The Malleability of Infant Skulls
At birth, a baby’s skull is made up of several separate bony plates connected by fibrous joints called sutures. These sutures and the soft spots (fontanelles) allow the skull to be flexible and moldable. This flexibility is crucial for two main reasons: passing through the birth canal and accommodating the rapid growth of the baby's brain. As a result, the methods to address head shape concerns in infants are very different from those in adults, focusing on leveraging this natural malleability. Parents often notice temporary, mild asymmetries after birth, which can be normal.
Non-Surgical Options for Infants
For infants, especially those with deformational plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) or brachycephaly (flattening across the back of the head), non-surgical interventions are the first line of treatment.
Repositioning Techniques
For mild cases, pediatricians often recommend simple repositioning techniques to alleviate constant pressure on one part of the head. These include:
- Tummy time: Supervised time spent on the tummy helps relieve pressure on the back of the head and strengthens neck muscles.
- Alternating sleep position: Changing the direction the baby faces in the crib can encourage them to turn their head both ways to look around.
- Varying holding and feeding arms: Switching the arm used for holding or feeding ensures the baby doesn't always rest their head on the same side.
- Limiting time in carriers and swings: Reducing time spent in devices that keep the baby's head in a fixed position is important.
Cranial Helmet Therapy
When repositioning isn't enough, typically for infants between 3 and 12 months, a custom-fitted cranial helmet may be recommended. The helmet applies gentle, constant pressure to the more prominent areas of the skull while allowing flattened areas to grow. It is usually worn for many hours a day over several months. This therapy is effective because the skull is still growing rapidly during this period.
Surgical Intervention for Infants
In rare, more serious cases, a baby's irregular head shape may be caused by craniosynostosis, a condition where one or more of the fibrous sutures fuse too early. This can restrict brain growth and development. Surgery is typically required to separate the fused bones and allow the brain to grow properly.
Can Adults Get Their Head Shape Changed?
For adults, whose skulls are fully fused and hardened, the answer to "can you get your head shape changed?" is much more limited. Significant changes are only possible through surgical procedures, and simpler, non-surgical methods like those for infants are ineffective. Adults may seek to change their head shape for cosmetic reasons or to correct deformities from congenital conditions or previous trauma.
Adult Craniofacial Reshaping Procedures
Adult skull reshaping, often called cranial contouring, is a specialized cosmetic procedure performed by craniofacial or plastic surgeons.
Surgical Reduction
For high spots, bumps, or ridges on the skull, a procedure involving burring can be performed. A rotary instrument is used to shave down the excess bone, effectively reducing the prominence of a specific area. This is most effective for minor reductions, as the procedure can only target the outer layer of the skull without risking damage to the brain.
Surgical Augmentation
For flat spots or depressions, augmentation is performed using synthetic materials.
- Custom Implants: Using data from a CT scan, a custom-made implant (often silicone or PEEK) is designed to fit the specific contours of the patient's skull. The implant is then inserted surgically.
- Bone Cement: Biomaterials like polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or hydroxyapatite (HA) can be applied as a moldable putty during surgery to build out and reshape flattened areas.
Comparing Head Reshaping for Infants vs. Adults
| Feature | Infants | Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Skull Structure | Soft, pliable plates with open sutures and fontanelles | Fully fused and hardened bone |
| Primary Methods | Repositioning, tummy time, and cranial helmets | Invasive surgery (reduction via burring or augmentation with implants/bone cement) |
| Underlying Cause | Positional pressure (plagiocephaly) or fused sutures (craniosynostosis) | Congenital abnormalities, trauma, or cosmetic preference |
| Risk of Procedure | Generally low for non-surgical; surgery has typical risks | Higher surgical risks due to complexity and fixed skull |
| Cost | Often covered by insurance for medical necessity; can be high for helmets | Significant and often not covered by insurance for cosmetic reasons |
The Importance of Medical Consultation
Anyone considering changing their head shape, especially for a child, should consult a qualified medical professional. For infants, a pediatrician can assess the severity of any flattening and rule out craniosynostosis. For adults, a consultation with a board-certified craniofacial or plastic surgeon is essential to discuss the options, risks, and realistic outcomes of surgical reshaping. The decision to undergo such a procedure should be made with a clear understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks.
For more information on infant head shape concerns, you can visit the Mayo Clinic’s guide to baby head shape: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20045964.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you can get your head shape changed depends on your stage of life and the reason for the change. While infants have natural skull pliability that allows for non-surgical correction of flat spots, adults can only alter their head shape through surgical procedures. These surgeries, which involve either reducing bone or using implants to add volume, carry significant risks and costs. In all cases, a medical consultation is a crucial first step to ensure a safe and effective approach to head reshaping.
