Aesthetic Correction of a Protrusive Forehead through Repositioning of the Anterior Wall of the Frontal Sinus

ABSTRACT

Facial skeletal remodeling was revolutionized more than 30 years ago, by the work of Tessier and other craniofacial surgeons. However, the need to correct the skeleton in the upper third of the face is not frequently diagnosed or treated in aesthetic facial surgery. Here, we report on the aesthetic correction of a protrusive forehead. A patient visited our hospital for aesthetic contouring with a prominent forehead. The anterior wall of the frontal sinus was removed with a craniotome via the bicoronal approach. After the excised bone was repositioned, it was fixed with a titanium mesh plate and screws. An electric burr was used to contour the supraorbital rim and frontal bone. Once the desired shape was achieved, the periosteum was replaced, and the wound was closed in layers. When performed properly, frontal sinus contouring could significantly improve the appearance in patients with a prominent forehead. Plastic surgeons must carefully evaluate patients with a prominent forehead for skeletal remodeling that involves the accurate and safe repositioning of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus.