Forehead Bone Reduction and Augmentation Surgery in Korea

Forehead bone reshaping is a Korean specialty that goes beyond hairline lowering — addressing the underlying bone structure of the forehead through reduction (for prominent or wide foreheads) or augmentation (for flat or narrow foreheads). Korean plastic surgery has refined techniques for both. This guide covers the surgical approaches.

What forehead bone surgery addresses

Reduction

• Prominent forehead — bone projects forward more than facial proportions suggest.
• Brow ridge prominence — supraorbital ridge over the eyes is heavy.
• Frontal sinus prominence — air-filled sinus space within forehead bone projects.
• Asymmetric forehead — one side projects more than the other.

Augmentation

• Flat forehead — lacks the gentle convexity considered aesthetically harmonious.
• Narrow forehead — particularly along the temples.
• Recessed forehead — appears to slope back from the brow.
• Forehead asymmetry — uneven contour.

The reduction techniques

Bone shaving (burr-down)

• For mild to moderate prominence.
• Surgical burr removes outer cortex of forehead bone.
• Limited by frontal sinus location and bone thickness.
• X-ray imaging assesses bone thickness pre-surgery.
• Most appropriate when frontal sinus is small.

Frontal sinus reconstruction

• For significant prominence with large frontal sinus.
• Anterior wall of frontal sinus is removed.
• Repositioned (set back) and reattached with plates and screws.
• Allows greater reduction than shaving alone.
• More technically complex; requires neurosurgery-level expertise.

Combined approach

• Some areas shaved; others reconstructed.
• 3D CT planning essential.
• Patient-specific anatomic considerations.

The augmentation techniques

Fat grafting

• Patient\'s own fat harvested and grafted to forehead.
• Multiple sessions sometimes needed.
• 30–50% resorption typical.
• No foreign material.
• Subtle, natural-looking result.
• Most popular augmentation approach for moderate cases.

Silicone implants

• Custom-shaped silicone implants.
• Plaster mold of forehead used to design.
• 2–3 cm incisions inside hairline.
• Implant placed over bone, beneath periosteum.
• Permanent volume increase.
• Some risk of capsular contracture, displacement over time.

Hyaluronic acid filler (non-surgical)

• Less aggressive option for mild flatness.
• Volumizing HA placed on periosteum.
• Reversible.
• Lasts 12–24 months.
• Cannula technique for safety.
• Useful trial before committing to surgery.

The Korean approach to facial harmony

Korean aesthetic preference for forehead:

• Smooth, gently convex forehead curve.
• Proportional to face — neither prominent nor flat.
• Natural-looking transition to brow.
• Symmetric.
• Coordinated with hairline position and shape.

Diagnostic evaluation

• 3D CT scan to evaluate bone thickness, frontal sinus size.
• Photo analysis at multiple angles.
• 3D facial scan for surgical planning.
• Discussion of aesthetic preferences.
• Assessment of related structures (brow position, hairline).

Combined procedures

Forehead bone surgery commonly combines with:

• Hairline lowering — for tall forehead reduction comprehensively.
• Brow lift — coordinated upper-face rejuvenation.
• Hairline-based incisions for combined access.
• Endoscopic forehead lift — for muscle and brow positioning.
• Fat grafting — even with bone work, soft-tissue volume often added.

For facial feminization patients

Forehead reduction is often a major component of FFS:

• Brow ridge prominence is a strong masculine feature.
• Reduction softens the upper face significantly.
• Combined with brow lift for feminine brow position.
• Hairline lowering often added for higher male hairline.
• Comprehensive upper-face feminization.

Recovery

• Day 0: 3–5 hour procedure under general anesthesia.
• Day 1–7: significant facial swelling; bandages.
• Day 7–10: sutures removed.
• Week 2–3: presentable in public; bruising fading.
• Week 4: 70% of swelling resolved.
• Month 3–6: final result.
• Earliest safe flight: 7–10 days.

Risks specific to forehead bone surgery

• Frontal sinus complications — rare; mucocele formation possible after reconstruction.
• Forehead numbness — temporary in most; can persist in some areas.
• Hardware-related issues — rare with modern fixation.
• Asymmetry — minor differences possible.
• Hair loss along incision — typically transient.
• Visible scar — depends on incision placement.
• Implant complications — for augmentation cases.

What to ask in your consultation

1. Is bone shaving sufficient, or do I need frontal sinus reconstruction?
2. What is the realistic reduction or augmentation possible?
3. Should I combine this with hairline lowering or brow lift?
4. What is your case volume for forehead bone surgery?
5. What does your portfolio look like at 12 months?
6. What are the specific risks for my anatomy?

Pricing in Korea (2026, USD)

• Forehead bone shaving (reduction): $5,000–$10,000.
• Frontal sinus reconstruction: $9,000–$16,000.
• Forehead fat grafting: $3,000–$6,000.
• Forehead silicone implant: $5,000–$10,000.
• Forehead HA filler: $700–$1,800 per session.
• Combined forehead reduction + hairline lowering + brow lift: $14,000–$28,000.

For international patients

• Plan 14–21 day stay for major bone surgery.
• 3D CT scanning and planning take 2–3 days at clinic.
• Fat grafting alternative to bone surgery for some patients.
• Multiple consultations recommended for major procedures.
• Connect with FFS specialist clinics if relevant.

Combined facial harmony planning

Forehead is one component of facial harmony. Korean approach considers:

• Upper face balance with mid and lower face.
• Hairline position relative to forehead height.
• Brow position and shape.
• Nose proportions relative to forehead.
• Comprehensive 3D planning.

The honest framing

Forehead bone surgery is precise, complex work that produces meaningful aesthetic change for the right indication. Korean plastic surgery offers the full range from non-surgical filler trials to comprehensive bone reconstruction with frontal sinus work. The patients who achieve best results have appropriate anatomic indication, choose surgeons with documented forehead bone surgery experience, and combine the procedure thoughtfully with related procedures (hairline, brow, soft tissue). For FFS patients particularly, forehead bone work is often transformative. For cosmetic-only patients, careful candidate selection determines satisfaction.