Brow ridge reduction is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting the size and shape of the brow ridges to create more harmonious facial proportions. The brow ridges are bony projections above the eyes that form the contour of the upper part of the face. Their size and shape can significantly affect the overall impression of a person’s appearance, as well as how they are perceived by others.
The surgery can be performed using two techniques:
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Volume reduction of the brow ridges: This is achieved by removing part of the bone material. Such intervention may be required if the brow ridges protrude too far forward, giving the face a rough or overly masculine feature.
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Shape modification: In addition to volume reduction, the shape of the brow ridges can also be altered to better match the rest of the facial features.
The operation is performed under general anesthesia. The doctor makes incisions in the hairy part of the head to minimize the visibility of scars after healing.
Often, the surgery is combined with a temporal lift or forehead lift.
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Short surgery information
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Surgery time: 2-3 hours
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Anesthesia: General anesthesia
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Hospitalization: 24 hours
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Going back to life: After 2 weeks
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Clinic visits: 3-4 times
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Stitches removal: Day 14
Why are patients thinking about brow ridge reduction surgery?
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Prominent brow ridge projection. This anatomical feature can affect the perception of overall facial harmony and proportions, as well as emotional expression, creating an impression of constant dissatisfaction or seriousness.
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Asymmetry of the brow ridges. This condition, where one brow ridge differs in shape or size from the other, creates an imbalance in facial visual harmony. It can affect the overall perception of facial symmetry and may be a source of self-consciousness or dissatisfaction with one’s appearance for some people.
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Seeking a younger appearance. Individuals aiming for a younger look may also be candidates for this surgery, as brow ridges can become more pronounced with age, giving the face a tired or angry appearance.
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Gender transition. Individuals who have undergone gender transition may seek more feminine or masculine facial features in accordance with their gender identity.
Candidates for surgery
The ideal candidate for such surgery should be generally healthy, without serious medical issues that could increase the risk of complications during or after the surgery. It is also important to have realistic expectations of the surgery results and an understanding of the recovery process.
Why South Korea?
South Korea conducts more cosmetic procedures and surgeries annually than any other country in the world. Local doctors are considered among the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of all medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons here. The equipment and medical technology in Korea are on par with the quality of the US and Germany, placing it in the top 3 countries with the best technical equipment in clinics.
All maxillofacial surgeries are performed in accredited clinics, which are licensed to work with foreign patients and have staff anesthesiologists. All surgeons operating on our patients have between 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in maxillofacial surgeries, and do not perform more than 2 surgeries a day. Fill out the form so we can calculate the cost of treatment for you, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a travel plan to South Korea for the surgery.
Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE so we can calculate the cost of treatment for you, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a travel plan to South Korea for the surgery.
How to prepare for brow ridge reduction surgery in South Korea
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Refrain from eating and drinking for 10 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.
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Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications such as Advil or Motrin), and other medications that can increase the risk of heavy bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol is only prohibited during the 3 days before the surgery.
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Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and can slow down the tissue healing process. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to perform surgery on smokers due to the high risk of complications. It is unsafe to be around smoking family members and friends or in public smoking areas.
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Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you have had. Tell about any medications you are taking or have taken recently. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
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Visit the surgeon for a consultation and show them photos of the desired outcome.
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If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, we will conduct all necessary tests in Korea.
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Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or help you after the surgery if you plan to come by car.
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Keep items you might need while resting near your bed, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.
How the brow ridge reduction surgery is performed
Before the surgery, you will have at least 2 consultations with the surgeon and undergo tests to gain access to the procedure. On the morning of the surgery day, the surgeon will mark the design on your face, answer any questions, and hand you over to the medical coordinator for preparation. You will be taken to the bathroom, asked about your well-being, and checked for the last time you had water and food.
Then, you are escorted to the operating room, where you are helped onto the operating table, and your arms and legs are secured to protect you and prevent involuntary movements during the surgery. A catheter is inserted into your arm for administering medications and anesthesia.
After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon makes a small incision inside the mouth and through it reduces the size of the brow ridges. To ensure faster healing and according to the plan, small titanium staples are installed, which can be removed 1-2 years after the surgery if desired.
After the surgery and suturing, a special bandage is applied to the face to protect the surgical area from injury, hold the tissues together, and reduce swelling. The patient wakes up and is escorted to the room for further recovery.
What to expect after the surgery
After the surgery, a translator or nurses will wake you up and help you move to the room. Most patients don’t remember this moment and feel as if they woke up in a warm bed – that’s how anesthesia works.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills, which will quickly pass, thanks to a warming mattress on your bed for a more comfortable transition. Some degree of pain may be present, although it is dulled by painkillers and medications used during the surgery. Pain is usually strongest at the moment of waking up, but medications start to work afterwards, and you can ask for a painkiller injection 1-2 hours after waking up.
Besides discomfort, you will notice your face starting to swell – not just the forehead, but also the eyelids and nose – this is normal as the body begins regeneration. Additionally, you may feel discomfort from the compression bandage – many clients complain that it presses under the chin, you can slightly adjust the bandage or ask to place a gauze pad under it, but do not remove it. It stays on for 2 weeks, requiring patience and waiting.
A few minutes after waking up, you will be given a cold compress – you can apply it not only to the brow areas but also to other parts of the face. The more you use the compress in the first week after surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.
You stay in the clinic for about a day after the surgery, with a catheter in your arm for medications. The next day, the coordinator and nurses will check your condition. If you don’t have symptoms like dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: get dressed, collect medications, and post-operative recommendations.
Pain may increase by the evening, be sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take prescribed pain medication. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. You may experience a mild headache, which is a normal symptom. Swelling will increase over the next three days, with eyelids and nose potentially swelling more, but don’t be alarmed and continue applying cold compresses and follow rehabilitation rules.
On the 4th day, swelling gradually begins to decrease, and by the end of the week, you will look much better. Try to walk as much as possible and continue sleeping in an elevated position.
After 14 days, the surgeon will remove the stitches, a painless process, and you will enjoy the results for a lifetime.
Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!
You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us through any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Rehabilitation process and description of post-operative procedures
Immediately after the procedure: You will have a compression bandage on your face, and you may experience moderate pain sensations. You will spend the first night in the clinic under medical supervision. The face begins to swell, and you may feel pressure under the bandage, unfortunately, you will have to tolerate this discomfort for a few days.
Day 1-2: Approximately after a day, the hospitalization period ends, and if you feel well, you are discharged home. Swelling reaches its peak, spreading across the entire face.
Days 3-7: Swelling gradually begins to subside. Avoid sports and any activity that requires bending your head down. Continue sleeping with your head elevated.
Days 7-14: Swelling decreases, discomfort disappears, and you gradually return to normal life. Regular, prolonged walks are recommended for faster recovery. Stitches and the bandage are removed. Do not smoke until the 15th day after the operation, as infection could require a repeat surgery. Vaping, hookah, and other forms of smoking are also strictly prohibited. If you relapse and swelling increases, immediately contact the coordinator and do not hide the cause of infection.
Days 14-21: Continue to avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. Follow the rehabilitation rules, do not smoke, and avoid alcohol.
Days 21-30: The face may periodically swell, depending on which side you slept on, causing the swelling to shift to the left or right side, changing daily, but don’t worry, it’s normal. Even with the slowest recovery, patients return to work at this stage; it’s not noticeable that surgery was performed, though the face remains somewhat swollen, especially in the mornings. Be patient and wait for the results.
Days 31-60: Swelling almost completely disappears, and you forget about the surgery. Gradually start engaging in sports.
Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, do regular exercises, and lead a normal life. During this period, the face may still swell in the mornings, especially after consuming alcohol, don’t worry, the final swelling will subside a year after the surgery.
1 year after surgery: Full completion of rehabilitation.