to normal activities can take several weeks.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and progress.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical options like dermal fillers can provide temporary contouring but lack the permanence of surgery.
• Brow lift surgery might be an alternative for those with sagging brows but less prominent foreheads.
• Laser treatments or microdermabrasion for minor reshaping.

Patient Experience

Patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising initially but should follow pain management instructions from their surgeons. Maintaining a head elevated position will help minimize swelling. Most report significant improvement in confidence and satisfaction with their appearance as healing progresses.