Can Occipital Augmentation Be Combined With Rhinoplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley,I am interested in a cosmetic occipital skull augmentation to correct a flat posterior skull shape. I have a symmetric but significantly flat occipital area, which affects my side and back profile.I would also like to ask if it would be possible to combine the occipital cranioplasty with a rhinoplasty during the same surgical session, assuming I am an appropriate candidate. My goal is a natural, proportionate result, particularly improving overall head and facial balance rather than an exaggerated change.

I would like to know:

• If I am a suitable candidate for cosmetic occipital augmentation

• Whether you consider combining occipital cranioplasty and rhinoplasty

• If a virtual consultation is available

• What type of CT scan would be required

A:Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. In answer to your questions:

1) The question is not whether you are a good candidate for cosmetic occipital augmentation, as you are, the key question is  whether the amount of change possible that the scalp stretch will allow will be acceptable to you. In that regard I have attached some Sideview imaging to give you a few for the type of augmentatuve change that may be possible.

2) it is very possible to combine any form of skull implants with rhinoplasty surgery.

3) A virtual consultation as always we proceed after this initial response.

4) A 3-D CT skull scan is required for the design of a skull implant. That is a imaging study that you get in your local area and we provide you with the doctors order for it.

5) When it comes to a recovery time line it depends on how do you choose to define recovery. Functionally you will be fine to do most of your normal activities within 7 to 10 days after surgery. From an aesthetic standpoint, particularly with a reductive operation like a rhinoplasty, the true final result is going to take many months to see. Conversely the skull augmentation result is one that you will see immediately.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon