Forehead reduction surgery, often combined with hair transplantation, is a procedure designed to reduce the height of the forehead by lowering the hairline. This surgery is often chosen by individuals who feel their forehead is disproportionately large or by those experiencing a high hairline due to genetics, aging, or hair loss. Turkey is a popular destination for this procedure due to its advanced medical infrastructure and competitive pricing.
Stages of Forehead Reduction with Hair Transplantation in Turkey:
1. Initial Consultation
- Medical Evaluation: A thorough evaluation is performed to assess the patient’s suitability for forehead reduction and hair transplantation. The surgeon will check scalp laxity (how loose the skin is) to determine how much the hairline can be lowered.
- Custom Treatment Plan: A personalized plan is created based on the patient’s goals, facial proportions, and expectations. The surgeon will explain the expected results and possible limitations.
- Preoperative Instructions: The patient is given specific guidelines to follow before surgery, including any necessary medical tests, discontinuation of certain medications, and preparation for recovery.
2. Anesthesia and Preparation
- Local or General Anesthesia: The procedure typically involves local anesthesia with sedation, although general anesthesia may be used in some cases.
- Marking the New Hairline: The surgeon marks the desired new hairline on the patient’s forehead, ensuring a natural appearance that complements their facial structure.
- Sterilization: The surgical area (forehead and scalp) is sterilized to minimize the risk of infection.
3. Forehead Reduction Surgery (Hairline Lowering)
- Incision: A horizontal incision is made along the marked hairline. The incision is typically made within the hair-bearing scalp to reduce visible scarring.
- Scalp Advancement: The surgeon carefully pulls the scalp forward, lowering the hairline. How much the hairline can be advanced depends on scalp flexibility (laxity).
- Excess Forehead Skin Removal: Once the hairline is lowered to the desired position, excess skin from the forehead is removed.
- Suturing: The scalp is then sutured back into place, with the incision hidden within the hairline to minimize scarring visibility.
4. Hair Transplantation (If Needed)
- Filling Gaps with Grafts: If the patient has thinning hair or needs a denser hairline, a hair transplant is performed. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is used to transfer healthy hair follicles to the new hairline.
- FUE: Involves removing individual hair follicles from the donor area (usually the back of the scalp) and transplanting them to the new hairline.
- FUT: A strip of scalp with healthy hair follicles is removed and dissected into individual grafts for transplantation.
- Natural Hairline Design: The surgeon ensures the placement of the hair follicles along the new hairline looks natural and complements the patient’s facial features.
If the scalp is tight after the forehead reduction, the transplant ensures that hair grows naturally in any areas where the scalp was stretched or affected.
5. Post-Operative Care and Recovery
- Bandages and Wound Care: The incision is covered with a bandage to protect the area and reduce swelling.
- Pain Management: Painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, and antibiotics are prescribed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
- Post-Surgery Instructions: The patient is given specific instructions on how to care for the incision, including cleaning routines, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits.
- Swelling and Healing: Swelling around the forehead and eyes is common and typically subsides within a week. Sutures are generally removed in 7-10 days.
- Hair Growth: For hair transplantation, transplanted hair will shed after 2-3 weeks, with new hair growth beginning after 3-4 months and full results visible within 12 months.
6. Follow-Up and Long-Term Results
- Follow-up Appointments: The patient will have regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and the success of both the forehead reduction and hair transplantation.
- Scar Fading: Over time, the scar from the forehead reduction incision will fade and become less noticeable, especially when concealed by new hair growth.
- Final Results: The final result is a lower, more proportionate hairline with a natural appearance, enhancing the overall balance of the face.
Advantages of Combining Forehead Reduction and Hair Transplantation in Turkey:
- Highly Qualified Surgeons: Turkey is renowned for its experienced plastic surgeons, particularly in the field of hair restoration and cosmetic surgery.
- Cost-Effective: The combined procedure in Turkey is often more affordable than in many Western countries, without compromising on quality.
- All-Inclusive Packages: Many clinics offer all-inclusive packages, including accommodation, airport transfers, and post-op care.
- State-of-the-Art Clinics: Modern clinics in Turkey are equipped with the latest technologies, ensuring high standards of care and safety.