Custom Skull Implants for Flat Forehead and Back of the Head

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in custom skull implants. I have a flat back of the head and forehead. I have attached one photo in which I have pushed my hair down to show the depression on the back of my head and additionally on my forehead which slants backwards. I want a more symmetrical back of the head and and a more rounded forehead. Additionally I have added an edited picture which shows my desired results. Would these be possible with an implant? Finally I would need a ball park figure for the forehead and the back of the head surgery so I can figure out when I can go through with it. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

A: Both the flat back of the head and forehead can be augmented by custom skull implants. Your edited pictures show a back of the head augmentation which is just a bit bigger than what can actually be obtained with a one-stage custom skull implant. The realistic result is about halfway between where your are now and the ideal result. The limitation is in how much the scalp can safely stretch over the implant. For the forehead, however, that is a very achievable result as you have drawn it. My assistant will pass along the cost of the custom skull implants surgery to you next week.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana