Hairline Advancement
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At Wick Facial Plastics, surgical hairline advancement is a deeply personalized procedure designed for women and men seeking a lower, more harmonious hairline. Whether you’ve always felt your forehead is too prominent or your hairline has shifted over time, we offer a solution that’s both natural-looking and surgically precise.
Surgical hairline advancement, also called forehead reduction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that lowers the frontal hairline by advancing the scalp forward. It’s often performed to shorten the height of the forehead and feminize facial proportions.
This procedure is ideal for individuals with:
- A naturally high hairline
- A long forehead out of proportion with other features
- Stable hair growth in the front and crown
- Realistic expectations for scar healing and final outcomes
- This is especially well suited for
- (1) Women with a stable receded hairline
- (2) Transgender men pursuing facial feminization
- (3) African American women are more likely to have favorable scalp elasticity while also suffering from hairline recession at a young age because of hair styling
Unlike hair transplants, this technique provides immediate results by physically repositioning the hair-bearing scalp without waiting months for growth.
Before + after resultsUnlock Your Potential, Enhance Your Confidence
What are the Goals of Hairline Lowering Surgery?
We approach hairline advancement with a blend of surgical skill and aesthetic artistry. At Wick Facial Plastics, our goals are to:
- Create a natural, proportionate hairline tailored to your facial shape
- Minimize visible scarring by carefully hiding incisions along the hairline
- Maintain hair follicle density without sacrificing hair health
- Preserve hairline irregularities for an organic, non-“surgical” look
Patients often report a powerful sense of confidence and identity after surgery—finally feeling like their reflection matches how they’ve always felt inside.
Recovery &
Results
Recovery & Results
Initial Recovery (Week 1–2)
- Day 1: Remove headwrap protecting the incision
- Day 2: Mild swelling and tightness at the forehead
- Day 7-10: Small staples or sutures at the hairline removed in 7–10 days
- Return to non-strenuous work or social activities within a week
Ongoing Healing (Weeks 3–6)
- Gradual softening of the incision line
- Scarring blends more with the natural hairline over time
- Patients may resume full exercise by 3–4 weeks
Long-Term Results (3+ months)
- Hair growth through and in front of the scar camouflages it further
- Final results are typically visible by 6 months and long-lasting
- We’ll guide you every step of the way with close follow-up and personalized aftercare.
Common Questions
How much can the hairline be lowered?
Most patients achieve a 1.5 to 2.5 cm reduction, depending on scalp laxity and anatomy.
Will the scar be visible?
The incision is hidden at the hairline and often heals very discreetly. In many cases, hairs grow through the scar, further camouflaging it.
Am I a candidate for hairline advancement?
Ideal candidates have good scalp mobility, no history of significant hair loss, and are in overall good health. Dr. Wick will assess your candidacy during consultation.
Is this better than a hair transplant?
Hairline advancement provides immediate results and denser frontal hairlines than transplants. However, each approach has advantages—we sometimes combine both. In some patients a hairline advancement or forehead reduction is staged with a smaller size hair transplantation procedure to maximize the overall result and facial framing.
Can I wear my hair back after surgery?
Yes. Once fully healed, many patients confidently wear ponytails or pulled-back styles with no visible scar.
What Is the Cost of Surgical Hairline Advancement in Cleveland?
At Wick Facial Plastics, the average cost for surgical hairline advancement ranges from $9,000 to $12,500, depending on your anatomy, surgical complexity, and whether it’s combined with other procedures.
A personalized quote will be provided after your consultation. We offer customized surgical plans and transparent pricing—because you deserve to know exactly what you're investing in.
Why Choose Wick Facial Plastics?
Led by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Wick, our Cleveland-based practice offers a refined, modern approach to surgical hairline advancement. We prioritize natural artistry, surgical precision, and client-centered care—so your outcome never feels “done,” just elevated.