Department of Neurosurgery
Neuroplastic Center 593 Eddy Street APC6, Providence, RI 02903
Phone (401) 793-3457
Fax (401) 444-2788
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Temporal Hollowing

Condition

Temporal hollowing describes flattening on the side of the skull, usually after injury or a previous cranial procedure. 

This can occur if the muscle on the side of the scalp has been damaged. A depression on the side of the head can be seen even after the skull has been reconstructed with an implant because the loss of muscle has not been addressed.

Reconstruction of the temporal hollowing can be performed with several different techniques. These include placement of a new implant to make up for the loss in tissue, repositioning of the damaged muscle, or placement of fat into the hollow areas to mask the hollow area. The Neuroplastic Surgery Team offers all of these options and will work with you to identify the best treatment for your needs.

We strongly believe that the best treatment for patients with skull and cranial abnormalities is with a team approach. A group of specialists, who collaborate to achieve the best decisions for each patient, decides on every procedure.

Treatment

Reconstruction of the temporal hollowing can be performed with several different techniques. These include placement of a new implant to make up for the loss in tissue, repositioning of the damaged muscle, or placement of fat into the hollow areas to mask the hollow area. The Neuroplastic Surgery Team offers all of these options and will work with you to identify the best treatment for your needs.

Team Care

We strongly believe that the best treatment for patients with skull and cranial abnormalities is with a team approach. A group of specialists, who collaborate to achieve the best decisions for each patient, decides on every procedure.

temporal hollowing
1 of 2

Before: Notice the depression on the scalp which is corrected with a cranioplasty procedure.

cranioplasty
2 of 2

After cranioplasty procedure.

Affiliated Divisions and Care Centers

Neuroplastic Center

The Neuroplastic Center at Brown University Health specializes in advanced care for neuroplastic conditions, combining research and personalized treatment for exceptional patient outcomes.
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People

  • Albert S. Woo, MD

    Albert S. Woo, MD, FACS

    Assistant Professor, Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Hasbro Children’s Hospital
  • Paul Liu, MD

    Paul Liu, MD

    Professor, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Rhode Island Hospital
  • Daniel Kwan, MD

    Daniel Kwan, MD

    Assistant Professor, Chief of Reconstructive Surgery, Lifespan Physician Group
  • Loree K. Kalliainen, MD

    Loree K. Kalliainen, MD

    Associate Professor , Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgeon, Lifespan Physician Group Plastic Surgery
  • Konstantina Svokos, DO, MS

    Konstantina A. Svokos, DO, MS

    Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, Director of Fetal Neurosurgery, Co-Director, Neuroplastics, Co-Director, Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine, Pediatric Neurosurgeon
  • Petra Klinge, MD

    Petra Klinge, MD, PhD

    Professor of Neurosurgery, Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Division Director, Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine