It's been 8 weeks and I'm still have swelling after ZMC fracture repair. At what point should I become worried?

Question

Scott Shadfar, MD · Answer

Hello Jake6055, Thank you for your question.In general the swelling following  a ZMC fracture can be substantial and does take several months to resolve. Gentle massage of the area can be helpful to stimulate flow through the lymph channels.Sometimes patients may notice swelling worsening after lying on the side of surgery or being flat.  This is normal.  As long as you are not having fevers, redness, warmth, chills, or opening of the incisions the risk of infection is low.  I would suggest you see your surgeon to  examine you.Good luck, Dr.S

Steven M. Daines, MD, FACS · Answer

Eight weeks after surgery to repair a broken cheek bone (ZMC or Tripod fracture), persistent swelling is quite normal. In fact, it may take 6 months to a year for the swelling to completely resolve depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of surgery that was needed to fix it. If your swelling is accompanied by fevers, redness and warmth of the skin, or increased pain, you should ask to be seen by your surgeon to make sure you are not developing an infection. Otherwise, your surgeon should track your progress with regular office visits during the first year after surgery to make sure he or she is happy with the repair.

Jason Mussman, MD · Answer

Excellent question.  Swelling after facial reconstruction can be tremendous.  Without signs of infection (which is rare) you should not worry.  Time will allow the swelling to subside.  The swelling can take an entire year to return to absolute baseline.  Approximately 75% of the swelling should be gone by 8 weeks.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Swelling and tissue relaxation after a cheekbone (ZMC) fracture repair can take up to six months after the initial surgery to resolve to see the final soft tissue result over the bone repair.

It's been 8 weeks and I'm still have swelling after ZMC fracture repair. At what point should I become worried?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling After ZMC Fracture Repair

Answer: Swelling After ZMC Fracture Repair

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It's been 8 weeks and I'm still have swelling after ZMC fracture repair. At what point should I become worried?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling After ZMC Fracture Repair

Answer: Swelling After ZMC Fracture Repair

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.