Skull Reshaping

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in the skull reshaping procedure. My skull is pretty oddly shaped and I’m not sure what can be done. I have attached several pictures from various angles. I’m most interested in reducing the bump on the top of my head and correcting why my head looks odd from some angles. I noticed I have a flat spot on the back/ right side of my head, and a bulge on back left side. I understand this is informational and consultation is still needed, I just want to get a better understanding of what to expect. I have a few questions:  

1) What kind of procedures do you think could be done and is it worth doing?

2) How long is the heal time for a procedure like this?

3) How many sessions do you think it might take? (I would be coming from out of town )

4) How bad could the scaring be, I’m interested in keeping my hair short or shaving it completely

5) What is a rough estimate of the cost for this procedure? 

6) Are there any significant concerns about complications or infection? 

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. What I see on your skull is a high posterior sagittal ride, flattening on the back of the head on one side and some generalized skull irregularities. In answer to your questions:

1) The procedure would be a combined posterior sagittal ridge reduction and a custom skull implant to fix the flatter back side of the head as wells to cover other areas of irregularities for a smoother overall head shape.

2) Swelling is a process that takes about 2 weeks for most of it to be gone.

3) This is a one time surgery.

4) A single fine line 9 cm long curved incision is used on the upper back of the head.

5) My assistant will pass making the cost of the procedure to you later today.

6) I have never seen a skull reshaping infection even with implants. The only potential issues are aesthetic…how does it look, is it smooth etc.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana