Can A Sagittal Crest of the Skull Be Safely Reduced?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I would like to know if an operation is possible. As you can see from my attached photos (+ MRI), I have a lump in the vault of my skull. It makes me very self-conscious. I would like to know if it is possible to reduce it very slightly simply at the point. 

To give you an idea, when I press hard on this bump and the skin comes in for a few seconds, the shape suits me at that time. Is it a malformation of the skull? If this operation is possible, is there no danger to the skull? What would be the price approximately for this operation? 

I thank you in advance. 

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures and CT scan. What you have is a classic posterior sagittal crest/ridge. This skull ridge can be safely reduced and it is an operation I do all the time. You have demonstrated how much reduction you need by your skin compression test which is very achievable. Typically the sagittal crest can be reduced 5 to 6mms as illustrated on a drawing on one of your pictures. This is very safe to do as your CT scan shows that there is ample bone to do so.(see attached)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana