Forehead reduction surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size of the forehead to achieve more harmonious facial proportions. This method is often chosen by individuals whose foreheads appear disproportionately large due to genetic factors, aging, or hair loss. The procedure involves the removal of a portion of the forehead skin and, if necessary, altering the hairline to create a natural appearance. Typically, up to 2 centimeters of excess tissue can be removed, providing an excellent alternative for patients who do not wish to undergo lengthy hair transplant procedures with noticeable recovery.
Procedure
During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision along the hairline or, in some cases, in hidden areas of the forehead to minimize the visibility of scars. Excess skin is removed through this incision, and the hairline is adjusted if needed. The forehead skin is then carefully tightened and sutured.
Benefits
Forehead reduction not only enhances one’s appearance but can also significantly boost self-confidence and self-esteem. It’s essential for candidates for this procedure to be in good health, free from serious illnesses that could affect healing, and have realistic expectations regarding the surgical results.
Common combinations
This surgery is often combined with other procedures such as SMAS facelift, blepharoplasty, or rhinoplasty to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Key surgery information
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Surgery Duration: 1-2 hours
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Anesthesia Type: Sedation
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Hospitalization: 3-4 hours
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Return to Normal Life: 2-3 days
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Clinic Visits: 2-3 times
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Stitches Removal: Day 14
Why consider forehead seduction surgery?
Patients may consider forehead reduction surgery for several reasons:
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Aesthetic concerns: A disproportionately large forehead can disrupt facial harmony, prompting patients to seek more balanced facial proportions.
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Self-confidence and self-esteem: A large forehead can negatively impact self-esteem. Forehead reduction can help improve self-confidence and overall self-perception.
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Recovery from Injury or surgery: In some cases, after head injuries or neurosurgical procedures, forehead reduction may be necessary to restore natural facial contours.
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Gender affirmation: For transgender women, forehead reduction can be part of the facial feminization process.
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Aging changes: As individuals age, the hairline may recede, increasing the visible forehead area. Forehead reduction can help achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Ideal candidates
Ideal candidates for forehead reduction surgery typically possess the following characteristics:
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Facial proportion imbalance: Candidates experience discomfort due to a wide forehead that disrupts facial harmony and proportions.
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Good physical health: Candidates should be in overall good health, without chronic illnesses that could impact healing or cause complications during surgery.
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No active skin conditions: It is essential to have no active skin conditions or infections in the forehead and scalp area.
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Realistic expectations: Candidates must understand the capabilities and limitations of the procedure and have realistic expectations regarding the results.
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Psychological stability: Emotional stability and a positive attitude towards the surgery are crucial factors for candidates as they affect their perception of the results and overall satisfaction with the procedure.
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Non-smokers or willingness to quit: Smoking can negatively impact the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit before and during the recovery period.
Why choose South Korea?
South Korea is known for performing the most cosmetic procedures and surgeries globally each year. Local doctors are considered some of the most educated and competitive globally, with only 0.01% of medical school graduates becoming plastic surgeons. The medical equipment and technology in Korea are of high quality, on par with the USA and Germany, placing it among the top three countries with the best-equipped clinics.
All surgeries are performed in accredited clinics with permission to treat foreign patients and staffed with in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons who operate on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specializing in soft tissue surgeries and limiting themselves to a maximum of two surgeries per day. Fill out a QUESTIONNAIRE to allow us to calculate the cost of your treatment, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for surgery.
How to prepare for forehead reduction surgery in South Korea:
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Fast from food and water for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.
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Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours prior to the surgery. Take a shower before coming to the clinic.
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Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the operation. Tylenol is prohibited only for 3 days before the surgery.
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Do not consume medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. Tylenol is allowed up to 3 days before the surgery.
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Do not smoke, including hookah and e-cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and may slow down tissue healing. If you smoke, your 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 relatives and friends or in public places designated for smoking.
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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 undergone. Tell your surgeon about any medications you have taken or are currently taking. 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 result.
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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 perform all the 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 arrive by car.
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Place items next to your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.
