How Can A Temporal Indentation Be Fixed After A Craniotomy For A Brain Aneurysm?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I did surgery after suffering a brain aneurysm. After the swelling had gone down I noticed this indentation in left temple. How can this be improved?

A: The indentation you have is due to loss of the temporal muscle volume as it retracted from the craniotomy procedure. Since it is a soft tissue issue it should be replaced by soft tissue. Fat grafting for your temporal augmentation would be the logical choice. While the fate of injected fat can never be accurately predicted, and it may require more than one session for the best result, it is a good approach. The other option would be to place layered ePTFE sheeting to build up the temporal depression which would be placed through your existing craniotomy incision line.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana