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TR FOREHEAD REDUCTION SURGERY
Forehead reduction, defined in the medical literature as “frontal hairline lowering” or “forehead reduction,” is an aesthetic hair-transplant procedure in which the hairline is anatomically advanced to a lower position. Unlike classic hair-loss treatments, this procedure is applied to individuals without alopecia in order to balance facial proportions and bring a congenitally high forehead into a more aesthetic form.At Hair of Istanbul, forehead reduction surgeries are carried out with a planning protocol separate from transplants performed for hair loss. The goal here is not to restore lost hair, but to design a natural hairline that harmonizes with the face’s golden ratio.
Before the operation, the patient is evaluated in detail for forehead height, frontal muscle placement, face shape, hair direction, donor-area density, and skin elasticity. This analysis is supported by Hair of Istanbul’s AI-assisted trichologic imaging systems. During planning, the hairline is determined not only for aesthetic appearance but also by considering the location of the mimetic muscles and vascular structures. When necessary, implantation can be performed up to just above the frontal muscle; however, natural angles are preserved at this stage and tissue trauma is minimized.
Technique and Medical Details: The Forehead Reduction procedure is performed with the micro-motor-assisted FUE method. Follicular units taken from the donor area are placed into the pre-planned frontal region either by creating micro-channels or with the DHI implanter-pen technique. The direction and angle of the channels are aligned parallel to the exit direction of the existing hair. This particularly allows the implantation of “baby hairs” (fine single grafts) along the hairline in female patients and enhances naturalness. In male patients, a sharper, more masculine hairline is usually designed; however, the exact boundary is individualized according to the patient’s facial proportions and frontal muscle dynamics.
Aesthetic Outcomes and Psychological Impact: Forehead reduction not only lowers the hairline; it also balances overall facial proportions, yielding a younger, more harmonious, and symmetrical look. Clinical observations show a marked increase in patients’ self-confidence after the procedure. At Hair of Istanbul, the procedure is performed with a multidisciplinary approach: a plastic surgeon and medical aesthetic physician work together with the hair-transplant specialist to ensure both medical safety and aesthetic naturalness.
The Hair of Istanbul Approach: What sets Hair of Istanbul apart is not only technical proficiency but also aesthetic intuition and anatomical awareness. In every forehead reduction case: a personalized drawing is created according to facial proportions and skin type, donor density is assessed in three dimensions, frontal density is planned while preserving natural hair direction, and, when necessary, PRP or adjunctive therapies are used to accelerate recovery.
The resulting appearance conveys not “a hair transplant has been done,” but rather “a naturally more balanced facial proportion.”
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
- Individuals with no hair loss (or with managed hair-loss risk) who have a congenitally high forehead.
- Candidates whose donor area (nape and surrounding region) has sufficient density.
- Anyone aiming for a natural, measured lowering and holding realistic expectations.
HAIRLINE DESIGN
Facial proportions, the target amount of lowering, and donor capacity are clarified; the new hairline is drawn together with the patient. A natural-looking line is created by mimicking micro- and macro-irregularities, the distribution of single/multiple grafts, and exit directions. Female and male hairline aesthetics differ; the temporal triangles (temporal recesses), forehead height, and eyebrow level are evaluated together. The goal is a line harmonious with the face that does not appear artificial.
HARVESTING OF HAIR FOLLICLES
During harvesting, hair follicles are extracted one by one using the FUE technique. From the donor area, follicular units are taken with 0.7–1.0 mm micro-punches and kept in special solutions while preserving root integrity. This method leaves no linear scar and preserves natural density. Extractions performed at the correct angle and depth ensure both high graft survival and the aesthetic integrity of the donor area.
IMPLANTATION OF HAIR FOLLICLES
During implantation, grafts are placed with great precision according to the angle and density plan defined for the frontal line. The method used may vary according to the patient’s hair characteristics; DHI, Sapphire, or Slit techniques may be preferred. Each follicle is implanted by mimicking exit directions and natural density. This meticulous placement preserves line integrity and yields an appearance indistinguishable from natural hair.
AFTER FOREHEAD REDUCTION SURGERY
Following your forehead reduction, Hair of Istanbul physicians create a personalized treatment plan to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery. This plan includes the regular use of prescribed medications, edema control, infection-risk reduction, and recommendations that support graft adaptation.
On the first day after the procedure, our team performs medical dressing of the donor area and a general check. This visit is important to evaluate early tissue healing and, if necessary, make adjustments to the treatment plan.
On the dressing day, your assigned patient consultant explains the entire care process step by step, including the first wash to be performed at the clinic. You will receive detailed guidance on shampooing, drying, sleeping position, sun protection, and restrictions on physical activity.
Strict adherence to these instructions ensures optimal graft retention, controlled reduction of edema and scabbing, and a more predictable final result. The Hair of Istanbul medical team remains in contact with you throughout recovery, closely monitoring progress and providing remote medical support when needed.
RECOVERY TIMELINE AFTER FOREHEAD REDUCTION
- Days 0–2: Mild edema and tenderness may occur; keeping the head elevated is recommended.
- Days 2–7: Scabbing and redness are normal; guided first washes begin.
- Weeks 2–8: Temporary “shock loss” may occur; permanent roots remain safe in the skin.
- Months 3–9: New hairs become visible; direction and caliber begin to mature.
- Months 9–12+: Overall appearance completes; in some candidates, maturation can continue up to 12–18 months.
POST-FOREHEAD REDUCTION HAIR WASHING
The recovery process after Hair Transplantation with Forehead Reduction begins as soon as the operation is completed. Typically within 48–72 hours, your first wash is performed by the Hair of Istanbul team. After this session, by following the instructions provided and using the products given to you, you continue daily washing for approximately 7–9 days. As of day 10, controlled scab removal is carried out. Once this stage is complete, your scalp settles and you can return to daily life together with your routine care regimen.
POST-FOREHEAD REDUCTION CARE PRODUCTS
Hair of Istanbul applies special products selected by experts in collaboration with Kerastase to support stronger, healthier, and faster hair growth after hair transplantation with forehead reduction. When needed, personalized care sets are prepared and, before you leave our clinic, delivered by our patient consultants, who also explain usage frequency and application instructions in detail. In this way, nourishment and longevity of the hair follicles during recovery are maximized.
POST-FOREHEAD REDUCTION FOLLOW-UP
After a hair transplant, initial hair growth generally begins within 9–12 months, while the final appearance usually takes shape between 13–15 months. Throughout this period, the Hair of Istanbul team keeps you informed on a regular basis and closely follows your recovery. To achieve the best outcomes, it is recommended that you share your photos with us every month for review by our physicians. In this way, the progress of your transplant is monitored with scientific data and personalized recommendations are provided when necessary.