methods of fabricating an energy - assisted magnetic recording head to compensate for a heat - induced protrusion of a near field transducer formed therein are disclosed . the methods can include applying optical power to the near field transducer to generate heat therein . the near field transducer protrudes beyond an air bearing surface of the eamr head by the generated heat . the methods can further include removing a protruded portion of the near field transducer .