Where Is The Incision Made For A Cheek Osteotomy?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a cheek bone bigger that the other… due to a malocclusion and a deviated jaw. I was wondering if my jaw is place in position I will still have a cheekbone bigger that the other… where is the incision made  to reduce this zygomatic bone in my case. Thanks for your time.

A: Without looking at any pictures of your face and x-rays, I can not answer how your cheekbone would look if your jaw is repositioned. Most likely, however, it will not look better and may likely look worse as the jaw is moved more into a more centric midline facial position. There are numerous types of cheekbone osteotomies, depending on what type of cheek bone reduction is needed. With facial asymmetry, most likely the bigger asymmetric cheek needs to be moved in medially towards the facial midline. This type of cheek osteotomy would be done through an incision inside the mouth. (vertical medial cheek ostectomy)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana