How Much Bone Can Be Removed from an Occipital Knob Skull Reduction Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have some occipital knob reduction questions:

a. With the CT scan available, would you be able to approximate how much bone can be reduced and provide a morph of the image attached so I can get an idea of what the final result might look like?
b. Where will the incision be made, how large is it? I cut my hair short but do not shave my head, I’m guessing as long as this is the case the scar won’t be visible anyway?
c. What are the possible complications and risks of this procedure?

A: The occipital knob can be completely reduced. I have never seen one that can’t. That is because the bone is thicker than normal so maximal reduction is always possible. It is done through a 3.5 cm incision placed just below it. No hair needs to shaved for the procedure. I have never seen any complications with this procedure nor would I expected to given its skull location.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana