What Is The Risk Of Hair Loss From Skull Reshaping Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, the question is that I have a flat head. I mean the back of my head is very flat and it really bothers me so that I can’t have short hair. I look very funny or deformed if my hair is too short, what can I do about it? I went through your webside and saw a lot of people had the same problem and you answered their questions. But one thing if i do the surgery I dont care about the scar, but will the surgery effect my hair growth?

A: Skull reshaping surgery and the use of scalp or coronal incisions will not affect your hair growth. The scalp is incredibly thick, around 1.5 to 2 cms for many people. The hair follicles reside in the upper 5 – 7mms of the dermis of the skin and protrude just below it into the subcutaneous fat. They are easy to see and it is important in surgical technique to avoid injuring them. (no use of cautery in making the incision, meticulous skin closure)The point being is that there is a low of tissue between the bone work and where the hair follicles live. The only issue of any potential hair loss is right around the incision not anywhere elese.The issue, therefore, for any patient is acceptance of a scar from the incision not one of hair growth.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana