What Is The Best Material For Aesthetic Onlay Skull Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Ive been looking into cranial implants for some time to add some width to the shape of my skull and finally decided to do something about it. I’ve been doing some research and most surgeons seem to use medical grade PEEK or titanium implants. The quotes I’ve received have come up particularly expensive for one implant alone. I saw that you use silicone for larger cranial implants, how to they compare to PEEK or titanium? And are they more affordable? The implants from your pictures look great, my only issue is I don’t seem to be able to find any other medical providers, establishments or distributors anywhere that use silicone for their cranial implants. Is there a reason for this? And do you print your own, using your own materials? And is it standard rubber silicone? Sorry for all the questions! Would really appreciate your insights. 

A: A silicone implant for aesthetic onlay cranial augmentation is far superior and more affordable than either PEEK or titanium. It is completely erroneous to think that a very rigid material is needed for aesthetic skull augmentation. You are confusing replacement of lost skull bone with aesthetic onlay skull augmentation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana