Temporal Cranioplasty

Q: Dr. Eppley,  I had mid facelift and a temporal cranioplasty area several years ago. I was filled all up the side from each ear to the temple area and about 3 inches in depth. I did not like the result as it felt monstrous so I asked for it to be removed. My surgeon asked if I wanted it removed or burred down and I specified removed. However, it feels as if quite a bit of the implant material is still in there and, several years down the line apart from still feeling like Frankenstein, I have a widened hairless scar on each side. More recently my hair seems to be thinning on the sides of my head in the area above the implant only. I have just got to menopause so this is evidently in part hormonal but it is definitely only in a specific area. I am really worried I am going to lose my hair. Please can you tell me if you have come across this issue before. I really look forward to hearing from you.

A: It is not uncommon to have widened temporal scars but this does not really have anything to do with the temporal cranioplasty implant material. It is just the nature of putting a vertical incision in the temporal area for some patients. It is also be partially related to how the incision was handled both in its making as well as its closure. Even if there is any residual implant material there it is not a known source of hair loss and has never been in my cranioplasty experience.

If you have residual implant material and would like it removed and well as performed temporal scar revision, I can certainly do that at the same time.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana