Foreheadrecontouring

Who is this procedure suitable for?

This procedure is suitable for patients who:

• Have a prominent bone structure above the eyebrows (also known as the supraorbital ridge).
• Experience asymmetries, unwanted shadows, dents, or bumps, or have a very square forehead.
• Have low, drooping eyebrows.
• Have a high hairline and wish to lower it.
• Wish to soften and balance their forehead, making it appear more feminine or less masculine.

Suitable for both men and women:

• Why do people say I look like a man? Women with a heavy bone structure and some of the characteristics mentioned above often appear more feminine after this procedure.
• Can men undergo brow bone reduction? Men with heavy brow bones can appear less masculine if their bone structure is overly prominent and heavy (e.g., deep-set eyes, pronounced brow bones).
• This technique is frequently used as part of gender-affirming surgery in facial feminization procedures (transgender patients).

Essentially, this is a technique in the toolbox we often rely on.

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Surgical procedure:

Under general anesthesia, a bicoronal incision is made, typically along or just behind the hairline, to minimize visible scarring. The bone from the hairline to the orbital rims is then exposed and shaved down where necessary. The anterior bone plate of the frontal sinus is removed and reshaped. The septa of the frontal sinus are removed, resulting in a single larger sinus with two drainage openings instead of two separate sinuses (left and right). This reduces the risk of sinusitis in the future compared to the original configuration.

The sinus is reshaped and rotated inward (a process also known as setback), creating a flatter profile. This adjustment increases the space above the eye sockets and narrows the base of the nose. The reduced bone plate is reattached using micro-titanium screws (4-6 mm).

 

Simultaneous Procedures:

• Softening of the lateral orbital rim.
• Brow lift (lateral, medial, or both).
• Hairline lowering.

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Recovery:

• Swelling: Both eyes are typically swollen for the first three days. Improvement starts from day four, with 70% of swelling gone by the end of the first week.
• After 10 Days: You will look presentable.
• Stitches: Removed after 7–10 days.
• Scars: Scars are red for the first three months and gradually fade over the course of up to a year. They are placed inconspicuously, often at or behind the hairline.
• Return to Work: Most people resume work after one month.
• Daily Activities: Can typically be resumed after one week.

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Technique of the Type 3 Frontal Sinus Reduction:

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours under general anesthesia, with oral intubation.
  
  

  Screws that get used during a type 3 foreheadrecontouring procedure

• Procedure:
  Reduction of the frontal sinus by opening it, shaving down the bone, and repositioning the sinus wall (endo-rotation).
  Softening of the lateral orbital rim (the bone beneath the outer part of the eyebrows).

Alternative technique:

An alternative is filling the frontal sinus with bone cement. Although this can yield good results, we prefer not to use this method. It carries a higher risk of chronic infections. Cement is a foreign material and can allow bacteria to enter through the sinus drainage openings. In case of infection, the cement must be removed and replaced with autologous bone.

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What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 3?

In a Type 1 forehead recontouring, the frontal sinus is not opened; only the forehead and orbital rim are shaved. In Type 3, the sinus is opened and reshaped.

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Advantages of foreheadcorrections:

• Aesthetic result: A softer, smoother forehead that appears more harmonious with the rest of the face.
• Self-confidence: Many patients report a significant boost in self-confidence.
• Minimal scarring: Thanks to incisions placed at or behind the hairline.
  Additional benefits:
  • Brow lift
  • Hairline lowering

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Risks:

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including:

• Swelling and bruising.
• Temporary numbness of the forehead.
• Rare complications such as infections or issues with bone healing.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the procedure painful?
No, you won’t feel anything during the operation due to general anesthesia. Post-operative pain is usually mild and can be managed with medication.

How long does it take to see results?
Most swelling subsides within a few weeks, but the final result becomes visible after 3 to 6 months.

Are the results permanent?
Yes, the results of Type 3 forehead recontouring are permanent.

 

 

Consultation:
During an initial consultation, Dr. Oelbrandt will discuss your goals and perform a detailed analysis of your facial structure. X-rays or a CT/CBCT scan will be scheduled and reviewed if already available. It is important to understand that there is no “one-size-fits-all” technique; each procedure is customized to your anatomy and desires. Sometimes, during the procedure, a Type 1 may be converted to a Type 3, or vice versa.