Will A Posterior Zygomatic Arch Osteotomy Affect Chewing After Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a couple questions about the posterior zygomatic arch osteotomy I forgot to ask during my virtual consultation I was hoping you could answer for me:

1) Will I have a tough time eating post surgery? I’m not sure if working on the zygoma influences the masseter muscle at all and if this will lead to pain during jaw opening and closing for the first several days?

2) With the posterior arch osteotomy and plate fixation, Can Dr. Eppley plate the arch onto the skull a bit higher than where it was originally? In order to bring the entire arch higher and make my cheekbones higher?

A: In answer to posterior zygomatic arch osteotomy questions:

1) The posterior zygomatic arch osteotomy will not affect the masseter muscle or eating in any manner. The masseter muscle attachments are more anterior along the zygomatic arch.

2) The zygomatic arch can not be moved/relocated higher. And even if the posterior end of the arch could be moved higher it would not create the high cheekbone look.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana