Can The Back Of My Head Be Reduced?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a very large head that sticks out in the back (about one inch), is pointy on top, and comes out on each top-corner as well. This has caused me much mental distress ever since I was a chiold, and now that I am in my late twenties, and my hairline has receded a bit, I am noticing it even more. I am unable to wear most hats becuase they do not fit. I am wondering what sort of optiond I have to reshape/reduce my skull size. I don’t think there is anything that can be done to make it completely normal, but anything would be better than what it currently lokos like. I would appreciate any feedback you can give me. I have a few specific questions that I hope you can answer.

As an African-Americn man that wears relatively short hair cuts, I ama concerned about having a large scar across the back of my skull. Are there any other otpions that would work equallya s well as an open procedure?
What are the general costs for the procedure i m requesting?
If an open procedure were to be done, how long of a scar would it be?
If an open procedure were to be done, what happens to the excess scalp skin? is it removed as part of the procedure?

A: Since I have not seen your particular skull problem, I can only provide some general answers. The question will come down to…can the back of the skull be reduced enough to justify an occipital reduction cranioplasty surgery by burring? That will ultimately require a plain skull film from the side view to take a measurement and see how much can safely be removed.

To answer your specific questions:

1) No.

2) Probably in the range of $6500 to $8500.

3) 10 cms. (4.5 inches)

4) A little maybe, although it usually shrinks back down.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana