Hairline Lowering (HALO Surgery)
IN SYDNEY
HALO Surgery / Forehead Reduction
Measured reduction of forehead height with attention to hairline shape, scar placement, and scalp health.
My approach is considered, curated, and grounded in a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Planning focuses on forehead height, hairline density and pattern, brow position, scalp laxity, and likely scar behaviour. Incisions are designed for a trichophytic closure (so hairs can grow through the scar) and tension is carefully controlled to support a fine line and stable advancement.
What is HALO Surgery?
Hairline lowering (also called forehead reduction) advances the hair-bearing scalp forward to reduce forehead height. In suitable candidates, typical advancement is ~1–3 cm, determined by native scalp laxity and, where needed, galeal scoring (and in selected cases, staged tissue expansion). The scalp is advanced and secured to deep stable layers; excess forehead skin is removed along the new hairline, and the incision is closed with trichophytic beveling to camouflage the line with regrowing hairs.
Where HALO fits among other options
HALO (scalp advancement)
Immediate, structural reduction of forehead height; relies on scalp laxity and careful scar design.
Hair transplantation alone
Adds density or rounds the corners/temples, but does not lower the entire hairline effectively on its own. Often used later to refine shape.
Pre-op tissue expansion
For patients seeking >3 cm advancement or with limited laxity; staged approach with a temporary expander.
Brow lift vs HALO
A standard brow lift may raise the hairline. When both brow shaping and hairline reduction are desired, vectors are planned so brow position and hairline advancement are balanced via a pretrichial (hairline) approach.
Adjuncts
Temple corner softening with grafts; forehead skin treatments for texture/lines.
COMBINE YOUR HALO
Refine & Rejuvenate
Periocular rejuvenation: Upper blepharoplasty in the same field when appropriate.
Skin quality: Resurfacing (laser or chemical peel) for forehead lines - commonly staged.
Other facial procedures: May be combined or staged with rhinoplasty, lip lift, or lower-face surgery depending on swelling patterns and aftercare.
WHY CONSIDER HALO?
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
High hairline/long forehead with good frontal scalp density.
Stable hair pattern and adequate scalp laxity.
Desire for structural reduction rather than camouflage alone.
Good general health and realistic goals.
When another approach may be better:
Active or progressive hair loss (especially male-pattern): risk of future recession exposing the scar - often better to stabilise first ± plan for grafting.
Very thin frontal hair, poor scalp laxity, or history of poor scarring.
Prior coronal/scalp scars limiting advancement.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From Consultation to Recovery - Hairline Lowering (HALO) Surgery
Undergoing HALO surgery is a detailed and personalised process. From your first consultation to your final review, every stage is carefully planned to support your comfort, safety, and optimal healing.
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Your Initial Consultation
Forehead height and glabella-to-hairline measurements; scalp laxity assessment; hairline shape and density mapping.
Discussion of HALO vs grafting vs expansion; brow position; scar strategy (trichophytic).
Photography and planning; costs, risks, and recovery.
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Preoperative Planning
Smoking cessation, medication review, and scalp skincare.
If >3 cm desired and laxity limited: discuss staged tissue expansion.
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Surgery Day
Setting: Accredited day surgery / hospital.
Anaesthesia: General or local with sedation.
Duration: Typically 1.5–3 hours (longer with adjuncts).
Technique: Pretrichial/trichophytic incision; galeal release/scoring as needed; scalp advancement and layered fixation; meticulous closure; light head dressing.
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Week 1 Post-Op
Swelling peaks 48–72 hours; tightness/numbness along the front scalp is expected.
Staples/sutures usually removed day 5–10.
Sleep head-elevated; short walks encouraged.
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Week 2–3 Post-Op
Return to desk work ~7–10 days (camouflage as needed).
Gentle hair care; avoid colouring/chemical services until cleared (commonly ≥2–3 weeks).
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6 Weeks+ Post-Op
Ongoing scar maturation; resume full exercise typically by 3–4 weeks (as advised).
Optional temple/edge grafting commonly timed 6–12 months later if desired.
YOUR RECOVERY
Postoperative Care & Follow-up
Hair & scalp: Gentle shampoo after first review; avoid heat styling directly on the incision until healed; no tight ponytails initially.
Scar care: Begin silicone therapy and gentle massage when closed; strict sun protection.
Sensation: Patchy numbness/tingling along the front scalp is common and generally improves over weeks to months.
Activity: Walking from day 1; avoid heavy lifting/straining until cleared.
SURGICAL RISKS
What Are the Risks of HALO Surgery?
Scar concerns: Widening, hypertrophic change, pigment shift; visible line in certain hairstyles (temporal angles).
Shock alopecia at the incision edges (usually temporary).
Asymmetry or contour irregularity; need for refinement grafting.
Under- or over-advancement relative to laxity/plan.
Prolonged numbness/tingling; discomfort or tightness.
Infection, haematoma, delayed healing (higher risk in smokers).
Future hairline recession (especially with genetic hair loss) - may expose the scar; long-term planning is discussed pre-op.
Why Choose Dr Karagiannis for your HALO Surgery?
1. Expertise & Experience
Multiple facial aesthetic fellowships across Europe and Australia, with focused experience in hairline-adjacent facial surgery and scar-conscious planning.
2. Vector-led, anatomy-first approach
Advancement tailored to scalp laxity, hair direction, and brow position; trichophytic closure to help hairs grow through the scar.
3. Patient-Centered Care
Measured, compliant counselling consistent with Australian guidelines - clear discussion of benefits, risks, and alternatives, including future hair planning.
4. Follow-up
Continuity of care in accredited facilities with structured follow-up and staged options (e.g., temple refinement grafting).
HALO Surgery FAQS
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Typically ~1–3 cm, determined by scalp laxity and tissue characteristics. Greater reductions may require tissue expansion.
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The incision is along the hairline with a trichophytic bevel so hairs can grow through. Scar quality varies; careful closure, silicone therapy, and sun protection help it settle.
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Selected men with stable hairlines and adequate density may be candidates. Progressive recession increases the chance of scar visibility; long-term planning is essential.
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Some patients choose temple/edge grafting later to soften corners or further blend the line - often at 6–12 months.
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Not necessarily. Brow position can be preserved or subtly adjusted using a pretrichial approach; vectors are planned so you keep the forehead reduction you want.
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Gentle shampooing usually after your first review; colouring/chemical treatments ≥2–3 weeks once healed and cleared.
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Light walking immediately; most exercise by 3–4 weeks as advised. Avoid tight headwear until the incision is comfortable and fully healed.
Request a Consultation
We’ll measure forehead height, assess scalp laxity and hairline shape, and confirm whether HALO, tissue expansion, and/or adjunct grafting best suits your goals.