Can Circumferential Skull Reduction Be Done By Bone Burring?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi, I am interested in your large skull reduction procedure. My head circumference is about 23.5 inches, and it looks disproportionately large compared to my frame. I was wondering if the burring method could be used around the entire skull to reduce the size, and if it would be possible to get the circumference under 23 inches, which I know depends on my anatomy, just hypothetically speaking. Also, if you could tell me an estimate of the cost, that would be great. Thank you!

A: In a more complete skull reduction procedure based on the need for a circumferential reduction, the bone burring technique only applies to the bony forehead and back of the head.  For the sides of the head, it is the temporal muscle that is reduced as that is the dominant tissue over the thin, temporal bone.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon