Background: The wide side of the head aesthetic deformity refers to an increased convexity that is disproportionate to the height of the skull and face. These head shape concerns are almost exclusively male concerns because of their more common short hairstyles or shaved heads. With increased exposure the five surfaces of the head become more visible from every viewing angle.
In the most common form of the wide side of the head deformity the posterior temporal muscle is removed to reduce the excessive convexity. This effect is seen above the ear and the side of the head behind it. While effective for many the standard temporal reduction operation works if the width is more in the central side of the head area.
But not surprisingly excessive side of the head width may be more encompassing involving the complete side of the head from front to back. This is a true skull expansion in which the muscle is pushed to the side, not thicker, due to the width of the bone underneath it. The bony temporal line that borders the temporal muscle and serves as its fixed attachment funneling all of the muscle towards is narrow insertion under the zygomatic arch, is wider. This means the side of the forehead in front and back of the head posteriorly is wider. In this type of head width deformity the standard temporal reduction procedure is not completely effective as it does not incorporate all of the elements of the head width. .
Case Study: This male was bothered by wide sides of his head. He had long hair which covered much of his forehead and the width of the side of his head. As often happens, while the hair may hide the head shape concerns, it is not the patient’s preference. Their goal is to one day wear shorter hair and feel comfortable doing so.
Under general anesthesia and through a single postauricular incision a three temporal reduction technique was done. They entire posterior temporal muscle was removed. The remaining anterior temporal muscle was partially released from its bony line attachment and the posterior temporal bone was reduced by a large-tooth rasping technique.
His intraoperative before and after pictures show the immediate change in his head width…although the anterior muscle reduction takes much longer to see as it relies on muscle atrophy over time to see the complete width reduction change.
In a total. head width reduction the three zones of the temporal area can be reduced through a single hidden incision behind the ear. The combination of release, removal and reduction techniques from front to back can make for an effective head width reduction with one exception. The excessive width of the side of the forehead along the anterior bony temporal line can not be reduced from a postauricular incisional approach. It can be reduced to make for the most complete head width reduction possible but requires a scalp incision superior to it which may make it unacceptable for many men.
Case Highlights:
1) The wide side of the head can incorporate the side of the forehead tall the way to the back of the head. (anterior temporal line to posterior temporal line)
2) In total head width reduction the bony temporal lines and the muscle between them needs to be reduced.
3) Due to scar concerns, particularly in men, the muscle reductions and the posterior temporal lines can be reduced but the anterior temporal bony line can not.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana