Treatment guide

Brow Bone Reduction

A brow bone reduction is a cosmetic treatment that aims to change the shape of your forehead. This minimally invasive procedure is done by physically altering the shape of the bones that make up the forehead.

As such a prominent part of our face, feeling self-conscious about the appearance of our forehead can be upsetting. But, a brow bone reduction — also known as forehead contouring or forehead augmentation — offers a relatively straightforward solution.

Choosing to undergo forehead contouring though, can feel daunting at first. Finding the right doctor and clinic, managing the balance between price and quality, and choosing whether to get a brow bone reduction in the UK or abroad, are just a few important things to think about.

The content has been reviewed for quality and accuracy to the best of our knowledge by Qunomedical and its Medical Board of Experts.

Brow Bone Reduction Quick Details

WHO IS THIS FOR

  • Those who are looking to adjust the shape and contours of their forehead.

  • Individuals who are transitioning from male to female and are looking for a more feminine appearance.

TREATMENT DURATION

  • Forehead contouring usually takes around two hours.

  • If done locally, you may be able to return home the same day.

  • If performed abroad, you might need to stay overnight and return to the clinic for post-op consultation.

RECOVERY TIME

  • Expect some pain and discomfort following the surgery, but this can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers.

  • Stitches can be removed after around 7-10 days. If sutures are used, these dissolve after around a week.

  • Most people go back to work after a couple of weeks.

  • Expect some numbness and swelling of your forehead for a few months.

  • Full results are generally visible around three months after treatment.

SUCCESS

POTENTIAL RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS

  • Sinus damage 

  • Scarring

  • Inflammation

  • Infection

  • Numbness

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

How Much Does a Brow Bone Reduction Cost?

Brow bone reduction costs have become more affordable in recent years. But, prices for the treatment can change depending on a few factors.

Brow bone reduction costs can vary based on:

  • The complexity of your case.

  • The specific doctor and clinic that you choose.

  • Whether you choose to get a brow bone reduction in the UK or abroad (where prices are usually cheaper).

  • Whether you choose to add a supporting treatment like jaw shaping or cheek implants.

International Starting Prices

Below, we’ve laid out the average starting price for forehead contouring across different countries. These prices are not fixed or guaranteed and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

CountryPrice (EUR €)
Thailand€2,200
Turkey€2,500
Mexico€3,400
Lithuania€3,700
United Kingdom€7,200

Is Forehead Contouring Right for Me?

Both men and women choose to undergo forehead contouring for a variety of reasons. Eligibility and suitability can depend on your situation and what your expectations are going into it. But, a brow bone reduction is often performed to:

  • Correct an uneven forehead surface.

  • Reduce a protruding forehead or brow ridge.

  • Correct the appearance of sunken eye sockets due to a protruding forehead.

  • Create a more feminine, smooth, and gently sloped forehead.

How Does a Brow Bone Reduction Work?

A brow bone reduction involves reshaping the contours of your forehead. While this process can vary depending on the type of forehead augmentation you undergo, there are a few common steps involved.

1. Pre-Op Consultation

Your doctor will discuss your reasons for undergoing the treatment, as well as your goals and expectations. A general health assessment might be performed, as well as a CT Scan to analyse the shape, position, and size of the bone and determine whether you’re eligible for the treatment.  

2. Preparing for Surgery

Most brow bone reductions are performed using local anaesthesia. This means that you’ll be fully awake during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort. Depending on your situation though, your doctor might prefer to use general anaesthesia. This is something that can be discussed during your pre-op consultation.

3. The Brow Bone Reduction Procedure

The exact technique that your doctor uses will depend on the type of surgery that you undergo. But, some common steps are involved in most brow bone reductions. Your doctor will: 

  • Make an incision in the brow — generally along the hairline — to access the brow bone.

  • Remodel the brow and remove any bone mass needed to reshape the forehead.

  • Close the incisions using stitches or sutures to minimise any potential scarring. 

Are There Different Types of Brow Bone Reduction?

Once you’ve decided to undergo forehead contouring, it’s important to choose the right technique for surgery. There are a variety of different types of brow bone reductions that are suitable, depending on the reasons and goals for your treatment.

Brow Bone Reduction With Shaving

Brow Bone Reduction With Shaving and Filling

Brow Bone Reduction With Forehead Reconstruction

Brow Bone Reduction With Forehead Reconstruction and Filling

Brow Bone Reduction: Results and Recovery

Following a forehead contouring procedure, you can expect some mild swelling and bruising. Any pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers and should begin to ease in the first few days. But, you should try to avoid any sport or strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks to give the treated area the chance to recover quickly. 

If your doctor used stitches during your surgery, then these will be removed between 7-10 days after your treatment. If surgical sutures were used, these dissolve after around a week. Most patients return to work a couple of weeks after their treatment, but it’s common to experience some numbness in the forehead for about 1-3 months after the procedure. Full results usually take a few months to show, once the forehead has had time to heal following the procedure. 

Combining Forehead Augmentation With Other Treatments

A brow bone reduction is often combined with other supporting treatments. This is commonly done as part of a wider facial feminisation surgery (FFS) process. Below, we’ve outlined the most common supporting treatments in more detail.

Cheek Implants

Jaw Shaping

Hairline Lowering Surgery

Brow Lift

Forehead Contouring: At Home or Abroad?

Choosing between getting a brow bone reduction in the UK or overseas can be tricky. Travelling abroad for treatment is becoming increasingly popular due to a few important reasons.

Patients choose to travel abroad for forehead augmentation because:

  1. Brow bone reduction costs at clinics abroad are much lower than in the UK.

  2. Some of the most qualified and experienced plastic surgeons are based overseas.

  3. Care standards at clinics abroad often exceed those at clinics in the UK.

  4. Access to cosmetic surgery abroad is often easier, with more doctors and shorter waiting lists.

  5. Travelling overseas for treatment allows you to recover in a safe and private space.

Despite the increase in popularity of travelling abroad for a brow bone reduction, there are still a few common questions that patients ask before booking their treatment.

1. Will the Doctors and Clinic Staff Abroad Speak English?

2. Do the Low Brow Bone Reduction Costs Abroad Mean a Lower Standard of Care?

3. How Long Will I Need to Be Abroad For?

Why Choose Qunomedical?

At Qunomedical, we take a patient first approach, with no exceptions. Our company was built on the passionate belief that high-quality, affordable healthcare should be easily and readily accessible to all, regardless of background.

100% free, non-binding assessment: We offer a 100% free, non-binding assessment, regardless of whether you go on to book a treatment or not.

World-renowned doctors: Our proprietary scoring system, Qunoscore, evaluates doctors on more than 20 data points including qualifications, experience, accreditations, number of treatments performed, value for money, and reviews from past patients. 

All-inclusive packages: When booking through Qunomedical, you can access all-inclusive packages for your brow bone reduction. These include things like accommodation, airport transfers, and a clinic shuttle service. 

Price match: Found forehead contouring offered at the same clinic cheaper somewhere else? Let us know and we’ll match the price.

Frieda

Patient manager

Frieda

Your personal Patient Manager

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