Flat Cheeks After Accident

asked 1 year ago by JenLA in Los Angeles, CA
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 509 times
Tags: accident, flat, implant, options

1 year ago I got into a car accident and had many facial cuts and fractures. I broke my forehead, nose, upper jaw and lower jaw. My entire face was reconstructed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and I was happy with the results. I do notice that after the accident my cheeks are kinda flat and now I want cheek implants. Should I go back to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon or go to a plastic surgeon? My inclination is to go with the original surgeon since he already knows my case.

9 answers to Flat Cheeks After Accident

Choose Surgeon Well-Experienced in Using Cheek Implants

That would certainly seem like a logical choice as long as the original OMF surgeon is well experienced in using Cheek Implants. IMHO, there is a tendency to be confused about the aesthetics of the cheeks and this sometimes carries over into selection an incorrect style, size and shape of cheek implants for the cheek augmentation.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

drfrancispalmer.com

Implants to correct flat cheeks due to trauma

Flat cheeks after a cheekbone fracture can be addressed through unilateral or bilateral cheek implants. If both cheeks are flat then augment both cheeks a silastic implants. These are placed through a gingival incision just above the upper tooth roots and inserted directly over the bone to augment a flat area. If only one cheek bone has been fractured, then an implant it is put in on that side to balance with the original opposite side. These are usually performed... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Cheek Augmentation after Facial Injury

Hi JenLA, Sorry to hear of your major facial injuries. Cheek augmentation may be required after the initial facial fracture repair due to decreased bone structure and facial volume. Once fractures heal, the cheeks can further be augmented with silicone facial implants or facial fillers. These silicone implants are placed via small incisions inside the mouth. Generally, one waits for at least 6 months from the initial surgery before considering such further procedures. Implants are... more

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Flat Cheeks after Accident

First consult with your original surgeon who took care of you after severe facial injuries. He/she probably does implants, but if not will refer you to a colleague for augmentation.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Cheek implants

I place cheek implants or even fillers to make the cheek bone(s) more prominent and maybe correct some asymmetry that you may have after your accident. What would help you best we could discuss on a consultation.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Cheek Implants For Secondary Facial Augmentation After Fracture Repair

Many times after extensive facial fracture repair that involves the midface, the prominence of the cheeks may be diminished. This can happen even with the most accurate realignment of the fractured bone segments. This occurs due to soft tissue thinning from the trauma of the accident and the surgery. Cheek implants can be a good secondary reconstructive procedure. It is important to get the right style and size of cheek implants to get a good result. Your original surgeon would be well... more

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com

Might try filler first

Going back to your original surgeon is always a reasonable alternative as are implants. However, if the implants are not something that you want to commit to at this time you might try a filler such as sculptra. You can get a reasonable amount of volume without ever having surgery. However, not permanent.

Jo Herzog, MD
Birmingham Dermatologist

Flat cheeks after accident.

Yes, you should go to the original surgeon and if he does not do cheek implants as part of his practice see another experienced surgeon for a second opinion.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Always a good idea to see your original surgeon

The surgeon that performed the major operation to reconstruct your face is intimately knowledgeable with your particular anatomy and healing. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is certainly qualified to address your current issue. There may be residual post bony fracture reasons for your flat cheeks. Certainly implants are one option. If however, the soft tissue and skin injury caused soft tissue contraction, then a better option might be fat grafting. You might ask your... more