How the 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, the surgeon designs your face, answers questions, and hands you over for medical preparation to the coordinator. You will be taken to the restroom, asked about your well-being, and the time of your last food and water intake will be checked. You will then be taken to the operating room, where you will be helped onto the operating table, and your hands and legs will be secured to ensure your safety and prevent involuntary movements during the surgeon’s work. A catheter will be inserted into your arm to deliver medications and anesthesia into your bloodstream.
After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon begins the operation: a precise incision is made on the forehead along the hairline, excess tissues are removed, and if necessary, endotine plates are added to secure the result and achieve a lifting effect. Then, sutures are applied.
After the surgery, a special bandage is placed on your face to protect the surgical area, hold the tissues together, and reduce swelling. The patient wakes up, and they are taken to the recovery room for further recuperation.
What to expect after the surgery
After the surgery, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed – this is the effect of anesthesia.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills, but this will quickly pass. There is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. Some degree of pain may be present, although it is dulled by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. In addition to discomfort, you may feel your face starting to swell – this is normal, as the body begins the regeneration process. You will remain in the clinic for several hours after the surgery, with a catheter in your arm delivering medications. Towards the evening, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change clothes, collect medications, and receive post-operative recommendations.
After discharge, you may experience a slight increase in pain. Be sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, which contain pain relief. You may experience mild headaches, swelling of the eyes or nose, which are normal symptoms.
Do not be alarmed and continue to follow the rehabilitation rules. By the end of the week, you will look much better, try to walk as much as possible, and continue to sleep in an elevated position.
After 14 days, the surgeon will remove the sutures, and by this time, most of the swelling and hematoma will have subsided. You will look normal and can return to your regular life. Keep in mind that for several weeks after the surgery, the suture may appear reddish. If you want to conceal it, use concealer or change your hairstyle – bangs can help hide the scar during the recovery period.
Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!
You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us through any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Forehead lift surgery: recovery process
After the procedure: Immediately after the forehead lift procedure, you will have a compression bandage on your face, and you may experience moderate pain. You will spend a few hours under the supervision of medical staff at the clinic. Your face will begin to swell, and you may feel pressure under the bandage. Unfortunately, you will have to endure this discomfort for several days.
Days 1-2: Swelling reaches its peak and extends to the upper part of your face. This is normal, so continue to follow the recovery guidelines.
Days 3-7: Swelling gradually starts to diminish. The surgeon monitors tissue healing, and nurses remove the bandage. Avoid sports and activities that involve bending your head down. Continue to sleep with your head elevated.
Days 7-14: Reduction in swelling, disappearance of discomfort, and a gradual return to your normal life. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Do not smoke for 25-30 days after the operation to avoid infection, which could necessitate a revision surgery. Vaping, hookah, and other forms of smoking are also strictly prohibited. If you experience additional swelling due to smoking, promptly inform your coordinator and do not hide the cause of infection.
Days 14-21: Sutures are removed. Avoid intensive workouts and physical exercises. Continue to adhere to the recovery rules, refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption. Swelling and bruises diminish to the point where the surgery is not noticeable to outsiders.
Days 21-30: Your face may still swell periodically, depending on which side you slept on. The swelling may shift left or right daily; do not be alarmed, as this is normal. Be patient and await the results.
Days 31-60: Swelling almost completely disappears, and you forget about the surgery. The scar becomes less bothersome, fading and becoming almost imperceptible. You can start exercising.
Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea, sunbathe, perform regular exercises, and lead a normal life. During this period, your 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 the surgery: Complete the rehabilitation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before & After
Step 1: Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE
First and foremost, you need to fill out a form. This will help us and the surgeons better understand your expectations and review your medical history. In the form, be sure to provide your personal information, details about any previous surgeries, and your current health condition. Unfortunately, patients with HIV infection are not eligible for plastic surgeries in Korea.
Step 2: Attach photos
Attaching photos of the areas of your body or face that you would like to have corrected is a crucial step. This allows us to make a preliminary cost estimate and direct you to a specialist who can address your concerns.
Step 3: Submit and wait for confirmation
After submitting the form and photos, your application will be reviewed, and we will contact you to confirm details and schedule a consultation.
Step 4: Prepare for the consultation
Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask the coordinator and surgeon during the consultation. We recommend bringing a phone with notes or a notepad to help you stay organized and obtain all the information you need. Additionally, you can always ask any questions you have in a personal chat created for discussing the details of your trip.