Can Secondary Cheekbone Reduction Be Done?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m interested in having cheekbone reduction surgery. Approximately 1.5 years ago, I had the procedure performed by another surgeon. The results weren’t what I wanted. He didn’t remove enough bone. So I am thinking of having a revision done but with you. If at all possible, that is. I’m not sure if a revision can be done for this type of surgery. I keep reading conflicting information online. At any rate, how would you approach such a procedure? Would I need extensive bone work done again via osteotomy? Or can the bones near the temple be shaved down for a simpler/safer approach? Also, what will the risks be?

I’ve attached pre-op and post-op photos, including a recent photograph of myself and a model whose cheekbones are what I hope to achieve. Hopefully, they help you in determining my options. Have a nice day, doctor. Thank you.

A:Thank you for your inquiry sending your pictures and 3D CT scans. I would agree that the only way to get closer to your result is further cheekbone reduction. Since there is no effective cheek shaving procedure that leaves the type of cheekbone reduction osteotomies you had done the first time. Since I don’t know how much inward movement was done we have to look at the scans to make that determination and see if more can be achieved. The views that will provide that information are either the top or basal (submental) views. This allows one to see how much inward movement was done. Those are the key views that are not in the 3D images that you have sent.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon