How Bad Is The Scalp Scar From A Skull Reduction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am considering skull reduction done through an open approach and have afew questions about the scar. In your opinion is the scar with very obvious to you. I always grow my hair out so with that, what level do you think it may affect me? I am not bald or shave my head so I assume the hair will help hide it. More in depth, could I see pictures of the scars from open cranioplasty? How long are they and such. I’m really leaning towards this, would like to know all about it.

A:  It is important to recognize that there will be a scalp scar in any open cranioplasty procedure. That does not mean, however,  that it is necessarily a bad scar that is wide and highly visible. It almost never is. But in men, whose hair pattern is less than stable over their lifetime in over 50% of the male population, it is important to consider this aesthetic trade-off. It is obviously a lot more relevant issue in men who are bald or shave their head. You do not so this is one favorable factor for you. I harp on this issue so every patient gives it careful consideration. The incision/scar usually runs from about one inch above the ear across the top of the head. It is hard to get good pictures of the scalp scars to show since most patient’s hair obscures it.

Dr.  Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana