Cheekbone Reduction

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am looking to get cheekbone implants done and possible cheekbone reduction. Is it possible to get them done together?What are the recovery times (as in minimal swelling left) for each, and would that be prolonged if I got them done together?Let me know, thank you!

A: Cheekbone reduction and cheek implants can be done at the same time. When these two procedures are put together it is because one wants the width of the zygomatic arch narrowed but the anterior cheek projection increased. In these cases, the cheekbone reduction osteotomies are done right behind where the cheek implant would be placed. The anterior surgical approach (intraoral maxillary vestibular incision) would be the same for both procedures.

I think it would be true that combining these cheek reshaping procedures will create greater facial swelling after surgery. But in the case of cheekbone reduction and cheek implants, the greatest amount of swelling is going to come from the cheekbone reduction osteotomies. The cheek implants will add a very small amount to the overall facial swelling that will occur.

Thye swelling from this type of cheek reshaping procedures will follow a classic cessation over time of 50% gone by 10 days, 75% by three weeks and 95%$ by six weeks after surgery. Probably what will look as minimal swelling to you will be about three weeks into the recovery phase.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana