Chrissy Teigen's hairline makeover: what you need to know about this trendy procedure

Chrissy Teigen, never one to shy away from transparency, has once again opened up about her journey with cosmetic surgery.

This time, the 39-year-old model, cookbook author, and mom of four revealed her most recent procedure: a hairline-lowering surgery, also known as forehead reduction.

Teigen, who has previously been candid about her experiences with cosmetic enhancements, sparked speculation after sharing an Instagram Live video from a hospital bed, wearing a chin support wrap.

The following day, she took to Instagram Stories to address her curiosity. "Hi, friends! A lot of you were wondering about my hospital pic, which is very understandable as I gave no explanation, lol, I had a hairline lowering procedure."

The "Cravings" author explained her reasons for undergoing the surgery, citing changes to her hairline after having children. "I lost a lot in the front from babies, and it’s just very thin up there,” she said, adding that her signature red carpet looks often relies on extensions.

Teigen even shared a photo of her post-surgical hairline, complete with sutures, teasing followers with a promise to share more of the journey later.

What is hairline-lowering surgery? To better understand the procedure, Independent Lifestyle reached out to Dr Judey Pretorius, a distinguished Biomedical Scientist with vast expertise in wound healing, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy.

“Hairline lowering, also referred to as hairline advancement or forehead reduction, involves repositioning the hairline closer to the eyebrows to reduce the height of the forehead,” explains Pretorius.

“An incision is made along the hairline, and a portion of the forehead skin is removed. The hairline is then pulled downward, creating a more balanced and proportionate appearance.”

This surgical procedure is popular among women who feel self-conscious about a naturally high hairline or large forehead. While the surgery is often performed alone, it can also be combined with hair transplants or brow lifts for enhanced results.

Why is this procedure gaining popularity?

Hairline lowering isn’t just another Hollywood trend; it addresses a real concern for many people.

According to Medical Hair Restoration, women with naturally high hairlines often feel self-conscious, and the procedure allows for a more harmonious facial aesthetic.

Prestorius notes, “This surgery can restore confidence, especially for individuals who have struggled with their hairline for years. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations and understand the risks involved.”

Surgical vs non-surgical options

While hairline-lowering surgery offers permanent results, non-surgical alternatives do exist: 

• Dermal fillers: They can reduce the perceived height of the forehead by adding volume to the area. However, this is a temporary solution that requires ongoing maintenance.
• Botox: It can weaken forehead muscles, slightly lowering the hairline. Like fillers, results are temporary.
• Scalp micro pigmentation: This involves tattooing the scalp to mimic the appearance of a fuller hairline.

Though non-invasive, it’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t physically lower the hairline. For those seeking dramatic, lasting results, surgery is often the preferred option.

The risks and realities of hairline-lowering surgery

Like any surgical procedure, hairline lowering carries risks. Prestorius outlines some of the most common complications:

• Scarring: While surgeons aim to minimise scarring, some visibility is unavoidable. Healing varies depending on skin type and individual recovery.
• Nerve damage: Temporary or permanent numbness in the scalp or forehead can occur.
• Hair Loss: Some patients experience hair loss near the incision line, though this is often temporary.
• Asymmetry: Results might not always be perfectly symmetrical.
• Infection: Proper post-operative care is essential to prevent infection at the incision site. Despite these potential risks, many patients report high satisfaction rates, with the procedure delivering a significant boost in confidence.

Teigen’s hairline surgery is just the latest in a series of cosmetic procedures she’s openly discussed. Over the years, the "Lip Sync Battle" host has undergone:

Breast augmentation and reduction: “I’ve had my boobs done three times,” she shared on Watch What Happens Live.

Buccal fat removal: To enhance facial definition.

Armpit Liposuction: “It was one of the best things I’ve done,” she told Refinery29. While Teigen embraces her choices with humour and candour, she also acknowledges the importance of informed decision-making. “I have no regrets, honestly,” she said in a past interview.

Is hairline lowering right for you?

Prestorius emphasises that not everyone is a suitable candidate for hairline-lowering surgery. Ideal candidates:

Have a naturally high hairline or large forehead.

Are in good health with no underlying conditions that could impair healing.

Have stable hair patterns (progressive hair loss should be addressed before surgery). Recovery typically takes several weeks. Swelling and redness subside within 7–10 days, but it may take months for the final results to fully emerge.

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least four weeks post-surgery. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, doing your homework is crucial. Consult a board-certified surgeon, weigh the risks, and set realistic expectations.