A cheekbone reduction is done when highly prominent cheek bones result in

• unnaturally wide facial appearance across the mid-face
• an imbalance between the head & temple area and the cheek and face.
• uneven cheekbones

• Candidates without any cardiac condition or serious incidence of hypertension
• Candidates not taking anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin
• Candidates with a exceedingly prominent cheek bones
• Candidates who wish to improve their external appearance
• Candidates who are physically healthy, psychologically healthy and have realistic expectations from the procedure
• Candidates who seek improvement rather than perfection

• Bleeding through the surface of resected bone
• Infection
• Permanent damage to a facial nerve
• Injury

• During the initial consultation, a thorough discussion on the expectations of the patient is understood
• The dental history and x ray studies of the head and jaw are taken
• Photographs are taken for further comparison after procedure.
• The doctor discusses and advises on options of anaesthesia, surgery options, incisions (if any), type of facilities and cost with the patient.
• The doctor provides guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications
• The doctor will perform a physical examination to evaluate the general health, skin and facial structure
• Patients should stop smoking and discontinue all medications containing aspirin or NSAIDs for two weeks prior to surgery
• Patients scheduled for an intraoral approach should rinse the mouth with mouthwash three times a day for two days before surgery.
• The patient should not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to the procedure.
• The patient must arrange for transportation and assistance to leave for home after the surgery

• The procedure is performed after administering local anaesthesia with light sedation, local anaesthesia and deep sedation, or general anaesthesia.
• A small incision is placed about one inch long inside the mouth and a space is made, up and over the bones to be reduced.
• The excess cheekbone is reduced by grinding it down or making cuts in the bone and removing enlarged pieces.
• The procedure is repeated for the other side and the incisions are closed
• No dressings, drains, or garments are needed.

The surgery is completed in two hours.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.

• There is moderate pain than improves quickly.
• Swelling is moderate and peaks at two days then disappears rapidly.
• The patient experiences some swelling and bruising which will begin to disappear within the first 5-7 days.
• Pain and discomfort last for several days following the procedure which can be eased by pain medication prescribed by the doctor
• Facial movements, such as talking and smiling, may be difficult for several days following the surgery
• The patient may feel a degree of numbness that should disappear within 1 to 3 months
• The sutures, if any, will be removed in approximately 3 to 5 days
• The plastic surgeon will give instructions regarding dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to activities after surgery.

• The patient can shower and wash the next day.
• The patient may apply cold compresses, or small ice packs to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
• Patients can return to work with the help of camouflaging cosmetics at about 5 days post-op.
• The patient can expect to resume regular activities in about 1 to 2 weeks.
• After a few weeks the cheekbone will feel tender and the patient may also have a feeling of tightness or stretching in and around the jaw, which will gradually disappear within a week or so.
• The patient will be on a liquid or soft-food diet for several days.
• The patient must keep the head raised by using two to three pillows.
• The patient should rinse the mouth with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water two to three times daily
• The patient should avoid sleeping on the face and unnecessary touching of the cheek area
• The patient should avoid vigorous physical exercise for about two weeks
• The patient must inform the doctor immediately if any of the following occur
• Temperature elevation greater than 101 degrees
• Sudden swelling or sudden discoloration
• Haemorrhage
• Increasing redness and tenderness of the wound edges indicating infection
• Allergic reaction to drugs