Beauty standards have come and gone over the years, with features likebig lips, anchorear ends, and pronouncedKiefereveryone sees their moments in the proverbial sun. But lately, it's the forehead that gets the most attention from cosmetologists and plastic surgeons, or more specifically, forehead reductions.
If you've ever been called a "five" by an inconsiderate person, you know how insecure can be with so much space above your brows. And while the facial features we collectively find attractive vary, having a forehead in proportion to the rest of the face is universally ideal, although, for reference, inElizabethan times, wealthy women used to pluck their hair from the hairline to reveal their foreheads, which symbolized nobility (the more you know!).
Of course, the symmetry is superb and everything, even ameasurable sign of attractivenessin humans, but all that matters is whether the procedure can produce the results that help you feel more comfortable in your skin.
Luckily, there have been several advances and refinements in technique over the past few decades that have allowed for greater consistency and more natural-looking results with forehead reductions, according to the board-certified plastic surgeon.Adam Kolker, MD, FACS. And now that more transparency in our beauty decisions is becoming the norm, it's easier than ever to seek answers and make an informed decision about whether or not surgery is the best course of action. No wonder eyebrow reductions are becoming more and more popular these days.
Curious if the treatment might be right for you? Read on to learn everything you need to know about forehead reduction.
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What is a forehead reduction?
Make no mistake, this is more serious in-office treatment than, say, getting yoursBotoxupdated. Forehead reduction is a surgical procedure with anesthesia in which "an incision is made in front of the hairline, the soft tissue of the forehead is lifted and retracted," he says.dr Konstantin Vasyukevich, a Double Board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City.
Essentially, you remove a small strip of skin just below the hairline and pull the skin up on the forehead to meet the hair. While effectively reducing the surface area of the forehead, the procedure also slightly raises the brows while pulling the hairline down. The extent to which you can slim your forehead varies, but according to a study inJournal for facial plastic surgery and aesthetic medicinethe average reduction is 1.6 cm (although this may vary from patient to patient).
Because your surgeon removes the skin from your forehead and raises your brows slightly, the board-certified plastic surgeon is board-certifiedJennifer Levine, medical doctor, adds that "raising the eyebrows improves the appearance of the upper eyelid." Of course, this is not the main goal of the procedure, but an added benefit of going under the knife.
How to know if you are a candidate for a forehead reduction:
It may seem that anyone with a larger forehead would be suitable for this treatment, but plastic surgeons will tell you that is not the case. "If the patient has a history or family history of hair loss, the procedure should be used with caution, as hair loss over time can make the incision more visible," says Dr. Levine. A strong hairline and lots of hair ensure your results will be consistent and unnoticed for a lifetime.
It also means that many men will eventually experience severe hair loss (studies show that53% of men between 40 and 49 years old(You will see a noticeable baldness that increases with age), they are often not good candidates for a forehead reduction.
How to prepare for forehead reduction:
As with all cosmetic procedures, you will meet with your surgeon (always make sure they are board-certified) for a consultation to review your medical history and confirm that it is safe for you to undergo a forehead reduction surgery. He will also discuss the risks of the procedure and the desired results. It's a good idea to bring photos to see what you're trying to achieve and what you want your forehead to look like after it's healed. You can also ask your doctor to see before and after photos of other patients who have had surgery.
Also, your doctor will check how loose your skin is, or how loose your skin is, to make sure your forehead has enough "slack" to lift during surgery. This involves moving the scalp up and down and side to side to build up tension and is crucial to making sure you are fit for the procedure.
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What does an eyebrow reduction include:
Once you are under anesthesia, your surgeon will begin the forehead reduction by making a hairline incision. "The scalp tissue is then loosened and advanced forward and downward, taking advantage of the sagging of the scalp that is present," says Dr. Kolker, adding that you can often advance the hairline by up to an inch. Once your doctor has determined the new position of your hairline, they will cut a strip of hairless skin on your forehead.
Then explains dr. Kolker states that "the advanced scalp is then anchored to relieve any tension on the closure line and multiple layers of sutures are placed to align the incision." Complications aside, the incision line is barely noticeable.
He explains that sometimes a patient doesn't have enough skin laxity or the forehead is too high, requiring a two-step procedure with a tissue expander (a balloon-like device that can stretch the scalp) inserted below. Your skin, followed by hairline reduction six to 12 weeks later.
What is the aftercare after a forehead reduction?
After the operation, Dr. Levine that you're likely to get swelling and bruising -- a small price to pay for an otherwise permanent treatment. You should limit your physical activity during the healing process, take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, and follow your doctor's recommendations for incision care.
"Keep a mild compression bandage on the head for 24 to 48 hours, after which the hair can be washed with a mild shampoo," adds Dr. Kolker. "Many activities will resume within 48 hours and [you can] return to work in four to seven days." You'll also need to return to your doctor five to seven days after surgery to have the hairlines removed.
What are the risks associated with a forehead reduction?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with eyebrow reduction. dr Kolker explains that the feeling of thinning scalp is most common above the new hairline, but usually goes away after six to nine months. dr Vasyukevich cites noticeable scarring and asymmetry as two of the procedure's most uncomfortable side effects, but they're still fairly rare. There is also a risk of alopeciaTelogenes Effluvium("Shock loss") of hair follicles along the cutting line, but experts say it's temporary most of the time.
How much does the front reduction cost?
The cost of cosmetic surgery is determined by many factors, including your choice of surgeon and where you live. For a forehead reduction, it can range from $8,000 to $20,000 in big cities like New York or Los Angeles. However, skimping on the quality of care is never a good idea when it comes to permanently transforming your face. Do your research, get a quote, request before and after photos, and find a surgeon you feel safe and comfortable with before deciding on any treatment.