Should Skull and Cheekbone Reduction Be Done Together?

Q: Dr. Eppley, During my consultation with Dr. Eppley, we discussed skull reduction and he asked if I would still want to reduce my cheekbones afterward. At the time, I was unsure, but I’ve now decided that I definitely do plan to undergo cheekbone reduction.

My question is about facial harmony and sequencing:

Would Dr. Eppley adjust the extent of the skull reduction based on my current cheekbone width — or would he reduce more aggressively if the cheekbones were already smaller to begin with? I’m curious to know if the skull reduction is being tailored to match my current cheekbone structure, or if he’s factoring in my plan to reduce them afterward.

Additionally, I’d like to know — in Dr. Eppley’s opinion, would it be better to undergo cheekbone reduction first to allow for a more aggressive or refined skull reduction result? Or would he recommend doing both procedures at the same time (if that were possible), for maximum overall balance and reduction?

Of course I trust Dr. Eppley’s expertise completely and just want to make sure I’m approaching this in the best order to achieve the most harmonious and noticeable result possible.

A:Ideally, if both procedures are going to be done,  you do the preoperative planning for both the skull and cheek reductions on the patient’s 3D CT scan and then perform them together.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon