How Much Does Forehead Reduction Surgery Cost In 2024?
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Summary:
A typical forehead reduction surgery costs $7,000 to $14,000, depending on the type of procedure used and the location of the surgeon. Unlike other types of plastic surgery, this is not eligible for insurance coverage because it’s purely cosmetic.
People often underestimate how much your forehead can change the look of your face, unless you actually have an unusually high hairline. In recent years, forehead reduction surgery has started to see an uptick in interest.
A high forehead can make you feel self-conscious or even throw off the proportions of your face. Let’s talk about how much a forehead reduction surgery costs, and how to budget for it.
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What is forehead reduction?
Forehead reduction surgery removes excess forehead skin, pushing your natural hairline lower. In other words, it changes where your hairline begins with a simple nip and tuck. The incision site is close to the hairline, so scars are minimally visible.
Depending on the doctor, you might also hear this called “hairline lowering surgery” or a “hairline advancement.” It’s the same thing, just with different names.
Are you a good candidate for hairline lowering?
Hairline-lowering surgery is not for everyone. If you have a naturally large forehead with an unusually high hairline, then you’re probably a good candidate for this procedure. Ideally, you should have thick hair and also be in good health.
If you have thinning hair or a bald spot, chances are that you won’t be happy with the results of a forehead reduction procedure. If anything, you may want to look into something like a hair grafting or hair transplant surgery to help you recover from hair loss.
When should you consider hair transplants or hair grafting instead?
If you have male or female pattern baldness, then a forehead reduction won’t do much for you. This is because the patient’s hairline will continue to recede as they age. Patients who notice hairline recession should check out hair restoration procedures like hair grafts instead.
It’s worth noting that some surgeons use hair grafts as a way to artificially lower a forehead without actually removing excess skin. However, if you have alopecia or similar, it may not fully “take.” Consider a hair restoration treatment first.
How is a hairline lowering surgery done?
Though the goal is simple, forehead reduction surgery is a fairly complex procedure. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll go in for a consultation. The surgeon will see your hairline and determine if you’re a good candidate for the surgery. Then, you’ll review the step-by-step procedure that your surgeon feels would work best for you, after which they’ll ask if you want to continue.
- If you move forward, then you reserve a day for the surgery. You may have to pay an upfront fee for this. In many cases, any money you spent on the consult goes to the surgery. Before assuming this is the case, ask your doctor about their payment policies.
- On the day of the surgery, you’ll go under general anesthesia. The surgeon will lower your hairline by one of two methods: surgical removal of excess forehead skin or a hair transplant. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you during the consultation.
- You’ll be given instructions on how to care for yourself after you wake up. Your doctor may prescribe pain medications to help alleviate discomfort. Most surgeons also recommend waiting three to four days before driving and working again, and you may have to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first two weeks after the surgery. Talk to your surgeon for more specific aftercare instructions.
How much does forehead reduction surgery cost?
The price of forehead reduction surgery can vary wildly depending on the plastic surgeon you use, the location, and the actual involvement required for this procedure.
With that said, you should expect to pay anywhere from $7,000 to $14,000 for a typical procedure. This includes everything from consultation, to labor, to surgery center fees, to additional surgery costs.
Pro Tip
The easiest way to find a plastic surgeon for cheap is to shop around. Get quotes and consultations from at least four surgeons before you choose one, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
How to pay for hairline lowering surgery
If you want to get hairline-lowering surgery, then you’ll have to shell out some serious cash. Financing this procedure, much like any other facial plastic surgery procedure, can be tricky. Here’s a few ways you can pay for that surgery:
- Cash. The easiest way to pay for it is to use cash. Almost every cosmetic surgeon will take it, and, at times, they may offer a discount for it.
- Medical loans. There are two ways to get a medical loan. You can either go to a lender that specializes in loans for medical purposes like cosmetic surgery, or you can get a regular personal loan and use it to fix your high forehead.
- Medical credit cards. This is a more flexible way to make payments towards a procedure without the need for a lengthy personal loan application. You may have higher interest rates, but the cool thing is that you can continue to use it for other procedures later on, such as Lasik, Botox, or even wisdom tooth removal.
- In-house payment plans. This generally involves paying off the surgery in installments directly to the doctor, no interest charged. These tend to be offered rarely, so make sure to ask if you want to use this route.
Regardless of the financing option you ultimately choose, be sure to consider all of your options before deciding. You may find that paying for your surgery with a credit card, for example, will be more costly than a personal loan after factoring in interest rates.
On the other hand, you may be able to find a credit card with a 0% APR introductory period. This way, you can finance your surgical costs and pay down the balance without racking up additional interest. Regardless of the payment method you choose, make sure you get prequalified for a personal loan (it won’t hurt your credit score when you do it through SuperMoney), to see how it compares with your other options.
Pro Tip
Always ask your surgeon about the different payment methods they offer before you even agree to a consultation. Nothing is worse than finding a great surgeon only to find out you can’t feasibly pay for your hairline lowering.
Can insurance cover a hairline-lowering procedure?
Unfortunately, your insurance generally won’t cover a forehead reduction procedure. While insurance can occasionally finance weight loss surgery, this is not a procedure that is typically covered by insurers. This is because hairline lowering isn’t something that is deemed medically necessary. It’s cosmetic surgery.
Insurance will not cover anything that is strictly a cosmetic procedure. To get covered, it would have to offer some benefit to your health. That’s why breast augmentation is often not covered by insurance, but certain types of liposuction are.
How can you save money on hairline lowering?
This can be tough because it is a somewhat rare and complex surgery. Finding hair restoration surgeons or certified plastic surgeons who are equipped for it can be hard. These tips can help:
- Shop around locally, and don’t hesitate to look on sites like Groupon. Aim to ask for at least four quotes for this procedure. And, though rare, Groupon occasionally offers deals on plastic surgery, which could offer some additional savings.
- Ask about bundling specials. Some doctors will discount your forehead reduction if you add something like a brow lift to your procedure.
- Consider going abroad. International medical tourism is becoming popular for a wide range of different surgeries, but it’s particularly favored for cosmetic procedures. If you choose this option, make sure you use a reputable firm to arrange everything. Even then, it can carry a serious risk.
Pro Tip
This procedure is often paired with other plastic surgery procedures, especially brow lifts. Ask if your surgeon offers packages that discount both in one appointment.
FAQs
How long does forehead reduction surgery last?
Forehead reduction surgery will be a permanent change to your facial features. However, the actual procedure itself lasts around three to five hours. It may also take approximately a year to fully recover from the surgery.
Does forehead reduction surgery hurt?
Yes, forehead reduction surgery can be fairly painful. The most common side effects include itching, bruising, discomfort, and swelling. Most patients who get a hairline-lowering procedure use painkillers to minimize discomfort.
It’s common for the numbness to last for as long as a year post-operation. If you suffer from poor wound healing, you may actually have pain problems for months. Regular hair growth, however, resumes after three months.
How can I reduce my big forehead naturally?
There is no natural way to reduce your hairline, but there are ways to style your hair so that it looks like you have a lower hairline. Asking a hairstylist or trying on a couple of wigs can help you find a style that works with your forehead.
Is forehead reduction surgery worth it?
According to RealSelf.com’s survey of people who got the procedure, forehead reduction surgeries are well worth the money. The vast majority of people in the survey who get this surgery were pleased with the results and say it was worth what they paid. However, whether the surgery is “worth it” to you will all depend on why you want the surgical procedure and how attentive you are to your post-procedure care.
Key Takeaways
- Forehead reduction surgeries can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $14,000.
- You typically can’t use insurance to cover a hairline-lowering surgery, but you can take out loans or use installment plans. Shopping around for a doctor with reasonable pricing is best.
- This surgery can be done through the removal of excess skin on the forehead or by adding new hair for a lower hairline.
- You may notice mild scarring near the hairline, but scar tissue is generally minimal.
- If you have a receding hairline or noticed your hairline thinning, this is not the surgery for you. Instead, reach out to a doctor specializing in hair loss to schedule a consultation on a hair grafting or hair transplant surgery.
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