When discussing facial feminization, understanding these structures allows for precise interventions—whether surgical or aesthetic—to harmonize the face with feminine traits, while always respecting each person’s individual identity and beauty. One way to achieve this is through forehead reduction surgery, also known as a frontoplasty. In this article, we’ll explain what it is and everything you need to know about this surgery.
The Importance of the Upper Third in Facial Feminization
When we think of facial feminization, we often focus on features like the cheekbones, lips, jawline, or nose. However, the upper third of the face—which includes the forehead, eyebrows, and hairline—is essential in the subconscious recognition of gender. These differences are the result of hormonal factors during puberty, which influence both bone growth and hair density and pattern.
Differences Between Male and Female Foreheads
The distinction between male and female foreheads and hairlines is not only aesthetic but also anthropological and skeletal. Generally, faces perceived as masculine tend to have a taller, more vertical, and angular forehead, with greater prominence at the temples, exposing more of the frontal bone. Additionally, men typically have a more pronounced supraorbital ridge (the area above the eyebrows), known as frontal bossing, which contributes to a more rugged and angular appearance.
In contrast, foreheads perceived as feminine are usually shorter, smoother, and more sloped, without prominent bone ridges.
Different Hairline Shapes
Hairline shapes also differ: masculine hairlines typically form an “M” shape, with more pronounced temporal recessions. In feminine faces, the hairline tends to be lower and shaped more like an arch or horseshoe, which frames the face more softly.
What is forehead reduction surgery?
Forehead reduction surgery is a surgical procedure designed to alter the shape of the forehead and feminize the upper third of the face. It involves reducing the frontal bone.
This is a technically demanding and highly personalized surgery that must be performed by surgeons with specific experience in facial feminization.
During the procedure, the frontal bone is accessed through a discreet incision in the scalp to reshape the temporal ridges—which are more prominent in men—and flatten the frontal sinuses, which protrude more in masculine features. In some cases, the eye sockets may also be rounded and enlarged.
The goal is to create a smoother, softer, and more harmonious forehead while preserving natural facial expression and eliminating features strongly associated with a masculine face. Frontoplasty can be performed on its own or as part of full facial feminization surgery.
Hairline Advancement (Scalp Advancement Surgery)
Many trans women have a high hairline or pronounced temporal recessions, which reinforces a masculine facial appearance. In such cases, a forehead reduction frontoplasty—also known as hairline advancement or hairline lowering—may be performed. This surgical technique effectively reduces forehead height by lowering the hairline.
A small incision is made just behind the natural hairline, allowing the scalp to be moved forward by 1–2 centimeters. This shortens the distance between the eyebrows and the hairline, improves facial proportions, and corrects receding areas caused by hair loss—resulting in a hairline that appears more typically feminine.
Additionally, this technique often includes eyebrow repositioning or lifting, enhancing the aesthetics of the upper face.
Hair Transplants to Feminize the Forehead
As an alternative to frontoplasty, hair transplants can be used to restore hair in specific areas using the patient’s own hair. This method helps reshape the hairline into a more rounded and typically feminine pattern.
With hair transplants, it’s possible to fill in receding areas, close the sides, and soften the characteristic “M” shape of the masculine hairline, resulting in a contour more in harmony with feminine facial features. This is a minimally invasive and effective solution that can complement bone surgeries or be used alone, depending on each person’s goals and characteristics.
Non-Surgical Alternatives to Frontoplasty: Microblading
For those who prefer not to undergo surgery or want to enhance surgical results, there are non-invasive options available. One of the most popular is scalp microblading, a semi-permanent pigmentation technique that simulates the appearance of hair in areas with low density or noticeable recessions.
This method can redraw the hairline to give it a softer, more defined shape, achieving a feminine look without surgery.
Results of forehead reduction surgery
Feminizing the forehead and hairline helps many trans women align their physical appearance with their gender identity, contributing to greater comfort and emotional well-being. The results of frontoplasty are natural and aesthetically pleasing, helping patients feel more confident and satisfied with their appearance.
Forehead reduction surgery is one of the most requested procedures among trans women who begin their transition in adulthood. It’s crucial to take a fully personalized approach, listening closely to the patient’s goals and clearly understanding what outcomes can be realistically achieved in each individual case.
Would you like more information about frontoplasty or other aesthetic treatments to feminize the forehead? Get in touch with our team of specialists for a personalized consultation. We’ll guide you to the best option to achieve a more feminine forehead and hairline.
