Forehead Contouring

At Tran Plastic Surgery, forehead contouring is a transformative procedure designed to refine facial balance and create a softer, more harmonious appearance. For many patients particularly transgender women seeking gender confirmation surgery forehead contouring plays a critical role in facial feminization, helping align outward appearance with inner identity.

Led by Dr. Tuan Tran, a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for his expertise in craniofacial and gender-affirming surgery, our Huntington Beach clinic provides highly customized forehead contouring procedures that address both functional and aesthetic goals.

What Is Forehead Contouring?

Forehead contouring, also called frontal bone reduction or forehead reshaping, is a specialized craniofacial surgery. The procedure reduces the prominence of the brow ridge, reshapes the orbital bones, and can adjust the position of the hairline to create a smoother, more feminine forehead contour.

For patients seeking a softer appearance or relief from gender dysphoria, forehead contouring provides lasting, natural results that integrate seamlessly with the rest of the facial structure. It is frequently combined with complementary procedures such as chest reconstruction or jaw reshaping for a comprehensive approach to gender-affirming care.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for forehead contouring if:

• You are a healthy adult with realistic expectations.

• You feel your forehead or brow ridge appears too prominent, flat, or masculine compared to the rest of your face.

• You are a transgender woman pursuing facial feminization surgery as part of gender confirmation.

• You are seeking greater facial balance and harmony by reducing a disproportionately large or angular forehead.

A personalized consultation with Tran Plastic Surgery ensures that every surgical plan is designed around your facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and long-term well-being.

Benefits of Forehead Contouring

• Softer, more feminine forehead shape with reduced brow bossing.

• Lower, natural hairline for a proportionate frame to the face.

• Improved brow and orbital balance, enhancing the eyes and overall profile.

• Permanent results, unlike fillers or temporary treatments.

• Gender affirmation, helping align external appearance with gender identity.

Patients often report an increase in confidence, comfort in social settings, and relief from gender dysphoria following this procedure.

The Forehead Contouring Procedure

Forehead contouring at Tran Plastic Surgery is performed under general anesthesia for maximum comfort and safety. Depending on individual anatomy, Dr. Tran may recommend a combination of techniques:

1. Brow Bossing Reduction

• For mild to moderate prominence, the brow ridge can be carefully shaved down to create a smoother contour.

• In cases of more severe bossing, a frontal sinus setback may be required. This involves removing and reshaping the anterior sinus wall before reattaching it securely for dramatic, natural-looking results.

2. Hairline Lowering (Scalp Advancement)

• A discreet incision is made within or just at the hairline.

• The scalp is gently advanced forward, allowing Dr. Tran to lower the hairline, reduce forehead height, and achieve balanced proportions.

3. Brow Lift

• Through the same incision, the forehead skin and soft tissue can be repositioned.

• This subtle lift elevates the brows to a more youthful, feminine position while enhancing eye expression.

Together, these surgical techniques create a forehead shape that is softer, more concave, and harmonizes with the rest of the face.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery is an important stage of the transformation process.

• Sensation changes: Temporary numbness in the forehead region is common and usually resolves within 2–4 months. In some cases, full sensation may return gradually over 6–10 months.

• Swelling and bruising: Most patients experience swelling for the first two weeks, which then subsides significantly.

• Incision healing: Scars are minimal, hidden within the hairline, and often concealed naturally as the hair grows.

• Activity limitations: Patients should avoid strenuous activity for at least 4–6 weeks and follow Dr. Tran’s personalized aftercare plan.

Most patients return to daily routines within 2–3 weeks, although full healing and final results continue to develop over several months.

Long-Term Results

Forehead contouring delivers permanent changes to bone structure and facial proportion. Patients can expect:

• A smoother, more concave forehead.

• Balanced brow ridge and orbital contours.

• A natural, proportionate hairline.

• Feminine facial aesthetics that support overall harmony.

The results are designed to look natural, blending seamlessly with the rest of the face without appearing overdone.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of forehead contouring can vary based on the extent of surgery, techniques used, and whether it is combined with other procedures.

Many patients are relieved to learn that major medical insurance plans, including CalOptima, often cover forehead contouring and other facial feminization procedures as part of medically necessary gender-affirming care.

During your consultation, our staff will help you navigate insurance requirements and provide a transparent cost breakdown for your personalized surgical plan.

Why Choose Tran Plastic Surgery?

• Expertise: Dr. Tuan Tran is a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience in craniofacial and gender-affirming procedures.

• Personalized Care: Every surgical plan is tailored to your anatomy, goals, and overall transition journey.

• Comprehensive Services: Forehead contouring can be performed alongside complementary procedures like chest reconstruction or jaw reshaping for a complete feminization approach.

• Trusted Team: Our Huntington Beach staff provides compassionate support, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.

Patient Journey and Consultation

The first step in forehead contouring is a private consultation with Dr. Tran. During this visit, you can expect:

• A detailed evaluation of facial anatomy and goals.

• Review of surgical options and recommendations.

• Discussion of risks, benefits, and recovery expectations.

• Guidance on insurance coverage and cost estimates.

Your consultation ensures that your surgical plan is safe, effective, and aligned with your personal vision of femininity.

Take the Next Step

If you are considering forehead contouring as part of your facial feminization or gender confirmation journey, Tran Plastic Surgery is here to help.

📞 Call us today at 714-839-8000 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Tran.

Experience compassionate, expert care from a trusted team in Huntington Beach, CA because you deserve results that reflect who you truly are.

References:

✍️ Forehead contouring. Dr. Sedgh. https://www.sedghplasticsurgery.com/brow-and-eyelid/forehead-contouring/#:~:text=Forehead%20contouring%20is%20a%20surgical,a%20softer%2C%20more%20feminine%20appearance.&text=Forehead%20contouring%20is%20usually%20performed,femininity%20of%20the%20facial%20structure. 

✍️ Hannan, C. (Ed.). Lockett, E. (2020, January 6). All about forehead reduction surgery. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/forehead-reduction-surgery#takeaway 

✍️ Tran, T. A. (Ed.). Do, N. (2020, September 11). Gender affirmation surgery: And everything you need to know. Tran Plastic Surgery. Retrieved from https://www.tranplastic.com/gender-affirmation-surgery-and-everything-you-need-to-know/ 

✍️ What is forehead reduction (contouring or reshaping) surgery? (n.d.). Deschamps – Braly Clinic. Retrieved from https://deschamps-braly.com/what-is-forehead-reduction-surgery/