If possible, can I take out the 4 metal plates under my eye and over the ending of my eyebrow after my cheekbone heals? (Photo)

Question

I got into a really bad car accident. Left cheek bone broken / right side was fractured. I have 4 metal plates. 2 plates on the end of my eyebrow and 2 below my eye lid. My concern is my left eye is more open then my right eye. I have natural chinky eyes. But my left eye where i have the metal plates is a lot more open than my righty eye where there’s no metal plates., will it be possible to take out the metal plates? And will my eyes look normal after taking out the plates

Benjamin C. Marcus, MD · Answer

Often it is possible to remove the metal plates. Usually this is done only for infection, pain or plates becoming obvious under the skin.I doubt the plates are the cause for the eyelid differences.  I recommend to see an oculoplastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon for evaluation.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible to remove the metal but not sure if that is the reason for your concern. You may benefit from right upper eyelid ptosis surgery or something else. Best to see an oculoplastic surgeon for evaluation.

Ben Brown, MD (license emergency restriction) · Answer

Sorry to hear about your car accident. I hope that otherwise your recovery has been swift!
It would be interesting to see some of your photos from before the accident to compare, but it is possible that the injury itself may have distorted some of your facial features. It is likely that you had a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture (ZMC fracture) which can definitely affect the shape and position of your orbit. Typically the metal plates used to secure the pieces of bone to each other have a low profile, and likely wouldn't be able to themselves distort the shape of your eye.
That doesn't mean that there aren't options to help correct or reduce the appearance of any asymmetry that you may have. I recommend a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specific experience in head and neck or oculoplastic surgery for an in-person physical exam and personalized treatment options.
Good luck and I hope this helps!

If possible, can I take out the 4 metal plates under my eye and over the ending of my eyebrow after my cheekbone heals? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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If possible, can I take out the 4 metal plates under my eye and over the ending of my eyebrow after my cheekbone heals? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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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.