Forehead Lift & Brow Ridge Contouring

Overview

A forehead lift with brow ridge contouring reshapes the upper third of the face by reducing or reshaping the bony brow ridge (the prominence above the eyes, sometimes called frontal bossing) and lifting and smoothing the forehead and brows. Together, these change both the bone and the soft tissue for a softer, more balanced upper face.

The brow ridge and forehead strongly influence facial character. A heavy or prominent brow bone can make the face look stern or masculine, and reshaping it — often alongside a forehead lift — is a key part of facial feminization surgery and of certain reconstructive procedures.

This page is educational only and not medical advice. Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.

Who May Need This

This surgery may suit people who feel their brow bone is too prominent or heavy and want a softer upper face, including those seeking facial feminization, as well as people needing reconstruction after trauma. It combines bony reshaping with forehead and brow lifting.

Good candidates are in good health, do not smoke or will stop, and have realistic expectations. Because the surgery involves the bone over the frontal sinus, careful assessment is essential. A qualified craniofacial or facial plastic surgeon confirms suitability after imaging.

When It May Be Recommended

Surgery may be recommended when a prominent brow ridge unbalances the face or when softening the upper face is a goal, such as in facial feminization, and when the frontal sinus anatomy allows safe reshaping. It is often combined with hairline adjustment or other facial procedures.

The decision weighs the significant aesthetic change against the risks and recovery of bony surgery near the sinus. The recommendation and technique are individualized after imaging.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Evaluation includes analyzing the forehead, brow ridge, brow position, and hairline, and, importantly, imaging (often a CT scan) to assess the frontal sinus and the thickness of the bone. This determines whether the ridge can be reshaped by burring alone or needs a more involved technique.

Your general health, medications, and smoking status are reviewed, and your goals and any facial feminization plan are discussed. Because the frontal sinus is involved, detailed planning is central to safety.

Treatment Options

Approaches depend on the anatomy and goal:

• Brow ridge reduction by burring — shaving down a mildly prominent ridge where the bone is thick enough.
• Frontal sinus setback (Type III cranioplasty) — removing, reshaping, and repositioning the front sinus wall for greater reduction.
• Combined forehead lift — lifting and smoothing the forehead and brows over the reshaped bone.
• Hairline advancement — lowering a high hairline, often paired with feminization.
• Non-surgical camouflage — limited options; bone shape generally requires surgery to change.

How It Is Performed

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours. Access is usually through an incision behind the hairline or along it. The surgeon exposes the brow ridge and either burrs down the bone or, for a prominent sinus, removes and reshapes the front sinus wall and secures it in a setback position with small fixation.

The forehead and brows are then lifted, excess tissue is managed, and the incision is closed. Great care is taken around the frontal sinus and the nerves that supply the forehead and move the brows. The technique reflects your imaging and goals.

Preparation

Preparation typically includes CT imaging of the frontal sinus, stopping smoking and blood-thinning medications as directed, following fasting instructions, and arranging help for the first days. Hairline and hairstyle considerations relevant to the incision are discussed.

If travelling for surgery, bring your records and imaging, plan a companion, and allow generous in-country time for bruising to settle and for follow-up before flying. Set realistic expectations about swelling, numbness, and the months it takes for the final result.

Benefits and Expected Goals

The goals are a softer, more balanced upper face with a reduced or reshaped brow ridge and a smoother, lifted forehead and brow. For facial feminization, it is often one of the most impactful steps. Reconstruction aims to restore natural contour after injury.

Benefits depend on your bone anatomy and the technique, and results are long-lasting. The face continues to age over time. Your surgeon can help set realistic goals based on your imaging.

Risks and Possible Complications

This is specialized bony surgery near the sinus and carries specific risks.

• Frontal sinus problems, infection, or, rarely, a leak of cerebrospinal fluid
• Temporary or, rarely, lasting numbness of the scalp and forehead
• Injury to the nerve that raises the eyebrows, causing weakness or asymmetry
• Contour irregularities of the bone, asymmetry, or visible scarring and hairline changes
• Bleeding, hematoma, and the possible need for revision

Your surgeon will explain the risks in your case, particularly those related to the frontal sinus, and the plan if a complication occurs.

Recovery, Follow-up & Aftercare

Recovery is significant and varies by individual. Swelling and bruising around the forehead and eyes are common for two to three weeks and ease with head elevation and cold compresses. Temporary numbness and tightness of the scalp and forehead are normal as nerves recover.

Sutures or clips are usually removed within one to two weeks, strenuous activity and nose-blowing are avoided as advised to protect the sinus, and the final result settles over months. Protect incisions from the sun. Arrange follow-up before travelling home.

Medical Tourism Planning

If considering this surgery abroad, choose a JCI- or ISO-accredited hospital with craniofacial or facial plastic surgery expertise and imaging and intensive-care support, given the involvement of the frontal sinus. Verify the surgeon's specific experience with brow ridge contouring or facial feminization.

Plan generous in-country time for surgery and follow-up before flying, and confirm how any complication such as a sinus problem would be handled after you return home. Bring your records and imaging, and consider medical travel insurance.

Estimated Cost Factors

Cost depends on the country and hospital, the surgeon's fees, the complexity of the bony work (burring versus sinus setback), imaging, whether a forehead lift or hairline advancement is combined, the anesthesia and hospital stay, and follow-up. More complex bony surgery costs more.

Many destinations offer facial surgery at a fraction of typical US prices, but figures vary by case and online estimates are only a guide. Always request a personalized written quote that itemizes what is included before deciding.

Choosing a Hospital or Specialist

Look for accreditation and a surgeon with craniofacial or facial plastic surgery expertise and specific experience in brow ridge contouring, ideally with imaging-based planning and a record in facial feminization where relevant. Confirm their approach to the frontal sinus and complications.

Ask about international patient services, follow-up, and revision policy, and review before-and-after examples. Detailed CT-based planning and honest discussion of risks are signs of a quality practice.

Alternatives

Alternatives are limited because brow-bone shape is structural. A soft-tissue brow lift alone can raise the brows but cannot reduce a prominent bone, and fillers or makeup can only subtly influence appearance. For genuine reduction of a heavy brow ridge, bony contouring is required.

Each option differs in what it can achieve and its invasiveness. Discuss them with a qualified surgeon so the plan fits your anatomy and goals.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Based on my imaging, can my brow ridge be reduced by burring, or is a sinus setback needed?
• Will you combine this with a forehead lift or hairline advancement?
• What are the risks to my frontal sinus and forehead nerves?
• Where will my scar be, and how will it be hidden?
• How long before swelling settles and I can fly home?
• What follow-up will I need, and how are complications handled?
• What exactly is included in the written cost estimate, including revisions?