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Forehead Reduction: A Retrospective Study of 820 Consecutive Cases

  • Original Article
  • Facial Surgery
  • Published:
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

An excessively open forehead poses a significant aesthetic problem that can lead to a lack of self-confidence, social weakness, failures in private and business life, and unhappiness due to its impact on perceived ideal facial proportions. The surgical technique for forehead reduction is discussed in the literature from different perspectives, but a single clinical method that is based on a relatively large series covering the current approach, technical details, and results still seems to have potential scientific benefits.

Methods

Between 08/2019 and 01/2025, 820 consecutive forehead reduction surgeries were performed with the same technique. Preoperative markings, site infiltration, incision and dissection details, tissue resection considerations, methods for fixing the advancement flap to the bone, and the subtleties of suturing are discussed. Complications were evaluated. The discomfort of the resulting scars and the patients’ overall satisfaction with the process and outcome were surveyed.

Results

The mean shortened length was 25,5 mm (10–50 mm). The maximum follow-up period was 71 months. Patients rated their satisfaction with the outcome of their procedure on a scale of 1 to 5, and the average satisfaction score was 3,98.

Conclusion

The technique discussed in detail in this study provides a reliable treatment option and improved aesthetic outcomes with few complications for individuals who want an effective and permanent solution to their high forehead.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors  www.springer.com/00266.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Private Practice, BHT Clinic, Istanbul Tema Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Cengizhan Ekizceli

  2. Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey

    Emre Hocaoğlu

Authors
  1. Cengizhan Ekizceli
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  2. Emre Hocaoğlu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Emre Hocaoğlu.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Ethical Approval

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Istanbul University prior to the execution of this study (document registration number: 07.11.2023-2235941).

Informed Consent

Informed consent forms were obtained from the patients whose photographs and videos were used. Patients who completed telephone surveys on scar status and satisfaction were also informed that the information collected during these interviews would be used in a scientific study, with confidentiality being maintained.

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Ekizceli, C., Hocaoğlu, E. Forehead Reduction: A Retrospective Study of 820 Consecutive Cases. Aesth Plast Surg (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-025-05421-7

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Supplementary file 1 (MP4 93313 KB)