Will Cheek Bone Reduction Fix My Facial Asymmetry?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello! I am sending this request with my photos. As you may notice, the right side of my face is “larger” than my left, I feel its mostly the cheek bone. Hence I wanted to inquire about “cheek bone reduction” for my right side. I know it is not that simple, but to not make this very long I am writing in the most general way possible. I understand perfect facial symmetry with surgery is realistically impossible, I just wish to find a way that my facial cheek bones may be more proportioned, (with out the use of an implant or fillers), this cheek bone asymmetry is an insecurity I have when people look at me. I look forward to hearing back and thank you for taking time to read. 

A: I can see the asymmetry in your cheek area and, for now, we will assume this is due to a difference on the zygomatic (cheek) bones between the two sides. Right-sided cheek bone reduction can be done but it would be very important to know where the differences in the bones are so that the right bone reshaping technique can be used. In make that assessment, a 3D CT scan of the face is needed so that exact location and magnitude of the cheek bone differences can be seen and the right surgical plan done. Whether yours would be a ‘typical’ cheek bone reduction (anterior and posterior bone cuts) or just anterior awaits what the 3D CT scan shows.

 

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana