Flat Head Correction

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a flat head from behind. It has been that way since my childhood since I always slept on my back and never changed positions. I came across your procedure while looking for ‘flat head treatment’ on the Internet. I have a few questions.

I wish to know how much improvement I can expect with the treatment. Can I get a completely round head?
I also wish to know how exactly it feels after the implant is placed under the scalp. When I touch the back of my head would I feel like there’s something there or would it feel like bone?
About the material, can it be carcinogenic or can it possibly cause any allergic reactions?
Would the material completely adhere to my skull and not float around between the scalp and the skull?
Can the procedure be done under local anesthesia?

Thank you in advance for your reply.

A: In answer to your questions about flat head correction using a custom implant:

Only with a two-stage (first stage scalp expansion) can you get a fairly round head. one-stage occipital implant on the back of the head will produce about of that ideal result.
The implant will feel like bone.
A silicone implant os not carcinogenic nor will it cause any allergic reactions.
The implant will not float around and will adhere to the underlying bone and the overlying scalp.
The procedure can NOT be done be done under local anesthesia, it requires a general anesthetic.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana