Can My Big Head Be Made Smaller?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m 18 and 5’6 tall and weight 130. I was born with a big head. I’m so insecure about myself seeing everyone around me with a smaller head makes me depressed. I’m planning on having a head reduction if that even exists?? The top of my head is wide and long.I have a perfect idea on what parts of my skull can be removed in order for my head to look smaller. I’m also thinking that maybe my jaw makes my head look big as well so I’m guessing you could probably help me out?

A:  I often have patients come to my Indianapolis plastic surgery center asking me how to get a smaller head. Unfortunately, the reality is that the concept of skull reduction for a larger head is limited as it is simply not possible to make a big head much smaller. From your statement that your jaw is what makes your head look big, it suggests to me that your jaw is currently small or recessed. With that in mind, I would suggest that you consider a jaw enhancement procedure as opposed to skull reshaping surgery, as making the jaw bigger and more defined is a much more attainable goal. I would need to see pictures of your face/head to determine what, if anything, can be done to improve your perception of a skull-face disproportion.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis,Indiana