Hairline Lowering / Hairline Advancement
Hairline lowering or hairline advancement as it is also known, is an effective procedure that offers subtle and natural-looking results moving the hairline forward.
Dr. Marzola is one of the most experienced proceduralists in the world in performing this procedure taught by Dr. Sheldon Kabaker.
What is a Hairline Lowering
Hairline lowering is a surgical procedure that involves shortening the forehead while moving the hairline forward. Surgical hairline lowering/advancement procedures can lower the overly high hairline in one single step. Almost exclusively it is performed on women, where the high forehead can be shortened by as much as 5cm (2 inches). When combined with hair grafting (in a second step) it is possible to change the shape of the hairline, making it more oval or rounded by filling in the upper temporal/side regions, creating a more feminine appearance. Hairline lowering or hairline advancement as it is also known is an effective procedure that offers subtle and natural-looking results.
How is a Hairline Lowering procedure performed
An incision is made right along the front of the hairline, then the hairline is brought forward, and the excess forehead skin is removed, with the incisions then sutured closed. The result: a fine line incision scar along the hairline which typically heals up to be barely if at all visible, and is designed so that hairs grow through it. This is a more complicated procedure than transplanting with hair grafts, but can be quite effective and produces results. Most patients’ recovery lasts two weeks, the sutures are removed at one week.
Is it safe
When performed by a trained doctor, this procedure is very safe. The risks and complications are uncommon and usually easily correctable. Since a hairline lowering procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation, there are none of the risks associated with general anesthesia.
What kind of care is required after the procedure
Following your procedure, there are some practical instructions and care that must be followed to maximise its benefits. Some of these instructions include avoidance of forceful facial rubbing (massage), strong active movement and some sporting activities. Your doctor will explain these recommendations.
Norwood Day Surgery includes post-operative visits in your surgical costs, and Dr Marzola will personally see you in the days, weeks and months following the procedure.
When can I return to work and activities
Depending upon your workplace and tolerance for some minor bruising and swelling you should be able to return to work in 10-14 days following the procedure.
It is very important to discuss this with your doctor, who will have a better idea based on your skin type and extent of the procedure and how physical your job is.
What are the possible complications
When performed by trained doctors this procedure is very safe and complications are rare. All of the following complications are treatable and may include swelling, bruising, skin irregularities, asymmetries, puckering of the skin, infection and collections of old blood. As in all facial operations, nerve damage resulting in weakness of facial movement is possible but rare. Numbness to the scalp is very common initially but sensation returns with time approximately six months. The main complaint is a feeling of tightness. We will monitor you closely in the postoperative days so if any of these complications occur, we will treat them quickly and professionally. These will be discussed in detail at your consultation.
What type of results are to be expected
The effects are immediate. During the time of your consultation, your doctor will demonstrate in the mirror the relative amount of skin that can be removed depending on the amount of movement in the scalp.
Do I need to have a general anaesthetic
Local anesthesia and light sedation (twilight) are necessary and adequate.
How long does the procedure take
A hairline lowering procedure takes 2 hours to complete. This is performed as Day Surgery.
The Procedure
A hairline lowering procedure being an elective procedure may provoke nervousness & anxiety. This is completely normal & understandable. The last thing we want is for you to feel awkward if you have any last-minute questions or are feeling edgy. Our staff are caring, friendly and above all exceptionally professional in their approach to looking after your every need- you will be treated as one of the family.
When you arrive on the day of your procedure the clinic staff will greet you, most probably the nurse that will be looking after you throughout the day. You will then be guided through any last-minute paperwork. You will also be asked for a contact number of a friend or relative who can pick you up and take you home. Driving yourself home under the influence of medication is not an option.
Dr. Marzola will greet you soon after and discuss any last-minute details or answer any questions that you may have. Dr. Marzola will then mark the position for your new hairline. Pre-operative photographs will be taken at this time. For your procedure, you will be given a twilight anesthetic which allows the doctor to perform the procedure safely but without the need of a full anesthetic. You will also have a drip in your arm to provide you with fluids during the procedure and be connected to monitoring equipment to keep you safe and sound. The duration of the procedure will be 2 hours but will seem like minutes whilst you are sedated.
We ask you to return the following two days after surgery, then a one week and two-week check-up are essential for us to monitor closely a speedy recovery.