The hairline and forehead area are highly-visible features that greatly impact your overall appearance. Hairline advancement, also known as hairline lowering or forehead reduction, is a surgical procedure that modifies the hairline position to achieve a more balanced facial appearance, and it can be particularly beneficial for men and women with a high or receding hairline who wish to reduce the forehead’s perceived size.

Board-certified ENT surgeon Dr. Taylor DeBusk can meticulously create a more proportionate forehead area with hairline advancement to increase your confidence and enhance your overall look.

[Dr. DeBusk] is the most caring doctor I have ever seen. My surgery went smoothly and beautifully with no stress and pain. He is a great doctor at the same time he is a very nice human…

Farzad R, Google Review

How Does Hairline Lowering Work?

The procedure typically involves an incision along the hairline to lift the skin and underlying tissues. The scalp is then advanced forward to lower the hairline. The incision is then carefully stitched to leave a scar that is hidden within the hairline.

The Benefits of Forehead Reduction

Hairline surgery offers several attractive benefits for people, whether young or mature, male or female, including: 

• Improved facial proportions. Lowering the hairline can help achieve better balance with other features.
• A youthful, rejuvenated appearance. A reduced forehead can soften facial features for a more youthful look.
• Conceals forehead irregularities. If you have forehead irregularities, such as prominent bulges, the lowered hairline can help diminish their prominence for a smoother forehead appearance.
• Boost in confidence and self-esteem. An improved physical appearance often boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. Patients often report they feel more comfortable and confident in social and professional situations after a hairline lowering procedure.
• Increased hair styling options. A lowered hairline provides greater flexibility in hair styling, allowing patients to explore styles they may have felt restricted from before due to their high hairline.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates for hairline advancement are those with a naturally high or receding hairline, good scalp flexibility, sufficiently thick hair to conceal the incision site, and no personal or family history of hair loss. 

Dr. DeBusk will help determine if you would benefit from hairline advancement after evaluating your hairline and forehead and discussing your medical and family history during your consultation.

Preparing for Your Hairline Advancement Surgery

We will provide detailed pre-and postoperative instructions to help you experience a safe, smooth surgery and recovery. 

Anesthesia Options

Hairline advancement can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Dr. DeBusk will consider your surgery plan and recommend which kind of anesthesia would best suit you. 

Incision Technique

The incision for hairline advancement is typically made at the junction of the hair-bearing scalp and forehead skin to allow the scar to be hidden within the hairline. 

How Dr. DeBusk Performs Forehead Lowering Procedures

Dr. DeBusk tailors the incision pattern according to your hairline shape, density, and personal preferences. He then gently lifts the top layer of skin from the underlying tissues to move the hairline down and removes a strip of forehead skin to reduce the height of the forehead. Dr. DeBusk will suture the lowered scalp to the remaining forehead skin to secure the new hairline position. He will also pay close attention to the way your hair grows, utilizing meticulous techniques to create an attractive hairline pattern and preserve each hair follicle, for the best outcome possible.

Dr. DeBusk applies surgical dressings to the treatment area to protect the incision and to help control any postoperative swelling or bruising. The entire procedure typically lasts approximately 1-2 hours for most patients.

Recovery After Scalp Advancement

It’s normal to experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and typically subsides within a week. Aftercare will include keeping the incision clean and avoiding UV exposure for at least 3 months to promote healing and the most inconspicuous scar appearance. 

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work after about 5-7 days, however we will require you to avoid vigorous activity for 2 weeks, as physical exertion during this time may cause excess swelling or other complications.

Results and Expectations

You’ll notice hair growing through the incision a few months after surgery, but you may conceal the area with a hat, scarf, or headband until the hair is dense enough to cover the scar. Some patients report temporary numbness around the incision; this is normal and typically resolves as the nerves regain functionality. You’ll be fully healed after about 6 months, though the incision scar will continue to fade further over time. 

The Role of Hair Transplant in enhancing your look

Hairline surgery is often combined with NeoGraft® hair transplantation to improve the hairline’s density and the overall look of your upper face. NeoGraft is one of the most popular hair transplantation methods that is painless and achieves natural-looking results. Our surgeons will be happy to explain how hair transplant may be used to complement a hairline lowering procedure or other facial shaping or lift surgery options. 

How much does Hairline Advancement cost in Houston?

The cost of hairline advancement in Houston varies depending on the surgeon and practice. The total cost will include facility fees, the cost of anesthesia, and all pre and post-op appointments. 

At Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of plastic surgery financing options to make your procedure as affordable as possible. 

Can Hairline Advancement be Combined with Other Procedures?

Complementary Surgical Procedures

Hairline advancement can often be combined with other facial procedures, such as a brow lift, lip lift, or eyelid surgery, for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. DeBusk would be happy to share the best options to meet your goals and create an ideal surgery plan. 

Non-Surgical treatments

Non-surgical treatments, such as BOTOX, injectable fillers, or IPL skin resurfacing, may enhance the overall result.

Dr. Debusk is so awesome!!! … He made me feel so comfortable through out the whole process. He explained step by step what to expect, and over succeeded my expectations! You will not regret choosing him as your Dr. for any facial procedures…

Diana H, Google Review

Why Choose a Board-Certified Surgeon?

Choosing a board-certified surgeon ensures that your surgeon has the necessary training, skills, and experience to perform the procedure safely and effectively. They are also committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and professional ethics, so you can feel confident knowing you are in the hands of an experienced professional. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Hairline Advancement

How long does the Hairline Advancement procedure take?

The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, but your total surgery time will be longer if you have additional procedures in your personalized surgery plan. 

Is Hairline Advancement painful?

You will not feel any pain during the procedure. Dr. DeBusk will prescribe pain medication to enhance your comfort after the surgery; most patients switch to OTC pain relievers after 2-3 days. You’ll feel like yourself again about 5-7 days after surgery.

Can men undergo Hairline Advancement?

Absolutely. Men with a high hairline and no history of male pattern baldness are also good candidates for hairline advancement.

How soon can I return to work after the surgery?

Many patients feel well enough to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery. We recommend that patients with physically demanding jobs delay their return or switch to light duties for 2 weeks. 

Can I still get Hairline Advancement if I have thinning hair or hair loss?

This will depend on the degree of hair thinning. Dr. DeBusk will assess your hair and scalp condition and discuss the most suitable procedure(s) for you.

How long do the results of Hairline Advancement last?

The results of a hairline advancement are typically permanent; however, this procedure does not prevent future hair loss that may occur due to genetic factors or aging.

What risks are associated with Hairline Advancement?

Risks of this surgery may include infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia. Hairline surgery may cause temporary numbness or changes in sensation along the incision line, which usually resolves over time. A detailed discussion of risks and complications will be part of your consultation with Dr. DeBusk, and most patients feel the aesthetic and psychological benefits of enhancing their look far outweigh potential risks. 

Learn more about Houston forehead reduction with Dr. DeBusk

Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Taylor DeBusk is an experienced, board-certified ENT surgeon committed to providing personalized care and achieving natural-looking results. Dr. DeBusk specializes in a full range of facial rejuvenation procedures, including rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, brow lift, chin augmentation, ear surgery, lip lift, and more. To find out how hairline advancement can improve your confidence and to schedule a private consultation, contact us online or call/text (713) 799-2278.

AREAS SERVED:

• Uptown Houston
• Cypress