Temporal Artery Ligations
Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in temporal artery ligations. I am talking to a couple of consultants here also and plan to make a decision once I have all the information I need. It appears that you are the most experienced on this procedure – would you mind informing me how many you have done on the past? My main concerns are around potential scarring and hair loss.
I first noted the prominent temporal arteries appeared about six months ago – first on the left side and most recently on my right temple. No idea what is causing them and have not been able to find out but I do get a throbbing/ shooting sensation in them most of the time.
Would the surgery eliminate the throbbing sensation I get as well as the appearance? I have attached pictures for your reference.
A: In answer to your temporal artery ligations questions:
1) I now perform about 1 to 2 temporal artery ligations per month from patients all over the world.
2) The incisions to do the procedure are very small (around 5 to 7mms) and usually heal imperceptibly. Whether you need just one proximal ligation (one point) or a combined proximal-distal ligation (two point) can not be determined until during the procedure. (The vast majority of patients receive a proximal and distal ligation) I have yet to have a patient have an issue with the scars. (at least a patient that has ever told me so)
3) Hair loss is not an issue with this procedure. It has not been seen or reported.
4) With a reduction in the temporal artery flow I would think that the throbbing sensation would decrease or be eliminated. That is what most patients who have these symptoms so state afterwards
5) Your pictures show a classic pattern of an enlarged anterior branch of the superficial temporal artery with its typical snakelike pattern coursing towards the forehead.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana
North Meridian Medical Building
Address:
12188-A North Meridian St.
Suite 310
Carmel, IN 46032
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