Can Skull Reduction Be Done For A Large Head?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi, so I was born with a condition called Cowden’s syndrome, one of the symptoms of which is an unusually large head. It’s not so much wide as it is tall and from my face to the back of my head feel miles apart. Have tried big and tall hats, largely as a joke; got up to 4xxxx not fitting when I gave up.

Anyway, I’ve been self conscious about it my whole life, and am amazed that this type of surgery is possible. Would love to know more info on it.

A:When it comes to skull reduction the question is not whether it can be done but how effective it would be based on the thickness of the skull bone and how much reduction the patient needs to achieve from their perception of an improvement. To make that assessment I would have to see some pictures and do some computer imaging.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana