Hairline
The 'hairline
' is the anatomical boundary where the forehead meets the scalp and hair growth begins. It is an important landmark in various surgical procedures, especially in cranial and facial surgeries.
Definition
Hairline: The contour line on the forehead that marks the transition between the bare skin of the face and the hairy scalp.
Clinical and Surgical Relevance
- Craniotomies: Skin incisions (e.g., pterional, bifrontal) are often placed just behind the hairline to ensure cosmetic healing and scar concealment.
- Plastic surgery: Used as a reference point for forehead lifts, hair restoration, and aesthetic facial proportions.
- Neurosurgery: A “question mark” or curvilinear incision behind the hairline is used to access the skull while preserving cosmesis.
Types of Hairlines
- Low hairline: Closer to the eyebrows; may limit surgical access.
- High hairline: More frontal exposure but can be cosmetically unfavorable.
- Receding hairline: Common with aging; must be considered when planning incisions.
Notes
- Hair is typically parted or shaved along the incision line to maintain sterility and minimize visible trauma.
- Incisions placed behind the hairline reduce postoperative visibility of scars.