Can A Second Iliac Crest Reduction Be Done?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I received a bilateral iliac crest reduction about 1.5 years ago and love the result! The reduction was approximately 1cm from each crest and the recovery was very speedy. I am highly interested in another reduction of both crests, but I do understand there are limitations of how much bone can be removed. My aesthetic ideal would be an additional 1cm removed, but is this feasible? If not 1cm, what is the feasible amount of bone an aggressive approach could remove? Thank you for your time!

A:Thank you for the long term follow-up and I am glad to hear that the initial iliac crest reduction was satisfactory. In regards to a second iliac crest reduction I can only speculate as to its feasibility since I have never yet done it. I think the question is not whether some more iliac crest bone can be taken but how much and can as much as an additional 1 cm be done. My conjecture would be…maybe. But I don’ t think one could every know exactly how much more bone can be taken until one is actually doing it in surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon