Does Fat Injections for Treating CVG Adversely Affect The Arteries To The Scalp?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a mild case of Cutis Verticis Gyrata and, while researching possible treatments, I found your article “Plastic Surgery Case Study – The Treatment of Scalp Cutis Verticis Gyrata with Subgaleal Release and Fat Grafting” on the website exploreplasticsurgery. I believe my situation is similar to the patient presented in your article, and after consulting with a plastic surgeon, she was enthusiastic about the procedure. However, since it is not widely reported, she had some doubts, especially regarding the step of releasing the scalp before performing fat grafting. She expressed concern about the arteries in that region. I would like to clarify this point with you and, if you allow, I would like my doctor to contact you directly so she can ask further questions and benefit from your expertise with this procedure, as I intend to undergo the surgery. CVG bothers me a lot. Attached are photos of my scalp. I would also like to know if the procedure proved effective in terms of fat resorption, and whether you have performed other similar cases.

A: As long as the CVG is not too advanced with deep linear V shaped  scalp lines releases with  fat grafting will provide improvement in its appearance in my experience.

If your surgeon is questioning the arteries in the scalp’ with a release this tells me they have little scalp surgery experience.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon