For Skull Augmentation Can The Outer Bone Layer Be Extended Instead Of Using An Implant?

Q: Dr. Eppley,  With regards to skull augmentation, instead of placing implants under the skin, would it be possible to extend the bone and place implants or some kind of bony material in place of the gap in between the bone when it gets split open? For instance, you can extend the forehead by making a horizontal incision on the frontal bone and extending the top portion above the cut, and then fill the empty space with something. If hair gets uneven, there can be hair transplants done. What are your thoughts?

A: That is not a viable skull augmentation concept. If you separate the outer layer of the bone and place a synthetic barrier between it and the underlying bone the detached bone will die/atrophy as it has no blood supply.

This concept also does not account for smooth contours around all edges of an augmented skull areas which is one of the primary determinants of a favorable aesthetic outcome.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana