Surgical Name : Scalp Advancement / Forehead Reduction
Hospital Admission: 2 nights
Duration of Operation: 3 - 4 hours
Anesthetic: General Anesthesia
Recommended stay in Bangkok: 10 - 14 days

Who benefits from scalp advancement?
Clients who are concerned about the size or height of their forehead which is not in proportion to their facial features.

How is scalp advancement surgery performed?
During the surgery, the excess forehead and/or scalp is excised and the scalp is advanced to the new hairline. The incisions are made in such a manner (trichophytic) so that hair regrows through and in front of the eventual hairline scar making it undetectable. The scalp has to be detached from the skull going far back almost to the neck.

Additional scalp advancement can be obtained by incising the galea (the deep fibrous inelastic scalp layer) which allows the scalp to stretch. Occasionally the surgeon will use implantable devices or sutures to secure the scalp to the bone at its new forward location. Dr. Boonchai will generally close the wound with 2 layers of sutures or surgical clips

Pre-Operative Care
Our team will evaluate your medical history to check for conditions that may delay the surgery or the healing process. Some of the common conditions are:

• Bleeding tendencies – problems with blood clotting, or lack of clotting
• Scarring problems you have had in the past – like keloid scars and hypertrophic scars
• Hypertension (High blood pressure) – particularly if it is not under control.
• Smoking – this may affect your reaction to the anaesthetic and prolong the healing process. Please stop smoking 4 weeks prior to surgery.

Please avoid aspirin and brufen-containing medication for two weeks prior to surgery to eliminate the chance of post op bleeding. Generally it is best to continue any blood pressure or blood sugar medications. These may safely be taken with a sip of water on the morning of surgery. Women should ensure negative pregnancy test before surgery.

Protect your health prior to surgery. Even a simple cold could cause complications with the anesthesia. If you do develop an illness right before your surgery, let your surgeon know. On the day of your procedure, do not wear any skin care products, makeup, deodorant, perfume, nail polish or powder.

Post-Operative Care
Following surgery, a soft dressing is placed around the forehead and left in position overnight. The dressing is then replaced with an ace bandage for 7 days after surgery. The bandage reduces swelling and helps protect the area.

Most patients spend one night in the hospital and return to their home or hotel the next day. Pain is commonly mild and well managed with prescription pain medication. Showering and gentle washing of the hair are permissible but must be done with care. It is important to towel dry and comb your hair towards the incision line (so as not to stretch it) and to only use a blow-dryer on the “cool” setting (unheated).

Sutures are removed 6-8 days after surgery. Most patients feel well enough to return to work 7-8 days after surgery; however, if the surgery is combined with multiple procedures then it may be advisable to wait two weeks before returning to work. Strenuous activity (causing sweating or rise in blood pressure) and light exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks. More vigorous exercises like yoga, pilates and running should be avoided for 6 weeks.