Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #65

face
scalp – usually between 5 and 6cm above the eyebrows,’
he explains. ‘It can look relatively unattractive if the hairline
starts well above this transition point.’
According to Dr Nettle, a higher hairline is usually of
greatest concern in younger patients. Patients most suitable
for surgery usually have flexible skin on their forehead, while
hair density, the presence of any hair whorls or cowlicks,
and hereditary hair loss must be taken into
account before undergoing the procedure.
‘If a patient has a relatively flexible
scalp — in other words if they can wriggle
it backwards and forwards quite freely —
we can achieve a good lowering of the
hairline and forehead reduction,’ he says.
‘If the scalp is not flexible, however, it can
be more difficult to advance the scalp to
reduce the forehead and sometimes twostage
surgery is needed.’
Hairline lowering surgery is commonly
performed at the same time as brow
lifting surgery. It’s important for patients
to understand that hairline lowering does
not necessarily elevate the brows, and
sometimes the surgeries need to be BEFORE
performed in conjunction to achieve the
best aesthetic result.
During the hairline lowering surgery,
an incision is made along the existing
hairline and the hair-bearing scalp is lifted
and moved forwards. The type of incision
is essential in ensuring the best results
– as the hair needs to grow through the
incision during the recovery phase to help
camouflage any scarring.
‘The technique used in hair lowering
surgery is called a trichophytic incision, and
allows hair to grow along the scar during
recovery,’ he says. ‘It’s also important for
the surgeon to understand the direction
of hair growth and preservation of scalp BEFORE
blood supply. These are all technical
details which help ensure optimal results.’
The surgery is performed as a day
surgery procedure, either under general
anaesthesia or with intravenous sedation.
Before the patient leaves the operating
theatre, a light dressing is applied to assist
in healing. The sutures are usually removed
three to seven days post-operation.
‘In my experience, the procedure is
typically very well tolerated,’ says Dr
Nettle. ‘The vast majority of my patients
are able to return to work within three to
seven days of the surgery. I always tell
patients they need to be prepared to wear
their hair in bangs to cover the incision line
BEFORE
for the first year. However my personal experience is that
it is very unusual for anyone to need to keep their hairline
covered beyond three months. In fact, many patients are
able to wear their hair pulled back within weeks of the
surgery.’
‘Hairline lowering surgery can make a real difference in
harmonising and feminising the face,’ he concludes. csbm
AFTER hairline lowering surgery by Dr Nettle
AFTER hairline lowering surgery by Dr Nettle
AFTER hairline lowering surgery by Dr Nettle
www.cosbeauty.com.au 107