While often associated with infants, skull deformities, or “flat head syndrome,” can also affect adults. These conditions involve irregularities in head shape, present since birth or developed later. Addressing them in adults differs from infant approaches. This article explores how these skull shape variations are approached and improved.
Understanding Adult Skull Deformities
Adult skull deformities encompass a range of conditions affecting the natural curvature and symmetry of the cranium. Unlike infantile plagiocephaly, which results from external pressure on a soft, developing skull, adult deformities often stem from more complex origins. Some individuals may have an untreated congenital condition, such as craniosynostosis, where skull sutures fuse prematurely, leading to an abnormal head shape persisting into adulthood. Others might acquire deformities due to trauma, like severe head injuries, or from certain medical conditions impacting bone structure and density.
These adult-onset or persistent conditions can manifest in various forms, including localized flattening (plagiocephaly), a wide and short head (brachycephaly), or a long and narrow head (scaphocephaly). Understanding the specific cause and type of deformity is an important step in determining appropriate interventions. The underlying bone structure in adults is fully ossified; it is rigid and less amenable to simple external reshaping. Therefore, interventions often require more significant measures to alter the bone itself.
Surgical Interventions for Correction
For adults with skull deformities, reconstructive craniofacial surgery represents the most comprehensive approach for structural correction. These complex procedures are performed by specialized craniofacial surgeons expert in reshaping skull bones. A common technique involves osteotomies, precise surgical cuts in the skull bone for repositioning and reshaping. Following osteotomies, the bone segments can be moved into a more aesthetically pleasing or functionally appropriate position.
Bone grafting is another technique used in these surgeries, where bone tissue, often harvested from the patient, is used to fill gaps or augment areas of the skull. Custom implants, like PEEK (polyetheretherketone), are also used to restore contour and symmetry. These implants are custom-designed based on patient anatomy, ensuring a precise fit and natural result. The goals of such surgeries are both aesthetic, improving head shape, and sometimes functional, like relieving pressure or protecting brain tissue if compromised.
Non-Surgical and Cosmetic Approaches
While surgical intervention offers the most definitive structural correction for adult skull deformities, some individuals may consider non-surgical or cosmetic approaches. These methods do not alter bone structure but can help manage the appearance of the deformity. Hair styling techniques camouflage areas of flatness or asymmetry, offering a simple cosmetic solution. Individuals might choose specific cuts or styles that add volume or coverage to areas where skull shape is less ideal.
Cranial prosthetics or custom-made external devices can also be designed to fit over the head, providing an improved external contour. These devices are worn externally and do not reshape the skull itself, serving cosmetic purposes. Note that cranial helmets, effective for reshaping infant skulls, are not effective for rigid adult bone structures. For very minor irregularities, dermal fillers might be used in specific cosmetic contexts to smooth out small depressions, though not addressing significant bone deformities.
Realistic Expectations and Considerations
Individuals considering interventions for adult skull deformities should engage in thorough consultation with a qualified craniofacial specialist. Such a consultation is important for assessing the specific nature of the deformity and determining the most appropriate course of action. It is important to have realistic expectations regarding the potential outcomes of any procedure. While significant improvement in skull shape is often achievable, complete “perfection” may not always be possible due to the complexities of individual anatomy and the surgical process.
Surgical procedures carry risks, including infection, scarring, and anesthesia complications. A detailed discussion with the surgeon about these risks and the expected recovery process is important before proceeding. The recovery period after reconstructive craniofacial surgery can involve swelling, bruising, and discomfort, requiring rest and careful post-operative care. Choosing experienced medical professionals specializing in craniofacial surgery is important for optimizing results and managing complications.