Skull reshaping surgery 

Skull reshaping surgery is becoming more and more popular in our practice as people realize the many benefits it can have. It can improve the shape of your head and boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Because this procedure can create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance, it can help correct congenital disabilities such as craniosynostosis, which is a condition that causes the bones of a baby’s skull to fuse prematurely. As the brain grows, the pressure causes the head to grow in a misshapen or imbalanced way.

These days, babies affected by craniosynostosis can wear helmets to help mold their heads into a uniform, oblong shape. But many adults today did not have access to helmets when they were babies several decades ago and are now looking to improve the shape of their heads through skull reshaping.

What causes craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis can be caused by specific genetic syndromes such as Crouzon syndrome or Apert syndrome. In some cases, the cause of craniosynostosis is unknown. 

Who is a good candidate for skull reshaping surgery? 

You would be a good candidate for skull reshaping if you had craniosynostosis as a baby. You are also a good candidate for skull reshaping if you suffer from skull shape irregularities, such as flattened skulls, bumps, and ridges, or a head that appears too wide or narrow. 

The procedure 

Skull reshaping is performed under general anesthesia. This means that you’ll be fully asleep during the surgery and won’t feel any pain. Dr. Cone will assess your head to decide on the length of the incision and where to place it. This is dependent on your unique head shape and specific concerns.

There’s a chance that the skull will need to be “filled” or rounded out. In this case, Dr. Cone will use a synthetic biomaterial such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and hydroxyapatite (HA). It’s rare, but depending on the desired head shape, sometimes patients need a custom-made implant.

Does skull reshaping surgery involve a long recovery time?

Recovery from skull reshaping surgery can vary depending on the extent of the procedure. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities fairly soon after the swelling and bruising subside. Dr. Cone places no after-surgery restrictions on physical activity and showering can be done immediately. He believes recovery is largely about how you look and feel. 

Will skull reshaping cause hair loss?

You might be wondering if skull reshaping will make you lose some hair. We’re happy to report that in our experience, this is not the case. There is the potential of some minor hair loss along the incision site, but Dr. Cone works hard to prevent this.

It’s important to understand that the scalp has a tremendous blood supply and has robust blood vessel connections from all over the scalp. This means that even an extra-long scalp incision with extensive scalp elevation does not affect hair growth. 

Do you need to shave your head or cut your hair?

Dr. Cone is often asked about the best way to prepare for the procedure, especially whether you need to shave or cut your hair. There are pros and cons to shaving. On the one hand, it can make many aesthetic skull procedures easier. But on the other hand, keeping your existing hairstyle can make a recovery less noticeable. If you decide to keep your hair, it will not increase the risk of infection, and Dr. Cone will expertly work through and around it.

Do you need x-rays before skull reshaping surgery?

An X-ray could be helpful to assess the shape of your skull and plan the procedure accordingly. However, many skull reshaping procedures do not require an X-ray and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

What are the common risks and potential complications?

Aesthetic surgery on the skull and scalp is relatively safe, with most risks revolving around the aesthetics of the outcome rather than more serious complications. The most common adverse issues include poor healing of incisions, asymmetry, and unsatisfactory shape change. Revisional procedures are not uncommon, averaging 10-15% for all procedures. Smaller procedures have lower rates of revision, while larger ones have higher rates, understandably.

Conclusion

Skull reshaping is a surgical procedure to change the shape of your skull. It’s often done to correct skull irregularities, such as a flattened skull, bumps, ridges, or a skull that’s too wide or narrow.

If you’re considering skull reshaping surgery, it’s important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations. Dr. Cone is an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic skull surgery. He has extensive experience performing all types of skull reshaping procedures. Request a consultation with Dr. Cone to learn more.