Can Both Posterior Temporal Muscle and Bone Reduction Be Done For Maximal Head Width Narrowing?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was wondering if head width reduction can only be done by the removal of the temporal muscle, or is it possible after removing the muscle to also apply some bone burring to reduce the width even further?

A: When it comes to head width narrowing by temporal reduction, it is important to appreciate the muscle:bone ratio of the width reduction that is possible. Since all of the muscle can be removed but only a portion of the bone, the bulk of a head narrowing effect comes from the muscle removal. The thin temporal bone underneath can be reduced a bit but it takes a longer incision along the side of the head to do so. Because if this aesthetic tradeoff and the minimal contribution the bone removal creates, most patients opt to go with the muscle removal only with a completely hidden scar. So it is not a question of whether it can be done but whether it is worth it.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana