I have a zygomatic arch fracture with no deformities. What happends if I don't get surgery?

Thank you for your question. If the fracture is not displaced, closely approximated, it will heal fine. If it is displaced, you may need surgery and internal reduction and fixation to achieve optimal healing. I hope this helps!

It is possible that you will heal totally normally or with a change in your cheek bone that is perfectly acceptable. However, in many cases, the final result is camouflaged by swelling and asymmetries only become apparent after you've completely healed and after the window for fracture repair has closed. If that is the case, either injectable fillers or a cheek implant can be used to recreate asymmetry of the fractured cheek. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Treatment for zygomatic arch fractures really depends on the specific fracture. These fractures have the potential to result in either a cosmetic deformity and/or a functional issue. Many zygomatic fractures which have good bony alignment despite the fracture do not require any treatment at all. In these situations, the bone will heal completely and will not require surgery. However, if the fracture is significantly depressed inward or displaced outward, this can potentially be visible as an external depression or as an area of increased facial width. Some of this will depend on the individual's overall facial features and structure as well. For instance, patients with round faces that have more fat will not show as much of a deformity as patients who have very thin faces with little fat. Functionally, if the bone is depressed inward, it has the potential to limit or cause pain with jaw opening as the depressed bone fragment can impinge the underlying muscle or portion of the mandible (jaw bone). Ultimately, if an isolated zygomatic arch fracture goes unrepaired and there is an external contour irregularity, this can potentially be camouflaged with fillers as well.