Should I Have a One or Two Stage Skull Augmentation?

Q: Dr. Eppley, When I saw the photoshop photos of my head, new questions arose:

Stage 1 Questions :

Will stage 1 correct the flatness of the head?

I know I can’t achieve a big round head but will correct flatness & notice a change.

If I decide Stage 1, can I come back for bigger augmentation years later?
Will I need to do tissue expander then?

Stage 2 Questions :

Will I able to do regular day things for example work, exercise & drive.

2. Is tissue expander visible? Can I hide it in my hair?

How long will I have the tissue expander in for?
Shower?

Surgery questions : Is there any side effects?

Will I feel the implant in my head? Like weight? Is headaches a side effect?

Dr. Barry, I need your help in making a decision please please please. I desire a full round head. However, Stage 2 is a more lengthy process than stage 1.

My biggest fear is that Stage 1 won’t correct the flatness. Do you personally think stage 1 will do any difference ??

A: My answers are:

1) The whole purpose of the computer imaging is to show you the differences between a one vs two stage skull augmentation. It is up for you to decide if what you see in a one stage procedure is adequate.

2) Having a skull implant in place does NOT preclude having a large one placed later.

3) A skull implant feels just like bone and does not prohibit any activity after surgery including exercise and contact sports. A tissue expander will feel much softer.

4) With a good head of hair the tissue expander can not be seen. It will remain in place for two months. One may shower and wash their hair whiel having a tissue expander.

5) Skull implants do not cause headaches. They are light weight, most skull implants weight less than ½ pound. So while it makes your head bigger it does not really make it much heavier.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon