Cheek Restoration at Age 47-BOTCHED and dismissed!

At age 47, my previously full and high cheekbones had experienced serious deflation from aging and were in need of restoration. After some research in our area, my husband and I selected Dr. Haigney. On the morning of July 9th, I had Conform Malar Implants placed. The surgery went well, yet my husband and I both immediately noticed that the left side of my face was disproportionate to the right but believed it to be the result of natural swelling. Nine days later, the right side (which had become bruised) had recovered nicely without much discomfort; however, the left side continued to swell and became extremely painful. Since my surgeon was on vacation, I followed up with his colleague, who promptly confirmed what my husband and I had suspected: a possible hematoma.

Now I am aware that cosmetic surgery has complications. The factor that upset both my husband and I was the fact my surgeon had my follow up with an oral surgeon who had NO training whatsoever in cosmetic procedures. He gave me the number of another surgeon. Here I sit tonight with a huge protuberance in my left cheek and a throbbing pain in my cheekbone and jaw. My question is: Why would a surgeon have his cosmetic surgery patient receive a follow-up with a doctor who knows NOTHING about the procedure????

My husband (who is a nurse) has explained to me that a hematoma can be drained to promote healing, yet the follow-up doctor refused to drain (as he did not feel comfortable touching my face without training.)

During an appointment with on "on-call" follow-up doctor (who was actually trained in facial surgery this time,) the surgeon drained 2 mm of blood from my swollen left cheek. Upon follow-up with Dr. Haigney, my right cheek was in the process of properly healing, while the left cheek remains disproportionally swollen and sore (this is day 21!) Dr. Haigney attempted to aspirate the cheek, yet nothing emerged. His advice to me is to wait and see how it heals. As of today I am contacting to notify him of the continued pressure, pain, and (nearly comical) swelling. I will update.

Much of the swelling in my cheeks has subsided at this point (nearly a month post-operative,) yet my husband and I both can see a marked difference in the positioning of the left versus the right side. The latter (right) looks wonderful---natural and well-contoured; the left side is jutting out at an odd angle (my husband believes this is due to poor placement.) I have a follow-up tomorrow and will inquire.