Can The Visible Bulge On The Back Of My Head Be Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a young male experiencing significant psychological distress due to the shape of the back of my head. Specifically, I have a prominent occipital bone (possibly an occipital knob or bun), which creates a visible bulge at the back of my skull. This prominence causes me extreme self-consciousness in public, especially when viewed from the side. It affects my confidence, posture, and quality of life. I’ve tried many non-surgical solutions — like posture correction, adjusting hairstyles, and wearing hats — but none have fully hidden the bulge.

I’m interested in a permanent surgical solution to reduce the protrusion. I’ve seen that there are procedures like “occipital bone reduction” or “skull reshaping” using burring techniques. Could you please let me know if you offer this surgery?

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. What your picture show is overall occipital bone enlargement rather than a specific knob or bun. At least that is the way it appears in the side view picture. You have correctly identified that skull bone during reduction is the technique used to treat it. The question is not whether it can be so treated but how effective would it be given the thickness of the occipital bone. As a result X-rays are needed so that the occipital bone thickness can be measured from which I can make a determination as to how much reduction is possible and would the surgery be worth it (make a visible difference). A playing lateral skull x-ray is the minimum imaging needed. Ideally a 3-D CT scan would provide the most comprehensive data and ability to do a complete analysis of the entire back of the head bone thickness.

I am very familiar with this type of skull reshaping surgery since I am basically the one who invented it and has the most worldwide experience in doing it.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon