Skull Augmentation

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in skull augmentation surgery with an implant. I don’t know if I may need a scalp expansion first or not. I think a little less skull augmentationresult will be OK for me. How is a scalp expansion done by the way? 

Would you tell me about how the procedure is done? Where will the incision be and how big will it be? Are there any possibility that I will get loose hair where the scar is made? Are there any possible complications with his surgery? How will the recovery be?

Thank you again.

A: A scalp expansion is done by the placement of a scalp tissue expander under the scalp. It is then slowly inflated over 6 weeks in preparation for the second stage placement of the skull augmentation implant.

A scalp incision of about 9 cms is made across the top of the head near the crown area to make the pocket and place the implant. The incision nor the underlying implant will affect hair growth. There will be a resultant fine line scar but it heals very well and usually is barely detectable.

Like any other implants the body there is always the risk of infection, but the good blood supply of the scalp and skull bone makes it a very low risk. Having done hundreds of skull implants. I have yet to see an infection. (this does not make it impossible however)

Recovery is usually much quicker than one would think since it is just an implant in top of the head. There are no after surgery restrictions. Most of the swelling is gone in 10 to 4 days after surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana