Osteoplasty using calcium hydroxylapatite filler.

PURPOSE:

To describe a novel method using injectable calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for aesthetic correction of small bony defects in the skull.

METHODS:

A prospective, small interventional case series was performed. Three patients were identified with bony defects of the frontal bone from prior trauma or surgery. Calcium hydroxylapatite filler was injected locally to fill the bony defects. The procedure was performed in an ambulatory surgical center with monitored anesthesia care in conjunction with eyelid surgery.

RESULTS:

Three patients were treated with 1 to 3 vials (1.3-ml vial) of injectable calcium hydroxylapatite with improvement of volume deficiency and cosmesis. There were no complications associated with the procedure. Follow-up ranged from 2 months to 7 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

This preliminary report demonstrates that injectable calcium hydroxylapatite filler provides a new, simple, semipermanent technique for aesthetic correction of small bony defects in the skull. The amount of volume replacement is easily titrated, and the procedure can be repeated if necessary until adequate volume is obtained. Although these cases were performed in a surgery center, the technique could easily be done as an office procedure with local anesthesia. A larger cohort and longer follow-up is necessary to establish the duration of effect and success of the procedure.