Forehead Augmentation — What's the Difference Between Custom Implants and Fillers?

The forehead is an area that greatly influences one's overall impression. Many people feel that a narrow or sunken forehead can make their expression look less bright. Forehead augmentation can broadly be divided into two categories: surgery that improves the contour of the forehead, and procedures that smooth out wrinkles on the forehead.

This article summarizes the custom silicone forehead augmentation offered by Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery in Apgujeong, along with other available methods. You can find our treatment background on the About the Doctor page.

How does custom silicone forehead augmentation work?

This is a surgery that uses silicone to improve the contour of the forehead. A plaster mold is made from an impression of the patient's own forehead, and based on this, a custom-shaped silicone implant is fabricated and applied. The goal of this custom fabrication is to achieve the desired shape without any areas lifting or appearing unnatural.

What are the scarring and recovery like for forehead silicone surgery?

The surgery is performed through a vertical incision in an area hidden by hair, so the scar tends not to be visibly noticeable from the outside. However, for about 1 week to 10 days until the sutures are removed, washing your hair can be inconvenient, and if you visit the clinic, staff can help with disinfection and hair washing. For 5 days after surgery, a bandage is worn on the head, and if swelling takes longer to subside, a sponge may be applied to the forehead for about 3 days.

Swelling and bruising tend to be significant for 2–3 days, then gradually move down toward the eye area as they subside, generally disappearing after about a week, though this varies by individual. In some cases, redness may appear in the whites of the eyes, which is a result of bruising spreading to that area. If pain or discomfort persists, you should be sure to consult your medical team.

If I don't want an implant, are there other options?

Gore-Tex is a relatively higher-cost material, but it can be used effectively when the edges are carefully finished. For patients who are hesitant about using an implant at all, micro-fat injection (fat-graft forehead augmentation) can be considered, in which fat is harvested from the patient's own thighs or abdomen, purified using a centrifuge, and then injected into the forehead. This has the advantage of allowing other areas, such as the nasolabial folds or chin, to be supplemented at the same time. In addition, if the brow bone is significantly protruding, brow bone reduction—in which the protruding area is moderately shaved down—may also be performed.

What kind of procedure is Radiesse calcium filler?

Radiesse is a filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA); it is described as providing an immediate volumizing effect upon injection, followed by stimulation of the body's own collagen production over time. The fine calcium particles are gradually broken down and naturally absorbed by the body. The duration of the effect varies depending on the individual's condition and the treatment site.

The procedure takes about 10 to 30 minutes, anesthesia is provided by applying a topical numbing cream, and patients can generally return to daily activities without hospitalization. However, in some cases, mild swelling or bruising may temporarily occur. Right after the procedure, it is best to avoid strenuous exercise and direct massage of the treated area; if needed, intermittent cold compresses can be applied for about a day, and any other precautions should be discussed with your treating physician.

Should I choose surgery or filler?

It is best to decide by comprehensively considering the extent of forehead contour improvement desired and the amount of time you can allow for recovery. Because the pros and cons of each method and their suitability depend on your individual forehead condition, please consult thoroughly with a specialist via Book a Consultation.

Consultation Information

Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery (Apgujeong, Seoul) · 2F Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · 02-3416-0070 (after hours 070-4027-0070) · Book a Consultation

This article is provided for informational purposes only, and the effects and recovery period of any surgery or procedure may vary by individual. All medical procedures carry a possibility of side effects, so please consult thoroughly with a specialist.

Procedure Detail Materials

Below are procedure guide materials from the previous website (surgery.co.kr). Before-and-after results may vary by individual, and all medical procedures carry a possibility of side effects.