Uneven cheekbones after failed cheekbone reduction in Korea 2 months ago, the doctor said it's normal. Can it be fixed? (Photos)

Question

The left side is popped out. I went to see another doctor who suggest me to wait at least after 3 months to redo To my memory, the bone was popped-out right after the surgery. I just do not understand this failure cause it's a very careless mistake. I would like to seek more advice. (1.) The possible reason for this to happen? (2.) Is it fixable and when to fix it? (3.) When can I remove the screw/plates?

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Your 3D CT scan shows that the left anterior osteotomy is more lateral than the right side. Because there is a 4 hole plate on it this is most likely the way it was set in surgery rather than 'popping out' afterwards. Cheekbone reduction osteotomies are never completely symmetric in both bone cuts and positioning as that is very hard to do. The more relevant question is the clinical significance of this bony positioning difference. If the left side externally is fuller and asymmetric to the other side, then the left anterior osteotomy can be recut/repositioned if needed.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,Its hard to say why the cheek bone popped out. This could be as a result of swelling. However, by now the bone may be fusing again. The only way to find out would be to explore the cheek and see why its out and possibly refracture the cheek bone and replate it.Best,Dr.S.

Uneven cheekbones after failed cheekbone reduction in Korea 2 months ago, the doctor said it's normal. Can it be fixed? (Photos)

Answers (2)