Forehead Feminization Surgery Care Instructions

You may shower as early as the day after surgery. Your regular shampoo and conditioner are safe to use.

Yes. Please refrain from submerging your incision underwater (e.g., baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans) for the first three weeks after surgery.

Why do I need sinus precautions after forehead feminization surgery?

During your forehead feminization surgery, the anterior table (the front wall or “lid”) of your frontal sinus was temporarily removed to allow contouring of the forehead. Once the contouring was completed, this bone was carefully placed back into position.

As this area heals, there is a temporary seam between the sinus bone and the rest of your skull. Until it fully seals, this seam is not airtight. Activities that increase sinus pressure can force air through this seam into the soft tissues of the forehead.

While this is not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable or unsettling. To reduce the risk, we ask that you follow the sinus precautions below for 6 weeks after surgery.

What should I avoid?

• Do not blow your nose.
• Cough or sneeze with your mouth wide open.
• If you tend to hold sneezes in, make a conscious effort to open your mouth and let the sneeze out fully.
• Avoid using straws.
• Keep your head elevated.
  • Avoid bending over.
  • Use a sleeping setup that keeps your head and upper body elevated:
  • Sleep with several pillows supporting your head and shoulders, or elevate the head of your bed slightly (approximately 10 degrees).

Why head elevation matters

• Keeping your head elevated helps reduce swelling and promotes healthy drainage from the frontal sinus.
• Sleeping flat or with only one pillow can:
  • Slow down the reduction of swelling, which may cause concern about the healing progress.
  • Allow blood or fluid to pool in the frontal sinus overnight.

When this fluid drains suddenly in the morning, it may appear as brownish or reddish mucus. Head elevation allows this drainage to occur more gradually throughout the day. It is still normal to cough up small amounts of old blood or blood-tinged mucus for several weeks after surgery.

Is numbness normal after surgery?

Yes. Numbness or altered sensation is completely expected after forehead feminization surgery.

During the procedure:

• The forehead sensory nerves (supraorbital nerves) are gently stretched.
• Sensory nerves at the back of the scalp are temporarily cut to allow access to the forehead.

These nerves control sensation only, not movement.

What sensations might I experience?

You may notice numbness, tingling, sensitivity, or altered sensation in the forehead or scalp. These changes typically appear within the first 3–4 months and gradually improve over time.

Every patient heals differently, and the degree or duration of numbness can vary. While great care is taken to protect nerves during surgery, temporary sensory changes are a normal part of the healing process.

If you experience concerns after surgery, you will be provided with dedicated communication channels as part of your post‑operative documentation. These channels are designed to ensure timely and appropriate support during your recovery.

If you are unsure which communication method to use or need a reminder, you may contact your patient coordinator, who can guide you to the appropriate channel.

Please notify the clinic if you are admitted to a hospital within 10 days of your procedure.