The shape of the back of the head is very different between individuals. Asymmetries and deformities are not uncommon in this area of the body, but they can usually be hidden by the hair growth and are therefore invisible. Unusual head shapes usually only become noticeable when the hair slowly thins. However, in reality serious asymmetries can become apparent much earlier and make it considerably more difficult to wear caps or hats.
One of the most common anatomical variations imaginable at our private clinic for plastic and aesthetic surgery in Dahlem, Berlin is the ‘flat’ back of the head. While many women with long hair are usually able to hide their problem area with some effort through clever hairstyling (‘bump it’ volume inserts), the problem area is particularly obvious for men with short hair. Occipital implants allow a lasting correction of the shape of the occipital bone and can achieve astonishing aesthetic improvements.
Occipital Implants – The Facts
Duration of the operation: approx. 1 hour Length of Stay in the Clinic: 1 day Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia Follow-up treatment: approx. 6 weeks Resumption of social activities after approx. 14 days
The Types of Occipital Correction
Occipital correction with custom-made silicone implants
The aesthetic success of occipital corrections can be reliably guaranteed by using silicone implants specially adapted to the patient’s head shape. In contrast to earlier methods, where, for example, the implant was modelled with bone cement (PMMA) during the operation, the skin incision can be kept considerably smaller (4-6 cm) by using custom-made silicone implants, so that no visible scar remains. Careful preparation and precise positioning of the silicone implant is of great importance for a perfect result. Therefore the surgical treatment takes about two to three hours and must be performed under general anesthesia. Some plastic surgeons fix the silicone implant to the cranial bone with a titanium screw. However, so far there has has been no proven advantage with regard to the permanently stable implant position. However, since this titanium screw occasionally leads to chronic pain, we strongly advise against such a fixation.
How is the silicone implant accurately inserted?
In order to achieve an optimal correction result, a shape template (moulage) for the implant is modelled together with the patient in front of the mirror. The silicone implant is then adapted using this template. We adapt the model individually with the patient, this allows him/her explore his/her own ideas about the implant in detail, getting a very detailed picture of the final result after the operation.
What are the risks of occipital implants made of silicone?
The occipital implants consist of a silicone shell and are filled with highly polymerized silicone gels. A typical and long-term consequence of silicone implants is capsule fibrosis, which can also occur, for example, during breast augmentation with silicone implants. This causes a foreign body reaction around the silicone implant, which results in the formation of a capsule. In contrast to silicone implants on the breast, such a development rarely represents a necessity for changing the implant. This is because the skull bone has a much harder consistency than the soft mammary gland. However, if long-term problems should arise with a silicone implant for occipital correction, the implant can be replaced at any time in a short procedure.
What should be considered after the operation?
For monitoring after the operation, you should expect a stay of one night in our private clinic for plastic and aesthetic surgery. An elastic bandage is applied at the end of the operation to counteract the swelling of the back of the head and neck, it can be removed before leaving our clinic. In order to keep the swelling in the operating area as low as possible, consistent cooling and physical protection is recommended. After about six weeks you should be able to work normally again.
Can an occipital correction also be carried out with the patient’s own fat?
Transplants using the patient’s own fat are suitable for many areas of plastic surgery and are becoming increasingly popular. So it is not surprising that in the newer literature, individual case reports on occipital correction with autologous fat have been published. Even if the first results seem promising, there is still doubt surrounding sustainability. For this reason, we continue to recommend the proven custom-made silicone implants to our patients.
Consultation Appointment
Do you have any questions or would you like to make an appointment? Give us a call!
Plastische & Ästhetische Chirurgen in Berlin auf jameda
Costs
Cost of the Initial Consultation
The costs of the initial consultation always depend on the type and extent of the treatment. In principle, the scale of fees for doctors applies to the consultation hours. Thereafter, patients pay 90 € for the initial consultation with anamnesis, collection of previous findings, physical examination and preparation of a therapy and cost plan. This fee is payable once and will not be credited towards further treatment. Additional appointments and post-operative care are included in the total price of the operation and do not have to be paid separately. This is the only way to ensure a high-quality treatment with sufficient treatment time, during which we can respond to you and your specific needs. In order to ensure the success of the treatment, we have to carry out the consultation with sufficient time and care.
Consultation Appointment
Do you have any questions or would you like to make an appointment? Give us a call!
