Hairline advancement at a glance
- Duration1 hour
- AnaesthesiaGeneral
- Hospital stayDay surgery or one-night stay
- Time off work10 days
- Final scar6 to 12 months
- Price€2,900 to €6,000
Hairline advancement, or forehead reduction, lowers a high hairline to reduce the appearance of a large forehead, in men and women alike. A strip of forehead skin is removed just in front of the edge of the hairline, and the scalp is brought forward: the forehead is reduced by 1 to 2 cm, with a scar hidden at the hairline. The procedure takes 1 hour at the Clinique Oxford in Cannes, under general anaesthesia, as day surgery or with a one-night stay. The result is immediate; 10 days off work; final scar in 6 to 12 months.
Price: €2,900 to €6,000, on a written quote after consultation (€100).
Why a high forehead?
An excessively large forehead, or a high hairline, is common in men and also affects many women. It is most often due to genetic factors, hair loss and ageing. This “high forehead” appearance is often a source of self-consciousness.
Who is it for?
Men and women with a high hairline. It is important to be in good health and a non-smoker: smokers must stop at least 4 weeks before the procedure.
How is the hairline lowered?
The surgeon removes a strip of forehead skin just in front of the hairline, then brings the scalp forward. The forehead is reduced by 1 to 2 cm. Because the incision follows the hair roots, the scar is barely visible.
Before: the hairline is set high. The strip of skin to be removed (in blue-green) lies just in front of the hairline.
- 1High forehead: the hairline is set high
- 2Strip of forehead skin removed, just in front of the hairline (1 to 2 cm)
- 3Scar at the edge of the hairline, barely visible
- 4Hairline lowered; dotted line: the former one
Dr Médard de Chardon’s experience
- Qualified plastic surgeon in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, former Chef de Clinique (university hospital senior registrar), Nice Faculty of Medicine; in practice in Cannes since 2011; member of SOFCEP (French Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), SOFCPRE (French Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) and ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).
- Performs scalp surgery: hairline advancement and surgery for cutis verticis gyrata, the description of which he co-authored (Annales de chirurgie plastique esthétique, 2009).
See all before and after photos
How does the procedure work?
- ConsultationAt the practice, 101 rue d’Antibes in Cannes (€100): examination of the forehead and hairline, written quote. Statutory 15-day cooling-off period.
- Pre-anaesthetic consultationWith an anaesthetist.
- ProcedureAt the Clinique Oxford in Cannes, under general anaesthesia, in 1 hour, as day surgery or with a one-night stay.
- TechniqueA strip of forehead skin is removed just in front of the hair roots; the scalp is brought forward, then closed with dissolvable stitches placed under the skin. No drain and no compression bandage.
What is the recovery like?
- Result visible immediately.
- No pain: a feeling of tightness for 10 days; minimal discomfort, eased with paracetamol if needed.
- Swelling (oedema) of the forehead and eyelids: 10 days.
- Time off work: 10 days.
- No compression bandage, no drain and no dressing to change; no stitches to remove.
- Final scar: 6 to 12 months.
Where will you be?
14 days after the procedure
What are the risks?
Like any surgery, hairline advancement carries risks, which are explained in detail at the consultation:
- a widened or visible scar at the hairline;
- hair loss along the scar;
- altered sensation in the scalp;
- haematoma or infection.
Choosing a qualified, experienced and reputable surgeon reduces these risks, and can even eliminate some of them.
What does hairline advancement cost?
€2,900 to €6,000
The price is set on a written quote after the consultation (€100). It ranges from €2,900 to €6,000. The procedure is cosmetic surgery and is not covered by French national health insurance (Assurance Maladie).
Book an appointment: +33 (0)4 93 68 86 68 or Doctolib.
Frequently asked questions about hairline advancement
By how much can the forehead be reduced with hairline advancement?
By 1 to 2 cm: the hairline is lowered by the same amount.
Is the scar from hairline advancement visible?
It is placed just in front of the hair roots, at the edge of the hairline: it is barely visible. It reaches its final appearance in 6 to 12 months.
Is hairline advancement painful?
There is no pain, but a feeling of tightness for about ten days. Minimal discomfort can be eased with paracetamol if needed.
When can I go back to work after hairline advancement?
After 10 days. The swelling of the forehead and eyelids also lasts about 10 days.
Are there stitches to remove after hairline advancement?
No. The stitches are dissolvable and placed under the skin; there is no drain, no compression bandage and no dressing to change.
Do I need to stop smoking before hairline advancement?
Yes. Being a non-smoker is recommended, and you should stop smoking at least 4 weeks before the procedure.
Is hairline advancement only for women?
No. Men and women with a high hairline can both benefit from it.
What does hairline advancement cost?
The price is set on a written quote after the consultation (€100) and ranges from €2,900 to €6,000.