Cranioplasty at RSUPN DR. Cipto Mangunkusumo

A Cranioplasty is a laser-focused surgical procedure that works to repair a defect in the skull. Typically, it's a necessary step after brain surgeries or even following a traumatic injury. The whole purpose of a cranioplasty is to provide a line of defence for your brain. The surgeon achieves this by remodelling or mending a damaged part of the skull. Like every surgery, it's not without its risks - infection, blood clots, seizures, and the not-so-rare potential of a stroke.

But the role of cranioplasty isn't confined to just protection. In fact, it can be thought of as a reconstruction mission. During the surgery, depending on the severity and type of the injury, a surgeon may replace a part of your skull, mend any existing damage, or even reshape the entire structure. It's like having a personal sculptor for your skull. Circumstances that warrant a cranioplasty may include traumatic head injury, some sort of growth abnormality or previous cranial surgeries. While it is often an elective procedure, the deciding vote usually falls in the hands of the surgeon.

 A cranioplasty has an impressively wide range of applications. Whether it's congenital conditions, mishaps resulting in an oddly shaped skull or areas of the skull that require extra fortification against possible injuries, cranioplasty has got your back (or rather, your head). Sometimes the procedure is required to treat defects left from previous surgeries. Undeniably, the risks involved may be worrying. However, the benefits of a cranioplasty - its ability to rectify a whole host of different conditions - make it invaluable in the grand scheme of things. There's no denying its merits, both medical and cosmetic. So, while deciding on this operation may not be a proverbial stroll in the park, it's still a crucial instrument in the medics' tool kit worldwide.