Will A Small Custom Skull Implant In A Bald Male Be Seen Afterwards?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m sending this email as an inquiry into Aesthetic Skull Reshaping Procedures.

I’ll start with a bit of an overview of my situation and what I hope to achieve:I’m a bald male. I have a depression/groove in the top right side of my skull. As a result, the right-side profile of the top of my head is concave while the left profile has a gradual convex shape. I’ve provided photos to clarify my description

It is my hope that a small custom implant (about 5cc volume) can be shaped and inserted to fill in the depression, to give the right side of my head a more convex shape similar to that of the left side (though I’m not expecting perfect symmetry).

I do also have a couple of more specific questions:

I’m concerned the filling material would be noticeable and unnatural looking with my shaved head (e.g. the edges can be seen). Are you confident this would not be the case and how do you prevent this?
How do you ensure the implant is placed in the correct location on the skull?
I live overseas. Would it be practical to undergo this process with online consultations and a single two-week trip?

Thank you for your time. I hope to hear back with your thoughts soon.

A: You have correctly surmised that a small custom skull implant is the correct solution to what is known as a coronal suture line dip. In answer to your questions:

1) Feather edging of the implant design is what prevents what is known as ‘implant reveal’ or visible edging.

2) It takes a lot of experience to know how to properly position skull implants through small scalp incisions. But the location of the incision and knowing how the implant is supposed to fit are the keys. (this is why a custom design is needed)

3) The entire process, except for the actual surgery, is done in a virtual manner.

FYI The vast majority of aesthetic skull reshaping patients are just like you, the male with a shaved head.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon