Can My Occipital Bun Be Safely Reduced?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in an occipital reduction. Could you please provide more details about the procedure, including the recovery time and any associated risks? I have attached my pictures.

A:This is a classic occipital bun protrusion which can safely be reduced in the amount shown in the attached picture. It does require a 2D CT scan prior to surgery to confirm that the thickness of the bone is adequate to do so. Such skull reshaping surgery has a fairly quick recovery, is medically safe and the small tradeoff is a fine line scar over the central nuchal ridge through which the procedure is performed.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon