Can Skull Reshaping Surgery Make My Head More Symmetric?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have struggled with cranial asymmetry for most of my life, and it has deeply affected my confidence and social life. My left occipital and posterior skull regions are flattened. My left temple is less rounded compared to the right. My left forehead is narrower and slightly recessed, with some volume loss. When I turn my head, the asymmetry becomes very noticeable: the right side looks full and aesthetically pleasing, while the left side appears flat, uneven, and less visually appealing. My questions are: 1. Considering the left temple, forehead, and flattened posterior skull, is it possible to achieve symmetry with implant surgery? 2. Realistically, what percentage of symmetry can be expected? 3. What is the estimated total cost for this type of procedure? 4. Is a 3D CT scan necessary for a full pre-operative assessment? I can provide photos from the front, side, and angles. Your professional opinion is very valuable to me.

A: In answer to your skull reshaping questions:

1) In all forms of plagiocephaly the strategy is to augment the flattened side and possibly reduce the excess fullness on the opposite temporo-parietal side. The degree of correction depends on how much bone reduction can be done on the fuller side.

2) It requires a 3D CT skull scan for both designing the skull implant needed and to determine how much bone, if any, could be reduced on the side opposite the skull augmentation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon