Can The Lump On The Top Of My Head Be Shaved Down?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi, I have got this skull deformity on the top of my head where it sort of just peaks upwards and looks like a lump. Wondering if it would be possible for you to do a reduction and cut it down to make my head shorter and then carve it so that it is a bit more rounded off instead of sharp and pointy? Or would I still need to have a custom implant to achieve this?

A:You have an uncommon top of the head skull deformity because it is both raised and flat. Usually raised midline top of the head shapes are peaked with a sharper angle. (not flat) The question as to whether an overall reduction in its height and shape can be done depends on the thickness of the bone which requires a CT scan to its thickness and how much of it can be safely reduced. A custom implant would only be used as a second option (and only option) if the bone is not thick enough to do a good reduction. It would very effectively create a more assured shape but it would make the head a bit taller.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon