BACK OF HEAD AUGMENTATION

   

Most people are curious, “Is there such thing as cosmetic surgery for the back of the head?”

Some even comment, “Do we need to take cosmetic surgery even for the back of the head?”

However, for those whom have been living their lives with unfavourable shape of their back of the head such as being flat, depressed, cosmetic surgery for the back of the head is a desperately necessary surgical procedure.

With this procedure, it is possible to change skull contour to make it smooth out and correct asymmetric skull shapes.

Material for Skull Reshaping

There are many materials to be used for skull reshaping surgery.

The material should be quite inert, neither vulnerable to chemical modification nor easily dissolved. It should have little or no reaction to contact with tissue, and have minimal resistance to X-rays. It also should be rigid enough to maintain its contour and should be easily removable once complications should arise.

ITEM perform skull reshaping surgery for back of head using Methyl methacrylate (simply MMA, or also called Osteobond) which is bone cement for being used as surgical material to reconstruct body structure.

LATERAL VIEW

FRONT VIEW

What is Osteobond ( = Methyl Methacrylate , Bone Cement ) ?

Osteobond has been used for over a hundred years for reconstruction of human bone, and has been used for reconstruction of major skull defects since World WarⅡ.

It has many advantages, taking into account clinical data and potential complications following cranioplasty with autologous bone or MMA. There have been no cases of infections and other significant side effects such as Seroma. It has almost no chemical reaction to the original skull.

The safety of this procedure has been proven in numerous papers through more than 30 years of observation of the progresses after the surgery.

Also, it is as strong as bone and retains its position and shape permanently.

Surgery Method

01. 3~4cm of incision is made on the scalp

02. Delicate dissection will be done around membrane which is covering the bone and make an enough space to insert Osteobond

03. Insert MMA into the desired location through the incision and carefully mold the MMA into the desired shape while it hardens (This procedure takes around 3minutes.)

04. After the Osteobond had set hard, scalp closure is done by using surgical staples and nylon sutures. (Drain is not necessary)

05. After finish entire operation, the head dressing (bandange on upper head) is applied

Characteristics of Back of Head surgery using Osteobond 

•  It doesn’t need certain period to take a cast as other implants
• It doesn’t need to remove hair
• It will not squished from sleeping on it or by wearing hats (You can lay down freely right after the surgery)
• There is rarely symptom as water collection on surgical area since it almost perfectly adheres to the bone compared to silicon implant
• You can have natural and voluminous back of head as your own back of head

This procedure is suitable for …

•  Patient who has flat back of head
•  Patient who has dent due to severe asymmetric back of head
• Patient who substantially sunken on portion of the back of the head
• Patient who has uneven back of the head

YOUR GUIDE TO BACK OF HEAD AUGMENTATION

PREPARING FOR YOUR BACK OF HEAD AUGMENTATION

Pre and post-surgery conditioning of your body is important in order for your body to recover in the shortest time from the surgery, which will aid in producing the best results:

It is very important to keep us informed if you have any allergies (drugs, herbs, food), which you may have, or suspected to have.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Any medical history (high blood pressure, heart problem or diabetes etc) and/or medication allergies, please inform us immediately.

Everyone heal at different pace, some may heal really fast without much signs of bruising and swelling while some may take a longer time to heal and recover. It is very important for patients to stay positive throughout the healing process.

Minimum of days required to stay in Seoul ~ 8 days 7 nights

Review/Dressing ~ Day 3 after surgery

Stitch Removal ~ Day 7

Others ~ 2-3 hours stay in Clinic Recovery Room post surgery

Back of head augmentation Video Explanation by Dr Chung Woo-Jin

DAY OF YOUR SURGERY

1. Please arrive at our clinic 30 mins before your schedule appointment time.
2. Please DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING 4 hours before your scheduled surgery time.
3. Please do not wear wigs, hairpins, jewelry, false eyelashes, or contact lenses.
4. Remove nail polish, gel nails, acrylic nails and nails extension.
5. DO NOT put on make up.
6. Wear loose and comfortable clothings and comfortable foot wear.
7. This Procedure will be conducted under local anesthesia, and it takes approximately 40 minutes and it is normal to experience mild nausea and drowsiness right after surgery.
8. 2-3 hours stay will be required in our recovery room after surgery and will be discharged after you have regained conscious.

PRE-OPERATIVE GUIDE FOR PARANASAL AUGMENTATION

DO NOT ~

1. Do not smoke. If you smoke, you should stop for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Nicotine effects circulation and can slow down healing time.
2. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing product, or any Vitamin E for two weeks prior to or following your scheduled surgery. Aspirin has an effect on your blood’s ability to clot and could increase your tendency to bleed at the time of surgery and during the post-operative period.
3. Stop all medications (Except high blood pressure medications) including vitamin C at least 10 days prior to surgery. You may resume taking Vitamin C after surgery as it can help to speed up your recovery.
4. Do not take diet pills or herbal supplements 7 days prior to surgery.  The below-mentioned Medication/Supplements should stop taking 7 days before the surgery.  Weight-loss products and nutritional or herbal supplements (减肥产品或含有草药的补品): Alpha-lipoic acid (α-硫辛酸), Echinacea (松果), Gingko biloba (银杏), L-carnosine (L-肌肽), Omega-3 (欧米加3), Acetyl- l- carnitine (乙酰基L-肉毒碱), Ephedra (麻黄), Ginseng (人参), Licorice (甘草), Resveratrol (白藜芦醇), Cinnamon (肉桂), Camomile (甘菊), Fish Oil (鱼油), Garlic (大蒜), Glucosamine-glutamine (氨基葡萄糖谷氨酰胺), Chondroitin (软骨素), Kava (卡瓦), Milk thistle (水飞蓟), Skullcap (头盖骨), St. John’s wort (圣约翰草), Creatine (肌酸), Ginger (姜), Goldenseal (毛茛), Multivitamins (多种维生素), Vitamin C & E (维他命C和E), Evening Primrose Oil (月见草油), Royal Jelly (蜂王浆).
5. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 5 days prior to surgery. Alcohol may create complications and increasing bruising.

DO (Optional) ~

1. You may wish to take Vitamin C two months before surgery for speedy healing for scar. However, please STOP taking them 10 days before surgery date. And continue to take after surgery as long as possible.
2. 片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) ~ Traditional Chinese Medication according to Chinese Physician it aid healing, prevent inflammation before & after surgery, reduce swelling & pain. If you intend to consume this traditional chinese medication, take 2 capsules of 片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) 1 day before surgery. After surgery you should take the medicine prescribe by doctor 3 times daily 30 minutes after meal, and as for 片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) you should take it at night before you rest & should be taken 3-4hrs after you have taken doctor’s prescription. Please Do Not Mix it together with doctor’s prescription as片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) is a very strong chinese medication that will override all kind of medication.
3. 何人可凉茶 (he ren ke liang cha/Herbal Tea) should be taken 1 week prior to surgery to relieve body heat, drink it every alternate day before & after surgery.

Here are some non-compulsory items/treatments that will help to condition your body.

 1. Manuka Honey UMF 16 ~ Soothing, Conditioning and Boost up your Immunity

2. Nutritional or Meal Replacement Shake ~ Supplement your normal meals      

MEDICATION

1. You may be prescribed with medication that comes in a pre-packed form consisting of different tablets and capsules in each pack.

In most cases, our standard medication like Painkiller, antibiotic and digestive pill are prescribed at no additional cost. Should you required any other special medication, Doctor will provide the prescription for you and the medication may be purchase over any medical counter at your own cost.

1. The Pre-Packed Standard Medication to be taken 3 times a day, 30 mins after each meal, unless advised otherwise.
2. If there are Korean words on your medication such as 아침, 점심 and 저녁, please note that they mean that they should be taken after:

• 아침: breakfast
• 점심: lunch
• 저녁: dinner

If you develop a rash or think you are having an allergic reaction to the medication, please call our clinic immediately.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE FOR BACK OF HEAD AUGMENTATION

PLEASE DO THIS:

Ice Pack/Warm Pack

• Apply ice pack for 5-10 minutes per side on a hourly basis for the first 48 hours after surgery to help deswell.  (Freeze the Ice Pack before use)
• Apply cold pack at least 3 times per day after 48hrs. (Chill the cold pack in the refrigerator)
• Using an ice-pack is essential to reduce swelling in a sit down posture.  Always take a 5 minute break after putting on the ice pack for about 15-20 minutes. It is not good for the skin if you put on the ice pack for too long.  
• Apply warm-pack on Day 5 onwards for at least 2 weeks. Warm pack is recommended to enhance blood circulation.  Please put on warm pack after the bruise has changed from purple to yellow.
• To prepare warm-pack, put pack in hot water for 3-5 minutes and let it cool for a while, it should be comfortably warm and must not scald the skin. Do not microwave the pack.
• Apply a thin layer of Terramycin ointment around stitched areas twice a day for at least a week.
• You may wash your face and wear makeup on the following day after surgery.

PLEASE DO NOT:

Wound/Stitch/Swelling

• Do not drink alcohol and smoke for at least 1 month post surgery for better blood supply, tissue regeneration and to avoid inflammation.
• Avoid contact with water on the surgery area until removal of stitches.
• Avoid vigorous physical activities, aerobics, swimming, weight training etc for at least 1 month. Continuous physical forces acting on the surgical site can cause movement or wrong deviation on implant site and it may change the nose shape.
• Do not sleep with an ice-pack/warm-pack.
• Never press your surgical site when applying an ice-pack/warm-pack to it
• Do not take the medical tapes/bandages off from the operated site.
• Usually, there is little to no visible swelling or bruising after surgery (depending on individual).
• The head dressing ( bandage on upper head ) will be removed on day 3 during your review.

Must Read Notes

• It is normal to experience mild nausea and drowsiness right after surgery.
• After surgery, it is normal t0 feel some slight pain, discomfort and tightness around the head.  These symptoms will disappear within 2days to a week.
• Please abide to all advice on taking of the prescribed medication.
• Vitamin E, Evening Primrose Oil, Royal Jelly Vitamins and Omega-3 should be avoided if you are still having swelling on the surgical site to prevent prolonged swelling.
• You may shower and wash your hair after stitch off.
• You can swim or resume your exercise 1 month post surgery but do not exert force on the surgical site as bleeding may occur.  Sauna is not advisable when swelling has not subside.
• Keep your head elevated 45 degree while sleeping by using two pillows – this may helps reduce swelling throughout the night for at least 2-3 weeks.
• Sleep with your body faced down and on your sides of your faces for 1-2weeks.
• Do not compare your progress with other patients. Remember that everyone’s healing process varies. Also, if you have any questions or concerns, contact us directly.
• Keep your emotion under control and Stay Positive for speedy recovery!

COMPLIMENTARY ITEM SELFCARE POUCH

Selfcare Pouch includes ice pack, mini ice pack, cosmetic facial mask, ointment, cotton swab and cotton pad.

• Ice Pack & Mini Ice Pack

To reduce your swelling around your surgical site, you need to apply the ice pack as much as you can do. Mini ice pack can be used for patients who had rhinoplasty

• Ointment

A day later from the surgery, you have to apply the ointment two times a day around your stitches area not make your scar dry.

• Cotton Swab & Cotton

Whenever applying the ointment around your surgical site, you need to use cotton swab to apply them gently. After the surgery, the blood temporarily can be released. That is a very normal symptom and please wipes off the blood with cotton pad.

• Cosmetic Facial Mask Pack

After removing stitches around your surgical site, you can apply the cosmetic facial mask to rejuvenate your skin condition. During your healing process, you may not wash your face as normal daily life.

• Concentrated Pumpkin Juice

Drink it once a day and it helps to reduce swelling.

We hope this helps and good luck for your surgery.

We wish you a speedy recovery!

If there’s any doubts, please do not hesitate to seek help from us.

Thank you for choosing ITEM Plastic Surgery Clinic! ^^