Introduction

There’s something subtle, yet powerful, about how the proportions of the face affect how young or old we appear. One feature that patients often don’t realize plays a huge role in facial balance is the forehead. A forehead that appears long or high can create an impression of maturity or even fatigue, while a shorter, balanced forehead can give the entire face a softer, fresher, and more youthful appearance.

At TJ Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, where precision and artistry go hand in hand, we’ve seen how forehead reduction surgery (sometimes called hairline lowering surgery) can completely transform a patient’s look — not in a dramatic or artificial way, but in a natural, harmonious one.

Why the Forehead Matters in Facial Youthfulness

Think of the face like a painting or sculpture. If the upper section (the forehead) takes up more space than the middle or lower sections, the balance feels slightly “off.” This imbalance can create a look of aging, even if the skin itself is smooth and unwrinkled.

In Korean beauty culture — and increasingly worldwide — an ideal forehead height is usually between 5–6 cm for women, slightly more for men. When the forehead extends significantly beyond this, it may give the impression of aging, even in young patients.

This cultural preference isn’t just aesthetic. Studies in facial perception show that humans subconsciously interpret shorter foreheads and balanced proportions as signs of youth and vitality. A larger forehead, by contrast, can make the eyes appear smaller, the midface less defined, and the entire profile more mature.

What people often overlook is that the forehead doesn’t just frame the hairline — it frames every other feature. By carefully lowering the hairline through surgery, the proportions shift, making the eyes, nose, and lips look more defined and lively. The result is a subtle but striking rejuvenation.

What Forehead Reduction Surgery Involves

Forehead reduction surgery is not about altering the bone or reshaping the skull. Instead, it focuses on lowering the hairline by carefully advancing the scalp.

At TJ Plastic Surgery, the procedure typically involves:

• Incision design: A fine incision is made along the existing hairline. This design is critical — it must follow the natural curves of the hairline so that it heals in a way that looks seamless.

• Scalp advancement: The scalp is gently mobilized and advanced forward, reducing forehead height by 1–3 cm depending on the patient’s facial balance and goals.

• Anchoring & closure: The scalp is secured in its new position, and the incision is closed with microsurgical precision. The closure method allows hair follicles to regrow through and around the incision line, camouflaging it over time.

It’s a precise and delicate procedure — more like tailoring than surgery. The goal is not just a lower hairline, but a balanced facial frame that looks effortless and natural.

Some patients also combine forehead reduction with procedures like a brow lift or eyelid surgery, depending on their needs. When done in harmony, these combinations create a rejuvenated look without overcorrection.

Who Can Benefit from This Procedure?

Forehead reduction is especially effective for:

• Women with naturally high hairlines who feel their foreheads dominate their face.

• Patients experiencing hairline recession due to genetics or age.

• Individuals with elongated facial proportions who want more balance between the upper and lower face.

• People seeking feminization procedures (as part of facial feminization surgery, FFS) to create softer proportions.

To be honest, many patients who come in for eyelid surgery or anti-aging treatments don’t realize how much their forehead length contributes to their overall look until we point it out during consultation. Once they see how adjusting this single proportion can enhance their entire appearance, it often becomes a turning point in their decision-making.

How Forehead Reduction Creates a Youthful Effect

1. Restores Balance – By reducing forehead height, the face naturally appears more proportionate, which is a universal marker of youth. Balanced thirds of the face — forehead, midface, and lower face — create harmony that people instinctively perceive as attractive.

2. Highlights the Eyes – With a shorter forehead, the eyes take center stage. They look larger, brighter, and more engaging. For many patients, this subtle shift is what makes them look “younger” without anyone guessing they had surgery.

3. Softens the Face – A long forehead can unintentionally create a stern, distant, or aged look. A balanced forehead softens the entire impression, giving the face a fresh, approachable quality.

4. Enhances Feminine or Masculine Aesthetics – In women, a lower hairline adds softness and youthfulness; in men, it can restore a stronger, more proportional frame. In transgender patients, this surgery often plays a key role in affirming identity through facial balance.

5. Complements Anti-Aging Procedures – While Botox or fillers smooth wrinkles, and facelifts tighten sagging skin, forehead reduction adjusts the underlying proportions. When combined, the overall rejuvenation is more natural and long-lasting.

Recovery and Results

Most patients at TJ Plastic Surgery return to normal activities within a week, with mild swelling subsiding gradually. Stitches are typically removed after about 7 days.

Here’s what to expect:

• Week 1: Some swelling and mild bruising, usually controlled with cold compresses.

• Week 2–3: Scalp tenderness reduces, and the incision line begins healing.

• Month 1–3: Hair starts regrowing through the incision, and the scar becomes less noticeable.

• Month 6+: Final results are visible, with the hairline appearing naturally integrated.

The key to long-term success is that the scar is designed to be minimal and concealed. At TJ Plastic Surgery, we use meticulous closure techniques that encourage hair regrowth along the incision, blending it into the hairline over time.

Patients often share that friends and colleagues comment on how “fresh” or “rested” they look, without being able to pinpoint exactly what changed. That’s the ideal outcome — natural, not obvious.

Why Patients Choose TJ Plastic Surgery

Forehead reduction requires not just surgical skill, but also an artistic eye for facial harmony.

At TJ Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Dr. Tack-Jin Chang and our team specialize in facial balance procedures. Every patient’s forehead height, hair density, skin elasticity, and facial structure are different, which is why we design each surgical plan individually.

Some reasons patients trust us:

• Precision incision design that ensures scars blend naturally into the hairline.

• Advanced scalp advancement techniques that minimize tension and improve healing.

• Personalized surgical planning based on facial proportions, cultural preferences, and patient goals.

• Comprehensive aftercare including scar management and hair growth monitoring.

Our patients tell us the biggest difference is not just in how they look, but how they feel — more confident, balanced, and youthful.

Common Questions Patients Ask

“Will the scar be noticeable?”
With advanced techniques, scars are minimal and typically well-hidden as hair grows back through the incision line.

“Can this surgery be combined with other procedures?”
Yes. It’s often performed with brow lifts, eyelid surgery, or facial contouring, depending on the patient’s goals.

“How much can the forehead be reduced?”
Most patients see a reduction of 1–3 cm. The amount depends on scalp flexibility and hairline design.

“Is it permanent?”
Yes. Once the hairline is advanced and healed, the results are long-lasting, though normal age-related changes in hair growth can still occur.

Is It Right for You?

If you’ve ever felt that your forehead draws too much attention, or that your face looks “long” or older than it should, forehead reduction surgery may be an option worth considering.

The best way to know is to sit down with an experienced surgeon who understands facial proportion. At TJ Plastic Surgery, we welcome both local and international patients to explore their options with a personalized consultation.

Final Thought

Forehead reduction surgery isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about restoring balance, refreshing your appearance, and allowing your natural beauty to shine through.

If you’ve been curious about how to achieve a more youthful and harmonious look, consider visiting TJ Plastic Surgery in Gangnam. A consultation can help you see how a subtle adjustment to the forehead might transform your entire face — and the way you feel about yourself.