Foothills Facial Plastic Surgery
6340 N Campbell Ave Suite 256
Tucson, AZ 85718
Phone: (520) 200-2218
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Men and women who feel self-conscious about having a high hairline or large forehead can benefit from hairline advancement surgery at our Tucson, AZ, practice. Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jerold Olson performs the procedure, also called forehead reduction or hairline lowering, using techniques that preserve the hairline’s natural flow while creating cosmetically pleasing results.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
The shape of a person’s face and the amount of space between the eyebrows and the hairline typically define if someone has an overly high forehead. For most people, the hairline starts about 5.5 to 6.5 centimeters above the eyebrows. People whose hairlines are higher than this—either because it’s receding or it’s a genetic trait—often try to style their hair to conceal their foreheads.
Men with male pattern hair loss are good candidates for hair transplant surgery at our Tucson practice. Hair transplant surgery works by harvesting hair follicles from an inconspicuous spot on the back or sides of the scalp and then transferring them to more visible areas to create youthful-looking, even coverage. Forehead reduction, meanwhile, lowers the hairline to create a better hairline-to-forehead ratio.
Forehead reduction surgery is an excellent option for women and men whose high hairlines aren’t related to hair loss and who can’t conceal their foreheads with bangs or other hairstyles. Forehead reduction is also often included in facial feminization procedures.
Other factors that Dr. Olson considers before performing hairline advancement surgery include the laxity (stretchiness) of a patient’s scalp, the density of the hair-bearing scalp, and whether there is a family history of hair loss.
As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Olson thoroughly understands the anatomy involved in hairline advancement surgery. He’s also a hair restoration specialist who understands hair loss patterns and can recommend the best approach to meet a patient’s desired outcome. Dr. Olson uses this expertise to examine the shape and structure of the entire face and create a detailed surgical plan designed to improve the overall harmony and balance of a patient’s appearance.
Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jerold Olson is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor® who specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery. A leader in the field with advanced expertise in rhinoplasty, he delivers exceptional results with compassion and a commitment to helping you look and feel your best.
Meet Dr. Olson
Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Olson carefully marks the spot of the patient’s new hairline. He then makes an incision that follows the flow of the natural hairline just behind the first few hairs of the hairline. When the hair eventually grows back, it will camouflage the appearance of the scar.
Dr. Olson then loosens the hair-bearing scalp tissues and moves the skin forward, removing any excess skin. Forehead advancement surgery typically takes 2 hours and is performed in an ambulatory surgical center where you are made comfortable.
Once Dr. Olson repositions the hairline, he sutures the incision and covers it with a surgical dressing to prevent bleeding.
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Learn MoreIn some cases, Dr. Olson may recommend combining the forehead reduction procedure with a brow lift, which also shortens the distance between the eyebrows and the hairline. He uses a limited scar technique that creates natural-looking results, avoiding the “surprised” appearance that can result from other techniques.
The time it takes to recover varies from patient to patient, but most people take a week off work to let the swelling and bruising resolve. You can expect to experience some numbness along the forehead and scalp, but this is temporary and you should notice feeling restored after a few weeks.
Even though most patients don’t experience much discomfort during the recovery, it’s still important to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 10 days following the procedure. Dr. Olson provides all patients with detailed post-op instructions to help ensure the recovery period goes as smoothly as possible.
If you’re looking in the Tucson area for a hairline advancement specialist and want to discuss the procedure with Dr. Olson, you can request a consultation using the online form or call our practice at (520) 200-2218 to schedule an appointment.
When performed by a skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon, forehead reduction surgery is generally considered safe. Any surgical procedure, however, involves some risk, such as infection, scarring, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery can maximize your safety and satisfaction with the procedure.
In forehead reduction surgery, the incisions are typically made along the new hairline, which can help conceal scars. Over time, scars often become less noticeable. Scar management techniques, such as silicone scar sheets or gel, can further improve their appearance.
The best age for forehead reduction surgery depends on individual factors, such as the extent of hairline recession, genetics, facial aging, and personal preferences. While there is no specific age limit, if a high or receding hairline is bothering you, we can discuss your candidacy and treatment options during a consultation.
Forehead reduction surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, meaning that you will be asleep and comfortable during the procedure. However, it is common to have some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following the surgery. We will provide pain management options to help you alleviate any postoperative discomfort.
