Maxfacts

Skull

Postoperative problems affecting the skull include

• Defects in the skull bone. This is usually after major combined procedures with neurosurgeons. There may be a bone defect which is planned to be restored later with implanted material (titanium mesh, PEEK (a polyether ketone polymer), acrylic). Generally, in a maxillofacial-only operation only the outer table of skull bone will be removed and this is often either replaced with synthetic tissue or fills in naturally.
• Staples. Staples rather than stitches are used but remain in for 10 days and have to be taken out. Washing the hair can be a little difficult.
• Scars. If in the hairline, the only evidence is a parting of wet hair along the scar line. In male pattern baldness the coronal scar (a scar across the top of the head; common approach in trauma surgery) becomes visible but incisions are hidden in hairlines whenever possible. It is very unusual to shave the head in maxillofacial operations.
• Headache for a day or two is not unusual. A drain to prevent accumulation of blood under the incision is common as the scalp is very vascular and bleeds easily.