Can A 7 Year-Old Undergo Skull Reduction Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, My 7-year-old daughter cannot wear a sports helmet due to the shape of her skull (widening in the back of the head). This is interfering with her ability to safely play sports and socialize. We believe this is a functional impairment as it is going to affect her entire childhood. Are there options for parental consent?

A: At just 7 years old the skull has not developed enough bone thickness that skull reductions can be safely performed.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon