Sagittal Crest Skull Reduction

Q: Dr. Eppley, How long does the recover take for the Sagittal Crest Skull Reduction procedure? My husband and I would be flying in. He has been self conscious of this for a long time and has been looking in to it but I would like to know more about the procedure myself.

How long would we need to be out there?
How long is his recovery?
By shaving down the bone will it increase the possibility of brain trauma later on if he were to have a head injury due to the bone being thinner?
What are the negative side effects?
How long have you been practicing the Sagittal Crest Skull reduction procedure?

A: I will provide some general answers to your questions with the understanding that I have no idea what your husband’s skull shape is or the extent of the sagittal crest issue. More specific answers that apply to your husband’s case would require seeing some pictures of his head for my assessment.

1) You would be able to return home the day after the procedure.

2) Recovery is merely about some swelling on the top of his head which will take a few weeks too largely subside. There are no other physical restrictions after surgery.

3) The crest bone that is removed does not weaken his skull or make it more susceptible to injury or ‘brain trauma’ later.

4) The only potential risks (side effects) of the surgery are of an aesthetic nature…how much or well can it be reduced with good smoothness.

5) I have done many adult sagittal crest reduction procedures over the past ten years. It is one of the most common aesthetic skull reshaping surgeries that I do in men.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana