Does Skull Reshaping Surgery Need A 3D CT Scan?

Q: Dr. Eppley,I’d like to have a quick consultation about the process of skull reshaping. The order of how it works, the cost for an initial 3D scan, ways you can pay for it. Also, I was told a couple of years ago that I needed a 3D CT scan of the skull to send to your office to determine what is needed. Is that still the process? If not, what is it?

A:The term ‘skull reshaping’ is a general one which refers to a collection of over 30 different specific skull procedures. To provide information on what skull reshaping procedure(s) would be appropriate for your needs I would first need to know your exact head shape problem from which I can then determine how to treat it. This will require a more detailed description of your concerns, and head reshaping goals and any pictures which so illustrate. From this information the skull reshaping procedure(s) needed can be determined.

The role of the 3-D CT scan varies based on the skull reshaping procedure needed. For example in skull augmentations the ccan provides the platform on which a custom skull implant is designed. For skull reductions it helps to determine the thickness of the bone and how effective and safe any skull reduction procedures would be. Therefore the scan can be a critical part of the surgical planning process but it is not initially needed to determine what any specific patient needs from a procedure standpoint.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon