Cheekbone Reduction Reversal

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am considering cheekbone reduction reversal. In your expert opinion, would it be risky for me to try and attempt to flip the cheekbones back out after cheekbone reduction? Would flipping it back in place close the gap as well?

A: Based on your 3D CT scans to move the anterior end of your prior cheekbone osteotomies out you would need an interpositional graft and plate and screw fixation. This can certainly be done as in your case they actually removed a vertical wedge of bone through the whole body of the zygoma. 

While that can be done the more important question is what are your trying to accomplish by doing so? If the goal is to provide a cheek lifting effect that is a possible outcome from expanding the cheek back out but such a result can not be assured. The cause of the cheek sagging is that the tissues have been stripped off the bone to do the surgery. Returning the bone to its original position may not elevate scarred and now shortened cheek tissues back to where they originally were as bone expansion creates a lateral soft tissue push not a vertical one. 

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana