Occipital Augmentation

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am hoping you can give me your professional opinion about my problem. I have been bothered by a fairly flat back of my head for decades now and I am at that point that I really want something done about it. Some stories sounds promising which make me hopeful but I am not even sure I am a ‘suitable’ client. What do you think as far as you can tell from a picture? How long will the procedure take (from intake to recovery) as I need to travel to the States. Thanks for your time.

A: When it comes to determining a good candidate for back of the head augmentation (occipital augmentation), pictures can go a long way in answering that question. Please send some to me at your convenience. The issue is not likely going to be whether you can have the procedure done but whether it is a one-stage vs a two-stage procedure based on your back of head shape goals and your natural scalp laxity to accommodate that change.

Back of the head or occipital augmentation is usually best done by a custom implant made from a 3D CT scan. Although I have done enough of these surgeries to have a ‘stock’ set of implanted designs from prior patients that can be used which does not require a preoperative 3D CT scan. Either way it takes about 3 weeks to have the implant made and ready for surgery.

Patients from other states or countries usually return home within 48 to 72 hours after occipital augmentation surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana