Will Skull Implants Last A Lifetime?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have some questions about implants for skull reshaping. These are the questions that I would like for you to answer. Thank you for taking the time to answer them. 

1) My main concern is to eliminate the cone shape at the top of my head. It appears that using implants would give me better results than just burring the scalp. Which one of the two do you believe would give me the best possible aesthetic look? Meaning the most proportional/normal looking head? If I can achieve a normal shaped head, “with implants only” I do not see the need for you to burr the scalp. However, if you believe that implants “alone” cannot give me the best possible shaped head, I would go with the option where you burr and insert implants. I don’t think I would have a problem with the height of my sagittal crest if the sides of my head would not be so slanted. 

2) If you only use implants and do not burr the skull down, would this create too much tension on the top of my head? Will the skin on my head once pulled over the implants create too much tension that would then lead to pain in my head? 

3) Am I going to be limited in the kinds activities I could take part in? For example, would an activity like diving head first into water be considered unacceptable for fear that the implant will move out of place? 

4) Does this procedure require maintenance? Will I have to replace the implants after time goes by? Or can I can I live out my life without having to worry about it again?

5) What kind of material are the implants made from?

6) How long until the scar is completely healed, or the time frame when I will know the scar will look as good as it’s going to look?

A: 1) That is why I do computer imaging to look at all options available for skull reshaping. By looking at the head shape outcomes from all three methods, YOU can make that determination. This is a purely aesthetic judgment of what you think looks the best.

2) No, The skull implants are not that big.

3) No, you would have no physical restrictions and they will not become displaced no matter what you do.

4) The skull implants are permanent and will never need to be replaced.

5) They will be custom implants made of solid silicone elastomer and will feel just like bone.

6) Scars take put up to six months to fully mature. Although many scalp scars do well and mature before that time period.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana