How Does A Two Stage Skull Augmentation Procedure Work?

Q: Dr. Eppley, what happens when a skull augmentation procedure is two-staged as in my case? Would I be staying in the hospital this whole time? How is the scalp expanded? Would the whole procedure leave any visible scars? And where?

A:A two stage skull augmentation requires two separate surgeries spaced 8 to 12 weeks apart. The first stage is the placement of a Scout tissue expander in which the patient goes home the next day. The patient inflates their own tissue expander over several months to get to the desired volume of Skull augmentation they want. We provide all of the supplies and instructions to do so. The second stage is where the tissue expander is removed and the larger skull implant is placed. The patient usually stays overnight and will go home within 3 to 4 days after the surgery.

There will be a necessary incision for the placement of both which is done through the same one placed on the upper back of the head and usually 7 to 8 cm long. The scalp scar usually heals very well and is a minimal aesthetic trade-off.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon