Skull Reshaping of the Back of the Head

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a 30 year old male and have been debating about a skull reshaping procedure for the past five years. Attached are some profile pictures of my head shape and two pictures of my expectations. I was hoping to round out the back of my skull and shape it in a way that makes my jaw line more prominent/visually appealing. I’m sitting here wondering about the following factors:

1) Are my expectations reasonable/attainable?

2) Am I even a good candidate for this?

3) Is the scarring blatantly noticeable?

4) Will altering the back to improve the profile affect the frontal view (eg…head on)?

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. In answer to your skull reshaping questions:

1) The morphed images of the back of your head are fairly realistic, being able to achieve 80% to 90% of that change as a one stage skull augmentation procedure.

2) One is a good candidate for this surgery if their expectations are in line with what can realistically be achieved.

3) The implant is placed through a small horizontal incision low in the occipital region. This is a scar that is barely detectable without hair and undetectable with hair.

4) Changing the back of the head will have no effect on the front of the head/face.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana