Do I Need A Custom Skull Implant For A Flat Back Of The Head?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a flat area on the back of my head exactly like the picture you have on your website and have attached it so that you can see what I’m describing. If you can, even though you haven’t been able to see the back of my head in person, could you give me an approximate cost for the type of procedure to correct this? Please let me know if you need any additional info. I’m 50 years old and in good health. Thank you.

A: Such an occipital augmentation can be done using a skull implant made of silicone that is created one of two ways. The picture you are describing is that of an actual custom made occipital implant from the patient’s 3D CT scan. One could argue that is the ideal way to do the procedure. The other approach is to use preformed occipital implants that I have developed in different sizes as an off-the-shelf option that avoids the need for a 3D CT scan and is done at a lower cost due to being performed and not custom made.

I will have my assistant Camille pass along the costs of both occipital implant augmentation approaches (preformed and custom skull implants) to you on Monday.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana