What is Forehead Contouring Surgery?
Forehead contouring is a surgical technique that aims to soften the edges of a square shaped forehead. It is a surgical procedure often sought after by both trans women and cisgender women who want to achieve a more feminine face.
Why Patients Might Consider Brow & Forehead Contouring
There are many factors that affect the appearance of the forehead area: colour, texture, hair growth patterns (alopecia), and receding hairline (balding).
For transgender women, it is difficult to be their chosen gender when their forehead is large or prominent. Naturally, they do not feel comfortable in their own body, which can lead to gender dysphoria.
Forehead contouring may be considered for a number of different reasons. Some reasons include:
- It may help create a more feminine appearance
- It aims to make the forehead appear longer and narrower while making the eye area appear larger
- It helps to reduce the width of your forehead as well as smooth out any bumps or ridges.
- It helps to reduce the width of the forehead and lowers the hairline
Dr Hunt will create an individualised plan using the most appropriate techniques, based on your specific needs and goals.
Suitable Candidates for Forehead Contouring Surgery
Typically, forehead contouring or feminisation surgery is suitable for:
- Patients who want a more feminine forehead shape
- Transgender women who are transitioning to a more feminine presentation
- Individuals with congenital conditons that cause a masculine appearance of the forehead and brow area
- Patients who are seeking correction of asymmetrical forehead – one side is flatter or rounder than the other
You may be a suitable candidate for this procedure if you meet the following criteria:
- You are in good physical health
- You are at least 18 years old and have finished growing
- You want a softer appearance of the face
- You have realistic expectations about what surgery may achieve
About Forehead Contouring & Brow Contouring Surgery
Forehead contouring is a surgical procedure where the brow bone is shaved down reduce the size of the forehead. Generally, this procedure also includes some facial fat grafting to fill out the area between the brows and around the eyes.
The process begins with an initial consultation with Dr Hunt, where he will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you have. He will also talk to you about your goals for surgery, your medical history, and potential risks. Next, he will create a surgical plan customised to your unique needs. Next comes pre-op appointments where you will be required to do some tests to make sure you are healthy for the procedure.
You’ll need to stop smoking at least 2 months before the surgery, and you’ll need to stop taking medications that thin the blood (like aspirin) two weeks prior. On the day of the surgery, after arriving at the hospital you’ll be walked to the OR by one of our staff—they’ll make sure you have whatever support you need in order to feel safe and comfortable.
You’ll be given anaesthesia and pain medications so that you’re comfortable and pain-free. The procedure involves incisions being placed at or near your hairline. Forehead contouring can be performed under local anaesthesia or monitored sedation. As the skin is loosened from there, the bone of the forehead is accessible to the surgeon. He will alter the brow bone; cut it short or lengthen it depending on your need followed by reconstruction of the forehead bone. The shape of the bone is contoured using careful strokes of high-speed machines. The bone is then reattached in position. You may also require recontouring of the orbital bone (the bones around the eyes) to alter your brow shape. Dr Hunt will also lower your hairline to reduce the forehead size and to hide the scar.
Once all steps of the procedure have been completed, you will be sent to the post-op department to wake up from anaesthesia. You can go home that day but you will need someone to stay with you for a few days to ensure you are healing well.
Recovery after Forehead Contouring Surgery
You can expect some soreness and pain after surgery. The recovery process is very similar to other surgical procedures. You’ll need to wear a bandage for about two weeks after your surgery, and you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort during that time. You may also experience numbness in the area of your scalp that was treated as your nerves heal from their relocation during surgery. These symptoms typically improve within three months of treatment but may take longer in some patients. It’s important to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for six weeks afterward.
Forehead Contouring Surgery: Patient Results
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Forehead Contouring Surgery Costs Sydney – How much does Forehead Contouring cost in Sydney NSW?
The cost of a forehead contouring procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case along with any other procedures you combine with it. The fee includes all costs associated with the surgery including, surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees and any medications required after surgery.
Please phone or contact Dr Hunt’s team for an estimate.
Is brow contouring surgery covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
If you meet certain strict criteria, you might be eligible for a partial rebate by medicare or health insurance subsidy for plastic surgery.
You can learn more about possible Medicare & Health Fund coverage, Brow Contouring Surgery Payment Plan, or the costs for face surgery on our Surgical Costs page.
Speak With Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt prides himself on practicing the most appropriate techniques and practices for all patients, which begins from the first consultation.
Next Step – Fill in the Enquiry form or call Dr Hunt’s Team on 1300 157 200.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Browse our FAQs page
Book Your First Consultation
- Your Surgeon Consultation Fee is $400
- You will need a Referral from your GP
- Phone the team or email to Book your consultation
Prepare for your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information.
- Take lots of notes and read the documents provided.
- Dress in simple clothes as you may need to undress.
- Bring your GP Referral and your test results.
Considering a Forehead Contouring Surgery?
How long do the results of a forehead lift last?
Forehead contouring or lift surgery results generally last around 10 years, but there are many factors that could affect this time frame. For one thing, everyone ages differently—some people might get more wrinkles than others, or have different genes that make them age faster or slower than others.
How to Find the Best Forehead Contouring or Facial Feminisation Surgeon in Sydney?
When you need cosmetic plastic surgery, it’s important to take the time to find a surgeon who is right for you. You should do plenty of research online, but that should in no way replace an in-person consultation.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a surgeon:
- Make sure the surgeon has photos of past patients and that you like their work
- Even if the surgeon seems excellent from reviews and photos, it’s important that you meet them in person so you can get to know the doctor and make sure they are someone you feel comfortable with. This is especially important if the surgery will be sensitive in nature
- When you meet with the surgeon, note if you feel comfortable. Do they seem knowledgeable about your concerns? Do they treat you with respect? These are all important factors
Does brow bone reduction hurt?
If you’re nervous about brow bone reduction hurting, talk to Dr Hunt about anaesthesia options before undergoing the procedure. Usually, for this procedure general anaesthesia might be used and you won’t feel any discomfort during the intervention. You will have some pain while healing.
How can I lower my hairline?
Forehead contouring surgery involves lowering the hairline along with changing the shape of the brow bone and forehead. Chances are you are looking for both.
Can a woman get facial feminisation surgery?
Of course! This surgery is usually offered to trans women, but any person can get this.
What are the risks and complications of Forehead Contouring Surgery?
All surgeries have possible risks and complications. However, the risks will be explained to you during consultation.
The specific risks of forehead contouring surgery are:
- Fracture of the bone – although this can be treated in most cases
- Infection – this can be treated with antibiotics if it occurs
- Loss of feeling or sensitivity – although this will improve over time
- Scarring- scars are typically small and are hidden within the hairline. However, they may become visible if your hair thins with age
You can help to minimise these risks by meticulously following all instructions given by Dr Hunt.
What other Face Surgery Procedures Dr Jeremy Hunt offers?
- Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery
- Otoplasty – Ear Surgery
- Rhytidectomy – Facelift
- Deep Plane Facelift
- Lower Facelift – Jowl Lift
- Lip lift
- Genioplasty – Chin Surgery
- Neck Lift – Platysmaplasty
Further Reading and Medical Resources
Ask us a question
Send us a quick enquiry by completing the form below and one of our staff will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.
PLASTIC SURGEON SYDNEY
About Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt has worked with thousands of patients across his 20-year career. This is reflected in his role as Spokesperson for the ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr Hunt is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Dr Hunt has a strong interest in helping his patients achieve their desired results by employing the most appropriate practices for each individual patient.