Do I Need Cheek Liposuction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I see that you are able to narrow the width of the face by osteotomy of the zygomatic arch. In addition to this, I am concerned about the roundness of my cheeks, which have fairly prominent ‘apples’. I have fairly prominent cheekbones (I am of asian descent), so I was wondering if it would be possible to somehow reduce the body of the zygoma to reduce the prominence of cheeks when smiling? Or is it more of an issue to do with the amount of soft tissue? And if so, is there any way to reduce the fat in that area. 

A: What you appear to be talking about is the soft tissue fullness of the cheek area rather than the bone. The term ‘apple cheeks’ almost always means an anterior cheek area that is not related to bone. This is an area that will not be affected by any bony repositioning. In some cases, small cannula cheek liposuction can be helpful in reducing this area of cheek fullness. It can be surprising sometimes how much fat can be extracted from the cheek and a few ccs can often be obtained. But it is not always successful and can be associated with some persistent after surgery swelling.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana