Hairline Advancement Surgery

Pre-Surgery Assessment

Your doctor will perform a general physical and facial assessment, and evaluate the looseness of your scalp tissue. If the tissue is very rigid or inflexible, there might not be enough to achieve the desired amount of hairline advancement. Scalp exercises and/or tissue expanders may be recommended. Tissue expanders are temporary implants inserted under the scalp to loosen and stretch the tissue prior to surgery. This can help to ensure there is enough scalp tissue to achieve the desired results.

The Procedure

Hairline advancement surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. Using intravenous sedation, the surgeon makes an incision from ear to ear along the existing hairline. Excess forehead tissue is removed and the scalp tissue with hair follicles is moved down to create the new hairline.

The surgeon secures the scalp to the bone in its new position and closes the incision with sutures or surgical clips. Most patients go home the same day.

Complications after hair advancement surgery are rare, but some people may experience:

• Infection and/or bleeding at the incision site.
• Formation of excess scar tissue at the incision site.
• Forehead numbness.
• A less-than-optimal aesthetic result.

Self-Care After Surgery

In the first few days after surgery, it is normal to experience some facial swelling and bruising, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. The following home care tips may help to promote healing and reduce discomfort:

• Rest with your head elevated.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Take over-the-counter or prescription pain medications as prescribed.
• Apply ice packs to the eye area – no longer than 30-60 minutes at one time.
• Wear a hat or scarf when outdoors to protect the incision from the sun.
• Keep the incision clean and dry.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a low-sodium diet.
• See your surgeon for all scheduled follow-up appointments.