Skull implant Scars

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have questions about skull implant scars. I need to discuss with you some concerns regarding the skull implant procedure, primarily I am worried about the size and position of the resulting scalp scar. Of course I understand that these probably won’t be known until you have the CT scans and design, however if you could provide an estimate of its size. Can measures be taken in the design to minimize the size of the incision and what effect would this have on the desired outcome? Just as a reminder, my desired outcome is to address the  asymmetry of my head caused by the shallow depression down the right hand side.

A: It may or may not be a surprise to you that over 70% of all skull reshaping patients are men who either have thin hair, are bald, or shave their heads. As a result the location, size and methods used to close a scalp incision so the scar is as close to undetectable as possible is paramount in each and every one of them. No man wants to trade off one aesthetic head problem for another (scar) that would bother them just as much if not more than the original problem. Therefore, regardless of where the incision is located such attention to incisional detail is done in every case. The ultimate rest of that effort is determined by how many men who have had skull reshaping surgery in my experience have gone out to have a requested scalp scar revision…..zero.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana