Ten years ago I had microvascular decompression surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia. I have some "hardware" that is now extruding through the incision line. The opening is approximately 3/4" and there are three pieces (circular loops of mesh or plate) that are visible. I was sent to a dermatologist who said he would need to refer me to a plastic surgeon to create a flap to cover the "hardware." He is waiting for my records from John Hopkins and no referral has been made. While I am waiting, I am considering that it might be a good idea to actually remove all metal that might be in the incision line. I am assuming that the bone has filled in and no longer needs support and that a burr hole would be sufficiently protected by the dura. I realize that all consideration would depend on how much mesh/plate is involved but am I correct in my assumption that the hardware is no longer needed. I do not want this just covered up, only to have it break through at a later time.