Custom Skull Implants

Q: Dr. Eppley, I wanted to ask a very brief question for your blog that is relevant to me, and I believe will help others.

Custom skull implants can cover the entire bony skull, forehead and brow, the scalp tissue permitting. Because of financial constraints I cannot afford multiple implants. However I want augmentation of the temporal area. With a two stage tissue expander is it possible to include the temporal region in this singular total skull implant? Also how far down the lateral orbital rim may the implant extend. I’m aware that the top part is contiguous with the brow and can usually be augmented at the same time. How much exactly of the lateral orbital rim could be covered with this custom skull implant (can it stretch down slightly below the lateral canthus)?

Thank you.

A: Thank you for your inquiry. As best as I can understand your question about custom skull implant coverage, it can be designed to any size or cover any area including that of the temporal region. There may be issues of implant placement, incision size etc that may affect that consideration, but it is not a design restriction. I have done large custom skull implants before.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana