San Francisco
2299 Post St. Suite 207
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 530-5335
Los Angeles
1317 5th St #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 751-5886
Frontal sinus setback is a gender-affirming facial procedure that reshapes the bony area above the eyebrows. It is used when the brow region needs a more structural change than surface contouring alone can provide.
At Align Surgical Associates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, frontal sinus setback is planned with close attention to the brow ridge, frontal sinus anatomy, and how the upper face is shaped overall.
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What Is Frontal Sinus Setback Surgery?
Frontal sinus setback surgery is a type of forehead contouring used when brow prominence requires a more structural change. Instead of surface reshaping alone, it addresses the underlying frontal sinus area to create a smoother contour.
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We lead with your goals and make decisions—together.
Your plan starts with what matters most to you, such as function, sensation, privacy, recovery realities, and your day-to-day life.
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We give honest recommendations.
We'll be transparent about what a technique can and can't reliably do for your anatomy and priorities, and we'll explain why we're recommending a particular approach.
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We treat the whole person.
We don't reduce care to a single concern or body area. We look at your goals, your comfort, and what's safest and most supportive for you overall.
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We prioritize privacy, dignity, and emotionally safe care.
We understand that many patients come in with complex past healthcare experiences and strive to create an environment where you always feel respected, welcomed, and seen at every step.
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We're built for gender-affirming care.
Gender-affirming surgery isn't a side offering at Align—it's our life's work.
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We evolve with the community.
Care and language change over time. We are dedicated to staying current, listening, and adapting.
Who Might Consider Frontal Sinus Setback?
Frontal sinus setback may be a meaningful option for transfeminine individuals, nonbinary patients, and other gender-diverse people seeking reduction of a prominent brow ridge as part of a facial feminizing plan. For many patients, the focus is on how the brow area influences overall facial balance and profile.
Some surgeons "offer" gender-affirming surgery among many other services. For Align, it's the center of our life's work. Our 6 board-certified surgeons have committed themselves wholly to gender-affirming care and research. This means we aren't just helping patients reach their embodiment goals; we are helping to make their care better—better understood, better supported, and performed in the best way possible. Meet the specialists behind the transformations.
What Is Recovery Like After Frontal Sinus Setback?
Recovery after a frontal sinus setback depends on the extent of the surgery and whether it is performed on its own or with other facial procedures. Most patients should expect swelling, bruising, numbness or tightness in the forehead or scalp, and a period of reduced activity during early healing.
We’ll walk you through what to expect as you heal based on your specific procedure and plan.
How Much Does Frontal Sinus Setback Cost in San Francisco and Los Angeles?
Gender-affirming care, including frontal sinus setback, is often covered by insurance. If you are using insurance, we will guide you through the authorization process and what to expect.
If you prefer to pay out of pocket, we will give you a personalized quote based on your surgical plan, including whether your frontal sinus setback is being performed on its own or with other related procedures.
Travel planning can involve a lot of moving parts, especially when you're coordinating around surgery. If you're coming to Align from outside the Bay Area or Los Angeles, we have resources specifically for you.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, frontal sinus setback carries risks, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, swelling, numbness, healing concerns, and contour irregularities. Because this procedure involves the bony area over the frontal sinus, recovery can also include swelling that may take time to resolve and temporary changes in sensation across the forehead or scalp.
Frontal Sinus Setback FAQ
Is frontal sinus setback the same as forehead contouring?
No. Frontal sinus setback is one type of forehead contouring procedure. It is used specifically when brow prominence is related to the frontal sinus area and requires a more structural correction.
Can frontal sinus setback be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes. Frontal sinus setback is often combined with other facial procedures when multiple areas of the upper face are being treated together.
How do surgeons decide whether frontal sinus setback is necessary?
Your surgeon will make a recommendation based on your brow ridge and frontal sinus anatomy, as well as the type of forehead change you want to achieve. They evaluate whether the area can be addressed with more limited contouring or if a setback is needed.
When To See a Frontal Sinus Setback Specialist in San Francisco and Los Angeles
We recommend booking a consultation if you’re considering changes to your brow and want to understand whether a more structural approach is needed, or whether to combine forehead surgery with hairline advancement or other upper-face procedures.
Explore Your Frontal Sinus Setback Options
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Request an in-person or virtual consultation using the online form or call Align Surgical Associates to get started. We are proud to offer frontal sinus setback for San Francisco and Los Angeles patients, as well as individuals traveling from outside of California.
San Francisco Office: (415) 530-5335
Los Angeles Office: (310) 751-5886
Reviewed for medical accuracy by Paul Mittermiller, MD
Further reading:
- Khetpal, S., Dahoud, F., Elias, A., Sasson, D. C., Wolfe, E. M., & Lee, J. C. (2024). Feminization of the Forehead: A Scoping Literature review and cohort Study of transfeminine patients. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-04143-6
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.-d). Facial feminization surgery. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/facial-feminization-surgery
- Standards of Care 8 | WPATH. (n.d.-e). https://www.wpath.org/publications/soc
- Jacqueline A. Wulu, MD, MS, Elizabeth Blasberg, MD, & Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD. (n.d.). Feminizing frontal cranioplasty. Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. https://www.optecoto.com/article/S1043-1810(23)00003-9/abstract