Adults often notice or feel concerned about the shape of the back of their head. While an atypical head shape is frequently a cosmetic concern, understanding its origins and potential implications can offer clarity and reassurance.
Origins of Head Shape Variations
Head flattening primarily originates in infancy, when a baby’s skull bones are soft and malleable. Two common types are positional plagiocephaly, an asymmetrical flattening on one side, and brachycephaly, a flattening across the entire back of the head. These conditions usually develop from consistent external pressure on the infant skull, often due to prolonged time in one position. The “Back to Sleep” campaign, initiated to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by encouraging infants to sleep on their backs, significantly increased the incidence of positional head flattening.
While some natural reshaping of the skull occurs as children grow, significant flattening can persist into adulthood. This occurs because skull bones harden and fuse as a child ages, typically becoming less pliable after around 14 months. While positional causes account for most cases, extremely rare instances stem from craniosynostosis, a condition where skull sutures fuse prematurely. Craniosynostosis is usually diagnosed and treated early to allow proper brain growth, and is distinct from common positional flattening.
Health and Functional Considerations
For most adults with head flattening from infancy, there are typically no associated health problems. This type of flattening does not lead to neurological issues, cognitive impairments, or functional problems like vision or hearing difficulties. The brain’s development and function are generally unaffected by these cosmetic variations in skull shape. Therefore, for most individuals, a flat spot on the back of the head is primarily an aesthetic characteristic.
In extremely rare circumstances, a flat head in adulthood might be linked to undiagnosed or untreated craniosynostosis. However, these cases are uncommon and often present with other symptoms leading to an earlier diagnosis. Adults noticing a flat spot on their head from infancy can be reassured it is unlikely to pose any health risks. The skull bones in adults are fully fused and stable, meaning the shape will not worsen or lead to new health issues.
Cosmetic Concerns and Psychological Impact
A noticeable flat spot can significantly influence self-perception and body image. Many adults with this head shape experience feelings of self-consciousness, particularly in social situations or when considering hairstyles. This concern can lead to a desire to camouflage the head shape, often through specific haircuts or by wearing hats. These feelings are valid and represent a common psychological impact of cosmetic variations.
The aesthetic concern can extend to how head shape affects the fit of headwear, glasses, or certain hairstyles. While the physical impact is minimal, the emotional distress can be considerable for some individuals. Acknowledging these feelings is important, as they can affect confidence and overall well-being. The psychological burden often stems from societal ideals rather than any functional impairment.
Managing Adult Head Shape
Once skull bones are fully fused in adulthood, significant non-invasive head reshaping is not possible. Treatments like corrective helmets, which are effective for infants due to pliable skulls, have no impact on adult head shape. The skull’s rigid structure means external pressure cannot alter its form. Therefore, non-surgical approaches are limited to cosmetic camouflage.
Surgical options like cranioplasty with implants exist but are typically reserved for severe cases causing significant psychological distress. These procedures involve smoothing prominent bone areas or adding material to augment flattened regions, often using custom implants. Such surgeries are complex, carry inherent risks, and are usually not recommended for purely cosmetic reasons due to the invasiveness and potential complications. Coping strategies like choosing hairstyles that add volume or length can effectively create the illusion of a more rounded head shape. Seeking advice from a doctor or therapist is beneficial if the cosmetic concern leads to substantial personal distress, helping individuals manage feelings and promote self-acceptance.