Can A Female Get Occipital Knob Skull Reduction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello, I was looking online to see if anyone else had my condition. After shaving my hair I noticed how the back of my head is really indented got concerned. I realized my father also has this but it never bothered us. Aesthetically though, after shaving my hair, I don’t feel comfortable with the shape and would like some information on what and why I have this. If you could email back, it would be great! Thank you. 

A: That is a classic occipital knob/bun type skull deformity with a little extra roll of scalp skin. While usually mainly seen in men that may only be because it is not common for women to have shaved heads, at least compared to men. There is no pathologic reason as to why it exists, it is just a normal skull development in some people. It is treated by reduction of the prominent edge of the bone through a small overlying incision.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana