Hairline lowering or forehead reduction

[kitty21]

I have a big forehead for all my life and never did know that there is something I can do about it until I googled it (ah...the wonders of the internet).

So I was all set to get hairline lowering (hair transplant) done and had even consulted a plastic surgeon when I realized that there is something called forehead reduction (scalp reduction) which will solve my problem as well.

When I asked my plastic surgeon, he told me that he does this as well.

 

Now, I am very torn as to have either hair transplant or forehead reduction surgery.

The pros of forehead reduction is it's cheaper, have less down time and almost instant results.

But of course there are cons too and it is that forehead surgery is a very invasive surgery. I heard that it the surgeon has to pull back your scalp and your skull will be exposed at one point (not sure if I misunderstood) but it's just pretty scary.

 

As for hair transplants, it is less invasive but very labor intensive and it will takes almost one day to implant 1000 hairs and I will need a second implant if I want denser hairs. But it will not leave any scars (according to my plastic surgeon). Btw, my surgeon only does strip because "the survival of FUE is not so good as strip" (quoting him).

But I read that it takes as long as 2 years to see results and that the downtime is longer.

Also I read that the transplanted hair will grow wiry and also grow in the wrong direction.

I had hair transplanted to my eyelashes and the transplanted hair is indeed wiry and grow in the wrong direction. I have a hard time just to make them look neat.

 

So I really don't know...can anyone give my any advice?

Will really appreciate any help given

[Bill - Seemiller]

kitty21,

 

Welcome to our enhanced forum and social community. I encourage you to update your profile picture with something that represents you, whether it be your photo (like I've done) or something else .

 

In my opinion, forehead reduction surgery is a viable solution for many women with naturally large foreheads and higher hairlines. Recommended hair transplant surgeon Dr. Kabaker is one of the world's leading experts in performing this procedure with minimal risks and high rates of success. The best part about this procedure is that women can achieve the desired result in a fraction of the time as hairline reconstruction via hair transplant surgery. The major disadvantage of this procedure however, is that it's highly invasive and requires more time to properly heal. Thus, I can certainly understand your reluctance to proceed with this option.

 

As you know, another alternative is state of the art hair transplant surgery. However, it may take several procedures and wil much longer to achieve the kind of density you would be satisfied with. It’s also much more expensive.

 

For more information on how the forehead reduction procedure works, its advantages, and disadvantages, visit "Hairline Lowering Procedures in Women with High Foreheads".

 

All that aside, I know we have a tendency to be rather harsh on our imperfections that leads us to desire cosmetic surgery. And while I'm not trying to talk you out of it if it's something you really want, having a slightly higher hairline and bigger forehead isn't necessarily a bad thing. I have a few female friends that could fit into that category and they're beautiful just the way they are.

 

Best wishes in whatever you decide,

 

Bill

[kitty21]

Thank you Bill for your answer.

And I will try to find a pretty photo of myself to post up here ...am very self-conscious of taking pictures because of my forehead

"After the incision, the scalp lifted off of the skull all the way to the back of it."

This is the sentence which puts me off having the forehead reduction.

I don't know but just reading about this gives me nightmares...

But yet the draw of instant results is so tempting.

[Al - Moderator]

If you go with a scalp reduction to lower your hairline, you will most likely end up with a visible scar along the hairline (just in front of the hairline). You'll then need to have at least a few hundred hair transplant grafts put in front of the hairline along the scar to cover it, so it isn't noticeable. You might be better off just going with the hair transplant to begin with, since you'll probably need it (want it) anyway afterwards. Having a visible scar across your forehead can be worse than having a high hairline, so while the results from a scalp reduction may be instantaneous, it may not be the result you want.

 

Unless there's another reason why the scalp lowering is being done such as poor donor, large area on top and back that you also want to cover, etc, I'd probably go with the hair transplant.

[kitty21]

But if I have a hair transplant, I will have a scar too although it will be covered up. Either way, I will have a scar and I'm also worried about taking 1500-2000 hairs from the back of my head to transplant to the front.

That's a lot of hair, won't the back be bald or at least have thinner hair there then?

But my biggest worry is having the new hair growing out coarse and bent (this was mentioned by other forumers).

I myself had eyelash transplant a year ago (where hair was taken from the back of my head) to transplant to the eyelashes and the new eyelashes did grew out coarser and bent as compared to my original hair.

I totally regretted having the eyelash transplant done as my eyelashes look a mess now although I do put in the effort to have it trimmed profesionally and permed because it just grows out too fast.

[1966kph]

hello kitty..without seeing pictures and you stateing by how much you want to lower your hair line by it would be hard for anyone in the know [that doe's not include myself] to determine which procedure to undertake,but if i were you and if cost was'nt a major factor i would deffinately source a highly recommended surgeon who has consistantly good results in fue....whatever you decide i wish you all the best....

[mattj]

If you have a hair transplant with the strip method, you won't have a bald or thin area at the back unless the surgeon does a poor job and/or you experience permanent shockloss. Shockloss is where hairs are 'shocked' by the trauma of surgery and cease to grow. This can be temporary or permanent, but it is uncommon with reputable surgeons. The wound is closed and the hair is at original density on either side of the fine scar. In fact, with the trichophytic closure method which seems to be standard these days, hair actually grows through the scar, disguising it even more.

 

How were the hairs taken for your eyelash transplant? By the way, if you're only a year out from this procedure, there is still a chance that the hairs will relax and become a bit more manageable. Can't say for sure though, of course.

 

Although female hair transplants are much more rare than male, I've noticed that they seem to consistently offer very soft and natural results. Forehead reductions don't seem to be a good option for men, but for women they can look good. You'll have to weight up the pros and cons of each, but I think either type of procedure, if carried out by a good surgeon, will give you what you want.

[Topcat611]

Kity do yourself a big favor and don't even consider a forehead reduction. As you have found out with your eyelash procedure there are always consequences that are usually not revealed in order to sell the procedure. I have had 2 hairlifts in the past which are different then a forehead reduction, but some of the aspects are similiar. You end up creating bigger problems down the line. I have also spoken to several patients that have had the same procedure and they have experienced the same problems.

 

My suggestion to you would be to only consider an fue procedure to lower the hairline. Start out very, very small and see how you feel about the procedure itself. It gives you the option of not pursuing further work, without the regrets. It might not be an instant result, but it's the smart decision. I have been around this business for well over 25 years and unfortunately I understand the consequences.

 

If you do decide to go the fue route, make sure the clinic knows what they are doing and don't rely on forums for all your information.

 

Here is a link to what the hairlift looks like. It kind of gives you an idea of what would be in store for you with the forehead reduction. Good luck to you.

 

http://www.angelfire.com/indie/hairtransplant/scalp.html

[Sparky]

FUE only yeilds less if you have a surgeon thats no good at it. Who is your surgeon? You dont have to go to him you know, there are others out there. The hairs will only grow in the wrong direction if they are put in at an incorrect angle, and wirey growth also only occurs at the hands of a bad doctor, looks at people blogs on here, no wirey growth and the directions are fine. Go to a good fue surgeon and you will get a good result way before 2 years is up, with no linear scarring.

Edited May 13, 2010 by Sparky

[Topcat611]

Kity I have to agree with Sparky 100%. People promote what they sell. If they don't have the skill and experience to offer fue then they tend to comment negatively. Usually they are correct and what they say is true, but they are referrring to their own results and abilities so technically they are telling the truth, just not the whole story.

 

Do yourself a favor and listen to patients then have been around the block. They usually don't have an agenda and are really trying to help others.

[Sparky]

ugh, I'm not looking at that website, again, I feel sick.

[Bill - Seemiller]

Guys,

 

The hairline lowering procedure performed by recommended physician Dr. Shelly Kabaker is not the same as scalp reduction surgery. Admittedly, it's very invasive and doesn't sound overly appealing when you read how it's performed. But I believe it's a viable option worth considering for women (not men) who are dissatisfied with their high foreheads. Of course, state of the art hair transplant surgery is also another strong consideration.

 

For a more detailed description on how the hairline lowering procedure works, visit "Hair Procedures for Women with High Foreheads".

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill Seemiller

[kitty21]

Thanks for all the replies and I decided not to have forehead reduction (which my surgeon calls scalp reduction).

I will instead go for hair transplant ...it's much more expensive but so much safer...looking at the website and video, I don't think I will ever undergo forehead reduction.

I will go with a forummer's suggestion to start small and see how I like the results.

Since my surgeon recommended 1500-2000 hairs, I should try out 500 hairs and see how it goes.

But I don't think I will go to the surgeon that did my eyelashes...probably find someone who does FUE.

I had consulted a hair specialist and his reply is "In forhead hair graft, it is performed by not strip or FUE but by a single hair unit".

Have anyone heard of single hair unit transplant before? Is this better than FUE?

I am so thankful for the people who advised me against having forehead reduction because I had quite made up my mind to have it. But now I will rather pay more money than to suffer the consequences later.

Money can be earned, but health can't

Edited May 14, 2010 by kitty21

[PanamaJimmy]

Kitty21,

 

Unless you have a Sinead O'Connor hairstyle, or unless it is very thin in the donor area, the scar from a strip procedure shouldn't even be noticeable. I recommend going this route because it is quicker, cheaper, and most feel that it yields better results.

 

Good Luck :-)

 

Panama Jimmy

[Sparky]

I on the other hand recommend fue because I hate my strip scar, no need for a strip scar in your case as your a girl your not gonna have to worry about donor management. There is only strip and fue. Single hair unit is just a graft with only 1 hair growing out of it.

[kitty21]

There is only strip and fue. Single hair unit is just a graft with only 1 hair growing out of it.

 

I don't understand...does that mean single hair unit is a form of Fue?

[Topcat611]

Kity, I am happy to hear you are not having the forehead reduction. Like I said I have been around this business for about 25 years and have first hand experience with most of these proceudures. Do yourself a favor and go with fue, it is a walk in the park compared to strip. Personally it took me about 10 years to get back all the feeling in the back of my head after strip. It always felt very numb and very tight.

 

You have the right idea about going with 500 grafts. See how you like before you commit and have loads of regrets. I actually had one of the best doctors in the world do my recent fue work. I have very limited donor and I am an extreme repair case. It took me about 10 years of researching. I had to travel to Brussels in order to have the best. Dr. Bisanga actually extracted fue's from my face to use on my head. This requires someone that is highly skilled and uses very small punches. I have zero visible scarring. Here is a link to my pictures to give you an idea of what kind of healing you can expect. Just make sure you take your time and go to someone that is highly skillled. Too many doctors out there want to sell you something you don't need, nor are they skilled in providing it.

 

Kity I am sure you have seen bad cosmetic surgery. Off the top of my head Michael Jackson, Mickey Rourke and Kenny Rogers comes to mind, but there are many more. The fact is you will never see cases such as these or similar promoted by the doctors that performed them because there not so good. It's the same with HT. If you have been around long enough you will see some of the same showcase results promoted year after year after year.

 

You could easily take your present situation and make it 100 times worse by havig a hard looking hair transplanted hairline that draws the eye's attention very quickly. Something to think about.

 

You need single thin hairs performed by fue using very small punches placed in the hairline, by someone that knows what they are doing.

 

You can also read my blog.

 

http://tinyurl.com/y8m256z

 

I can be contacted at htrepair1@yahoo.com

[Sparky]

Its either fue or a single hair unit from a strip. Most of the top docs use a standard terminology for this but fue can also be called, fit,cit,sfet and strip can be called, fug and fut and maybe some others that I dont know about.

[Sparky]

But I still 100% recommend fue over any other type of hair transplant. I had strip to start with in 1998, i'd literally give a million bucks to turn back time so that I hadnt done this and didnt have a strip scar. Some people dont care about it, but I do and I've recently had fue into the scar to try to hide it and so far it seems to be growing well.

[Sparky]

This result has been achevied via a hair transplant, much better than forehead reduction imho.

 

 

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/showthread.php?t=151663

[Goldilocks]

I was in the same boat as you at one time until I decided to have a hair transplant to lower and reshape my hairline. In fact, I just had my second procedure done about a month ago and I am confident that I will get the results I am hoping for. (Both of my transplants were done using strip by the way.)

 

I am not familiar with the 'single hair unit' terminology. What I do know though is that single haired follicles are the ones that are used at the front edge of the hairline so that you end up with a more natural result.

 

What I would suggest is that you have a look at several hair restoration physicians and consider some online consultations. That way you can get some input on what options you have in terms of design and amount of lowering.

 

Let me know if you have any questions about my own experience. I'd be happy to share!

Edited May 14, 2010 by Goldilocks

[kitty21]

I am so glad for this forum because till now, my plastic surgeon keep telling me that forehead reduction is not a dangerous surgery at all. When I seeked a second opinion, this other surgeon told me that forehead reduction is highly invasive and he doesn't do it at all and recommended hair transplant instead.

 

Goldilocks, how many grafts did you transplant to your forehead?

Do you feel any tightness at the scalp? How do the transplanted hair look and feel?

Do they feel stiff and unnatural, grow in different directions?

Thanks

[Bill - Seemiller]

Kitty,

 

If you want my honest opinion, do a lot more research and reading before undergoing surgery. Quite honestly, I disagree with several of the opinions posted on this thread and I'd hate to see you make a decision based solely on advice from a few forum members.

 

I can understand why you ruled out the forehead reduction / hairline lowering procedure. However, do a lot more reading on FUT verses FUE and the best physicians that perform them before making a final decision.

 

To read more about the differences between FUT and FUE, click here.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill Seemiller

[Goldilocks]

Goldilocks, how many grafts did you transplant to your forehead?

Do you feel any tightness at the scalp? How do the transplanted hair look and feel?

Do they feel stiff and unnatural, grow in different directions?

Thanks

 

Hi Kitty,

 

For my first procedure, I had just under 2500 grafts. The second one was approximately 1800. These grafts were placed along the front hairline as well as in the fronto-temporal recessions.

 

I felt significantly more tightness following my first procedure than the second. Right now my scalp is still fairly numb, but I had my recent transplant only about a month ago so that doesn't surprise me. In my own experience, I had numbness for several months after the first procedure, but I did eventually regain all sensation in my scalp in about 8 months, thank goodness!

 

In terms of the hair and how it feels, I have to say that 90% + feels like my native hair. I do have the odd "kinky" strand that is a bit coarser than the rest. I have to admit, when I come across those ones, I pull them out since they don't match the rest of my hair's texture. The direction flows with the native hair, with the exception of a very small number of hairs along my hairline that seem to grow in a weird direction. I tend to pull those out too.

 

In all honesty, I am curious to see how my second transplant grows in as the second physician used "chubbier" grafts in which more of the surrounding tissue is kept rather than cut away as they are with "skinny" grafts. I am also curious to see how the stick-and-place technique compares with the pre-made incisions technique... (My most recent transplant was done using stick-and-place.)

 

I hope I have answered your questions, but please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any further ones. I'll do my best to answer them for you.

 

I'd be happy to share my two online albums privately with you if you provided me with your email address. (Bill, I know I know, I should share them publicly... Maybe someday! )

Edited May 18, 2010 by Goldilocks

[Topcat611]

Kity, here is what I think you need to do. Do not rely on forums to make a decision about a cosmetic surgery procedure that can easily make you look like a freak and destroy your life.

 

You need to see at least 5-10 hair transplants in person, not pictures to understand fully what it will look like. Patients with varying degrees of baldness would be best.

 

You need to see a strip procedure and an fue performed live to really understand what it is you are getting yourself into. This will give you enough information to make an informed decision.