What Is The Best Skull Augmentation Material?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi. I have about a half inch of bone loss in my parietal regin going all the way to the back of my head and bone loss in my back of my head. I saw that you performed an implant on some with a similar problem with silicon. I wanted to know if there was anything else available because I don’t feel comfortable about putting silicon in my body. Would fat transfer work or would you recommend something else. I have had this problem for years, but hair is thinning out and I am not able to cover it up like I used to. Thank you!

A: There are lots of different materials that can be used for skull augmentation or fill in of defects.The one major issue with all of them is that wide open exposure is needed to apply them to the bone site. In other words, a long scar across the top of your head. The reason that custom silicone implants are one of the most popular forms of skull augmentation is that they can be placed through much small and more discrete incisions and do not run the risk of any contour or edge transition problems. There are no effective injectable methods of skull augmentation. While fat can be injected, its survival is highly unpredictable as well as how smooth it might be. (which it wouldn’t) But there are no adverse effect from using fat other than how well it may or may not work.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana