What Is The Best Temporal Augmentation For A Narrow Skull?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m considering getting a temporal skull reshaping. I have a narrow skull, and i want to know if i can make a widening along the sides of my head. I’m thinking like 2-3 mm on each side, I want it to look as natural as possible and not something you would notice so much. I live in Europe and would like to ask some questions before planning a trip to the US. 

I know there are different methods, depending on how much needs to be made. 

– Will a temporal skull widening with only 2-3 mm require an implant or can it be done with injection using fat or PMMA/bone cement? I’m trying to avoid a heavy surgery. 

– Is injection permanent? 

– Will it affect my hair growth? 

– How many cuts will there be and where do you place them? 

– How much will it cost for a temporal augmentation like the one i described? 

A: In answer to your temporal (side of the head) augmentation questions:

1) There is only one effective way to achieve a smooth augmentation over a large surface area like the side of the head regardless of its thickness…a custom temporal implant. Bone cements can only be used on bone not soft tissue like fascia or muscle. And even if they could they would have many irregularities.

2) No method of skull augmentation at any location affects hair growth.

3) A custom head widening implant is placed through an incision in the crease of the back of the ear.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana