@bnwenis, you asked about a craniotomy and "Does this mean they have to shave your head and remove part of your skull?"
I'm tagging fellow members @scottdemauex @jeanneoc @kdog1957 @thomhorowitz @cddonahoe @cscmaryann so they can share how their procedure was done.

Whether a piece of the skull (bone flap) is temporarily removed during surgery and how much hair is removed depends on the type of craniotomy. For example, with a keyhole craniotomy you may not need your entire head shaved for a keyhole craniotomy. Surgeons usually shave only a small area around the incision site to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. The rest of your hair is left untouched and can often cover the shaved spot as it grows back. If your procedure is planned near your hairline or forehead, the surgeon may make the incision in a way that helps hide the scar in the natural hairline.

You can read more here:
- Keyhole craniotomy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/keyhole-craniotomy/about/pac-20585909
- Craniotomy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/craniotomy/about/pac-20568981

I hope this information helps to prepare your questions for the neurosurgeon at your upcoming appointment.