How does the cement feel on your head? Does it feel round and normal? How much were you charged? I’m looking to get this surgery in a few years as I can’t because of work.
Everything feels normal, like its always been there as “your head.” Its my 6th day after my final surgery and I still have my staples in, so naturally my scalp feels a bit tight and there is some tension pain, but it’s nothing too bad and getting better each day. In one more week, I take my staples out.
In total, I had 2 surgeries using bone cement MMA with Doctor Hsu at Line Plastic surgery clinic in LA. Even though the 1st surgery was a significant improvement from the original head shape, I felt that did not achieve the results I had anticipated. Later, I learned that my thick hair and not shaving my head pre surgery had some effect on the initial outcome. Line plastic surgery was kind enough to agree with my situation, and agreed to have me come back for a revision surgery. Everyone was kind and welcoming, and easy to talk to. Eunice, my consultant at Line LA, was wonderful about keeping me in the loop of things and communication was great. I was nervous and had my doubts having to go through this for the second time around, but she constantly reassured me and kept up regular communication which put me more at ease. I had my 2nd and final surgery performed by Dr Hsu once again on Feb 24 this year, and I feel that he did a phenomenal job. Recovery seemed to be easier the second time around, and in contrast to the first initial surgery, I did not experience the same level of swelling and bruising the second time around. Its worth noting; I got a very close buzz cut this time around, and commmunicated exactly what I needed done, and even helped the doctor by marking a dot on the back of my head to show him EXACTLY where I needed the occipital bump (ridge) to be more round and defined. He was gracious enough to agree with me, and working within the realm of reality on how much more MMA my scalp could accommodate, added an additional 35cc of MMA on top of the 50cc which was already there from the initial surgery back in November. In total 80cc of bone cement after the 2nd and final surgery.
In all, I realize I will never have the “perfect” shape I would have liked to have, but Im honestly very satisfied with the final result of the 2nd procedure/revision. Overall, I think the current shape works for my facial symmetry, and I am pleased with the results. I feel I can comfortably rock a buzz cut or wear my hair longer without any issues of self consciousness regarding my profile view. I would recommend Dr Hsu at Line plastic surgery clinic in LA, but I would definitely recommend you to shave your head prior to surgery. Even though he doesn’t require it, I feel from personal experience that it significantly helps the doctor see EXACTLY what he is doing with no obstruction or optical illusions due to the hair covering you head shape, and I think the chance of your final result being aesthetically pleasing to you is certainly better. Win, win.
The first 2 photos represent where I started before I had surgery using bone cement. The second set, is after my initial surgery in November of last year at the same clinic. Even though the 1st surgery was a significant improvement from the original head shape, I felt that we could have done better.
The last set of photos is the final result of the 2nd MMA procedure for the back of the head after 6 days post op. The swelling which was there immediately post op, has mostly subsided. You can see the exact shape which was molded using MMA bone cement. My staples come out next week, and I can move on.
I hope sharing my journey on here helps someone that was in my position or considering or looking for a doctor who will perform this surgery. I can say that an implant would likely achieve a more predictable result, as they are custom molded and require a 3d CT scan however; there is only one doctor in the US who actively performs them, the procedure is more time consuming and drastically more complicated, and is NOT CHEAP. This procedure with MMA isn't cheap either, but its far less expensive than an implant, and probably more attainable to more people. Being that I had experience with this clinic and this surgeon, I would definitely recommend Dr Hsu at Line in Los Angeles California.
