Is The Back End Of My Cheekbone Reduction Sticking Out?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had cheekbone reduction surgery via osteotomy 2 weeks ago. The bones were reached and fractured intraorally and with exterior incisions. On my sideburns where the exterior incisions were made there are really hard lumps which are a concern to me because I don’t know if it’s swelling that will eventually dissipate and flatten out or the zygoma arch is sticking out. What is it? 

A: All I can say is that it is either swelling or the back ends of the zygomatic arch sticking out. It is either one or the other. But that would be impossible for me to say based on just your description alone. A x-ray of course would provide the definitive answer if you must know immediately.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana