Can An Old CT Scan Help Determine How Much A Sagittal Keel Can Be Reduced?

Q: Dr. Eppley,I have a pronounced sagittal keel and an osteoma an inch lateral of it. Due to MPB I would like to shave my head, unfortunately they are preventing an aesthetic appearance. I’m looking to get them removed/reduced. How can I go about determining if the sagittal keel is a thickened region or a raised intracranial region. Can you use an old CT scan?(5 years ago). I’m hoping an operation is possible. Thank you.

A:Such sagittal crests are reducible, the only question is by what amount. That is the role of the CT scan to make that determination. A previous head/skull CT scan should suffice for that assessment, regardless of its age, since your skull structure is stable.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon