Will Cheekbone Reduction Osteotomies Damage My Infraorbital Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Will cheekbone reduction osteotomies help to make the ears more visible and the get a more concave especially the lower part of the cheekbones. Also I have infraorbital implants. Is it possible to do the cheekbone osteotomies without damaging the eyes and infraorbital implants?

A:Your request for cheekbone reduction osteotomies is unique giving your prior cheekbone widening osteotomies. In essence you are really trying to return the more narrow cheekbones that you once had. While that bone shape change is achievable I do not think it will make your ears more visible. It would probably have some impact I’m creating a slight bit of increase concavity in the cheek area but this would be fairly limited given the thickness of your overlying soft tissues.

In regards to your existing infraorbital implants I do not know exactly where they are as they are not evident in the 3-D CT scan that you have. (see attached) I suspect they would be safe from the cheek bone reduction osteotomy as they are unlikely to set into the bony step off that you have in your cheekbones.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon