Have you ever felt self-conscious about your forehead? People with large foreheads may be perceived as older, more masculine, and less attractive [2]. For 27-year-old Beth Halsey, her forehead was the source of merciless teasing and low self-confidence.
After years of considering forehead reduction surgery, Beth finally took the plunge. She couldn’t be more impressed with the results, stating that the surgery “can change your life, and it has changed mine, and I feel so happy now” [1].
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about:
Beth felt insecure about the size of her forehead from a very young age. This is unsurprising, considering she was bullied at primary school and called “fivehead” by her peers [1].
She had a long time to think about surgery, and started Googling forehead reduction when she was just seven. Originally, Beth thought the only way to reduce her forehead size was a female hair transplant, but did not feel this was an option for her. “For me, the growing out phase of the hair, I just wouldn’t be able to do it” [1].
Beth concealed her forehead with a fringe pre-surgery [1]
Halsey had a fringe cut while she was at school and hid behind it for years. She worried about people seeing her forehead when the wind blew the fringe aside or when she went swimming.
In 2023, she was delighted to discover forehead reduction surgery through a TikTok video. This procedure makes your forehead appear smaller by lowering your hairline through surgery.
Beth started researching and contacted a Harley Street surgeon to learn more about the procedure. A year later, after plenty of time to make sure it was the right decision, she had the surgery. Watch the full interview here:
Beth’s first step was an initial consultation with her surgeon, a 15-minute chat via Zoom. She had the opportunity to discuss the procedure and share any concerns, then decided to take the next step and arrange an in-person appointment.
During the consultation with her surgeon, Halsey showed him where she would like her new hairline. “I wanted it really low, but he said, no, you’ll look like you’ve got a hat on all the time” [1]. He advised a slightly higher hairline that would look more natural, and she trusted his expertise.
Beth choosing her new hairline with her surgeon [3]
After that, the surgeon gave Beth a two-week cooling-off period to think about what they’d discussed. He advised her to take her time before making a final decision, which she did before booking the procedure several months later. “I took a long time to think about it and make sure it was what I really, really wanted” [1].
During the procedure, Beth’s surgeon removed the forehead skin between her existing hairline and her desired new hairline. He then drew the scalp skin down to reduce the size of her forehead and put in some stitches to encourage healing.
After the surgery, Halsey could see an improvement straight away and was very happy with the outcome.
“That was a big selling point for me… instant results and the recovery time is quite minimal compared to a hair transplant” [1].
Beth during forehead reduction surgery [3]
However, Beth did experience some pain and swelling post-op, which was to be expected. She took the painkillers and antibiotics she was given, and “after… the first week, I was pretty much fine” [1]. Within a week, she was out and about, working from home and just taking a few remaining tablets.
Halsey spent £9000 on the procedure which included the cost of the brow lift. Her surgeon brought her hairline down by an inch in the middle and two centimetres on the sides.
Pre-surgery, Beth felt the need to conceal her forehead in any way possible. She used hats, fringes, and headbands to disguise its appearance, as seen in the images below.
Beth Halsey used a range of methods to conceal her forehead before surgery [3]
After her forehead reduction, Halsey was overjoyed with the results.
“I can be my true self, I’m really confident… I can post pictures on Instagram without a filter” [1].
She now feels able to wear her hair however she likes and was quick to ditch the fringe.
Beth Halsey’s new hairline after forehead reduction surgery [3]
In the photos above, you can see Beth rocking a centre parting just weeks after her surgery. She can wear her hair up or down with confidence, and there are no fringes, headbands or hats in sight.
Halsey has encouraged others to take their time deciding on surgery, as she did. “It’s life-changing, and if it’s something that you want to do, research it and then go for it” [1].
She also discusses the importance of choosing the right surgeon and opting for quality over the cheapest rates.
“Make sure you go to someone who’s reputable, do it properly… don’t cut corners and try and get it cheaper anywhere else and then you’ll be fine” [1].
Forehead reduction can dramatically improve your appearance if your hairline type is naturally high. The procedure is generally safe and less than 1% of patients experience complications [2]. However, it is not suitable for everyone.
The first requirement is good general health. Before surgery is arranged, you will receive a full medical assessment to identify any underlying conditions that could affect your procedure or recovery. All cosmetic procedures have some risks [4], and good physical health can reduce the chance of complications.
Secondly, you must have realistic expectations about forehead reduction surgery. While it can significantly improve your facial proportions, you must understand that results may not be perfect or exactly as you imagined.
Before scheduling a forehead reduction, you should have a consultation with the surgeon. They should [5]:
They should also discuss any risks associated with the surgery. If you are not able to accept any limitations or potential risks, the procedure is not right for you.
Finally, you must commit to following your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery. These may include stopping smoking (which can slow healing and increase your chance of complications [6]), taking or avoiding certain medications, and sticking to a recovery plan.
Many people worry about the risk of scarring when considering forehead reduction. While the surgery leaves a scar that follows the frontal hairline, this usually becomes unnoticeable after 6 months [7]. Less than 1% of people experience unfavourable scarring after the procedure [2].
Before and after forehead reduction surgery: you can see the post-surgical wound in the second image [8]
Surgeons aim to minimise visible scarring from surgery to achieve natural-looking results. To do this, they use techniques such as placing incisions along your hairline or within natural creases, dissolvable sutures (which reduce the risk of a permanent knot or being rejected by your body [9]), and careful methods of closing each wound.
Surgery is the only way to make your forehead smaller. However, a hair transplant to lower your hairline is less invasive and can create similar results for many people.
Hairline transplants are mainly performed on people with female pattern hair loss or male pattern baldness, but they can also address a receding hairline, frontal balding, a messed up hairline, or a big forehead.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) can create the appearance of a smaller forehead without surgery. However, this only works well if you are happy to have a shaved head or to combine SMP with a hair transplant or forehead reduction.
If you don’t want a shaved head or surgery, your last option is to adjust your hairstyle to hide hair that’s thinning in the front or a large forehead. Beth Halsey used a block fringe for many years to conceal the size of her forehead before she decided to have surgery.
Choosing the right clinic and surgeon is vital to ensure you’re happy with the results of your procedure. When considering cosmetic surgery to reduce your forehead size, whether you’d like reduction surgery or a big forehead hair transplant, here are some things to look out for.
You should ask your surgeon about the ‘3 E’s’: experience, expertise, and exceptional results [10]. To start with, you need a surgeon who is skilled at performing the surgery you want. Choose a reputable clinic that works with highly qualified surgeons. For example, Wimpole Clinic works with some of the best hair transplant surgeons in the UK.
Research patient testimonials and reviews, which will tell you a lot about people’s experience, satisfaction, and overall experience with that surgeon. Look for evidence of high-quality results, such as hair transplant before and after photos.
All reputable clinics should have quality and governance measures to ensure patient safety. For example, the Wimpole clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, and all staff members have compulsory safeguarding qualifications.
We follow strict infection prevention procedures to ensure a safe surgical environment, and our facilities are pristine. Our system of reporting incidents or risks continuously improves our service, and all our doctors are registered with the General Medical Council.
Your chosen clinic should offer an appointment to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations for surgery. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation with one of our hair doctors, during which you will also have the opportunity to speak to our surgical team.
During the appointment, ask questions about the expected outcomes, surgical technique, risks and side effects of a hair transplant or forehead reduction, and the recovery process. A reputable clinic will be happy to provide this information to help you make an informed decision about treatment.
Ask about the clinic’s post-operative care plan and follow-up support services. You should be given clear instructions for the recovery period and regular follow-up sessions to monitor your progress. This can reduce stress while you’re recovering from a hair transplant or forehead reduction and ensure you have easy access to support when you need it.
If you have a large forehead or a mature hairline and you’re looking for an experienced surgeon, consider the Wimpole Clinic. We offer natural-looking hair transplants that can reduce your forehead size in a less invasive way than reduction surgery. While hair transplants are often associated with men, women can have hair transplants with great results.
Our clinic locations are easy to reach, and thanks to our reputation, we are one of the top choices for celebrity hair transplants. A hair transplant is permanent, so you can enjoy your new look for many years to come.
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