About Cranioplasty
Key Highlights
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Restores the skull's protective barrier for the brain.Improves cosmetic appearance and patient self-esteem.Can alleviate neurological symptoms like headaches or dizziness (syndrome of the trephined).Utilizes advanced, patient-specific implants (e.g., 3D-printed titanium) for precise fit.Performed by highly trained neurosurgeons to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
Who is this surgery for?
- Repair of a skull defect following a decompressive craniectomy for trauma, stroke, or infection.
- Correction of congenital skull deformities or defects.
- Reconstruction after surgical removal of a skull tumor.
- Repair of skull fractures that have not healed properly.
- Treatment of the "syndrome of the trephined," which includes symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive deficits related to a skull defect.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including neurological assessment and imaging (CT scan/MRI) to plan the implant.
- Creation of a custom 3D model of the skull defect for precise implant fabrication.
- Review of medical history and management of any underlying conditions (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes).
- Discontinuation of certain medications (like blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or of the implant material.
- Bleeding (hematoma) or accumulation of fluid under the scalp.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Seizures.
- Implant displacement, loosening, or rejection.
- Persistent pain, swelling, or numbness around the surgical area.
- Cosmetic dissatisfaction with the result.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring of neurological status and wound healing.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Keeping the head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and contact sports for several weeks.
- Careful wound care and monitoring for signs of infection (redness, fever, drainage).
- Gradual return to normal activities as approved by the neurosurgeon, with follow-up appointments for assessment.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cranioplasty in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cranioplasty in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cranioplasty. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cranioplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 3-7 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Cranioplasty in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cranioplasty.
Sarah Williams, a 32-year-old high school...
Sarah Williams, a 32-year-old high school biology teacher, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident two years ago. To relieve swelling, neurosurgeons performed a decompressive craniectomy, removing a large section of her skull. For 18 months, she wore a protective helmet and lived with a visible, sunken area on the left side of her head. She experienced chronic headaches, dizziness, and was deeply self-conscious, avoiding social situations and feeling 'incomplete.' Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Chen, recommended a cranioplasty using a custom 3D-printed implant to restore her skull's contour and protect her brain. The surgery went smoothly. In recovery, Sarah's headaches diminished significantly. Within months, her confidence returned; she went back to teaching full-time and even started dating again. Emotionally, she transitioned from feeling vulnerable and fractured to feeling whole, secure, and like herself again.
Neurosurgeons for Cranioplasty
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform cranioplasty and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada