Folsom, CA

A naturally high hairline or large forehead can make facial proportions feel less balanced, causing some people to feel self conscious about their appearance. Hairline lowering surgery, also called forehead reduction surgery, shortens the forehead by advancing the hair-bearing scalp into a lower position. This creates a new hairline that blends seamlessly with the facial features for enhanced facial harmony and confidence.
At Bueno MD Facial Aesthetic Surgery in Folsom, every hairline lowering procedure is customized with precision and artistry. As a fellowship-trained facial specialist, Dr. Bueno uses advanced surgical approaches to safely reposition the scalp and achieve harmonious, long-lasting results. Patients trust Dr. Bueno for his ability to combine technical skill with compassionate care.
Advances the hair-bearing scalp to reduce a high forehead
Improves facial balance and self-confidence
Typically performed under sedation in an outpatient setting
Enduring enhancement of facial aesthetics
Hairline lowering, or forehead reduction, is a surgical procedure that reduces the height of the forehead by moving the frontal hairline forward to a lower position. This hairline advancement technique shortens the distance between the eyebrows and hairline, creating a smaller forehead and more balanced proportions across the face.
This procedure is often chosen by patients with a naturally high hairline or those seeking softer, more feminine contours. In some cases, it is combined with a brow lift or forehead re-contouring for comprehensive results.

Hairline lowering surgery begins with a carefully planned incision along the frontal hairline. The scalp is gently advanced forward, and excess skin is removed to create the new hairline. This allows for immediate reduction in forehead length. The incision is closed using fine sutures, and as the incision fades, the resultant scar typically blends very well into the hairline. Hairline lowering is typically performed as an outpatient surgery under local anesthetic with sedation.
Common surgical approaches used in forehead reduction surgery include:

Hairline lowering is ideal for patients wishing to correct:
Hairline lowering can also benefit transgender women seeking a more feminine hairline. Some patients opt to combine multiple procedures, such as hairline lowering with a brow lift or facial feminization, to enhance overall harmony and balance.
By shortening the forehead, forehead reduction surgery can create a more balanced appearance, improved framing of the eyes, and greater overall facial harmony. For many patients, creating a lower hairline enhances confidence in photos, hairstyles, and daily interactions. Dr. Bueno works with each patient to plan a surgical procedure that creates a natural-looking hairline that balances the other features.
With modern surgical techniques, patients experience minimal pain, minimal downtime, and results that last a lifetime. For those who have long felt self-conscious about a big forehead or naturally high hairline, this cosmetic procedure can feel transformative.

You may be a good candidate for hairline lowering surgery if you have a naturally high hairline or feel your forehead is out of balance with the rest of your face. Adequate scalp laxity is essential for advancing the hair-bearing scalp safely in one stage.
If scalp mobility is limited, a two-stage procedure using a tissue expander may be recommended. Patients with a history of hair loss or low hair density may be poor candidates and would likely benefit from hair transplants to optimize coverage. During your consultation, Dr. Bueno will evaluate whether you are the right candidate for forehead reduction and create a personalized plan.

After the hairline lowering procedure, most patients experience mild swelling and tightness for about a week. Stitches or surgical clips are removed in 7–10 days. Pain medication helps manage early discomfort. Patients should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity during this time. Dr. Bueno offers attentive monitoring and guidance throughout the recovery process.
Full healing takes a few months, with the scar gradually softening as the incision fades. Protecting the area from sun exposure supports healthy healing and optimizes results. Many patients are surprised at how quickly they return to normal life with a new hairline they feel proud of.
Once healing is complete, patients see a visible reduction in the height of their forehead and a natural-looking new hairline. The hairline lowering procedure restores balance across the face and forehead, enhancing the eyes and overall profile.
Results are permanent, and the scar is typically well concealed in the frontal hairline. For patients with a stable hairline but low hair density, hair transplants can refine the outcome for the best hairline possible. Hairline lowering has high rates of patient satisfaction, providing results that improve both aesthetics and confidence.

Dr. Scott Bueno is a facial surgeon with fellowship training in advanced structural and cosmetic surgery techniques. His boutique practice focuses exclusively on the face, offering patients personalized care, a compassionate approach, and elegant results.
With expertise in hairline lowering surgery, brow lift, and related facial aesthetic procedures, Dr. Bueno understands the nuances of proportion and balance. Whether addressing a naturally high hairline or planning for a staged procedure including hair restoration, patients trust him for results that feel natural and refined.
The hairline lowering procedure typically advances the hair-bearing scalp 1–2 centimeters. Depending on your facial anatomy and skin elasticity, greater reduction is possible.
Cost varies depending on the surgical plan. Our team will provide a detailed estimate during your consultation.
There will be a scar, but because the incision is placed along the frontal hairline, the scar typically becomes well-concealed as the incision line heals and fades.
Temporary shock loss can occur, but new hairline growth usually conceals this.
If the scalp is too tight to allow for adequate hairline advancement, a staged procedure with a tissue expander might be offered to gradually stretch the entire scalp before advancing the hairline safely in a second stage.
Most patients report only minimal pain, which is managed with pain medication.
The surgery is typically performed at an outpatient surgery center under either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Absolutely. Many patients combine hairline lowering with a brow lift, facial feminization surgery, or hair grafting for the best result.
Patients are typically cleared for light activity about a week after a hairline lowering surgery. However, full healing and scar maturation takes a few months. Patients should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity during recovery.
Patients with very low hair density, extensive hair loss, or a significant family history of balding may not be good candidates and may benefit more from hair restoration surgery. Dr. Bueno will assess your candidacy to determine the best approach for your needs.