Cheekbone and eye socket injuries often occur together
As the cheekbone forms part of the eye socket, it is common for an injury of the cheekbone to affect the eye socket and vice versa. As with other facial trauma, it is often caused by accidents, assaults, sporting incidents and falls, however, cheekbone and eye socket fractures can sometimes occur due to disease and bone loss from infection.
In severe cases, cheekbone fractures can also affect the side of the nose and upper jaw.
The broken cheekbone surgery procedure
Cheekbone surgery is completed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep throughout the duration of the surgery. Generally, a small incision will be made through the hairline in the temple in order to reach the cheekbone and put it back in the right place. In some cases the use of small plates and screws may be necessary to hold the cheekbone and eye socket in position. Sometimes more than one incision will be made to achieve this. Incisions will always be hidden in the hairline or the inside of the mouth to ensure that scarring is not visible. Your surgeon will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.
If stitches are applied inside your mouth, they will dissolve after approximately two weeks; otherwise stitches will need to be removed around one week following surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss your procedure with you and provide you with a detailed outline of anything that needs to be done. During this time, any questions and concerns you may have can be addressed.
Cheekbone surgery recovery
As the surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, you will remain in hospital for a short period of time after the procedure for monitoring. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics if necessary. Pain and discomfort will be worse during the first few days after receiving surgery and should begin to dissipate over the following weeks. In most cases cheekbone surgery won’t require the prescription of antibiotics, but in cases where incisions need to be made inside the mouth or when a graft has been performed, antibiotics may be necessary.
Bruising and swelling will be most noticeable in the first 48 hours after surgery but will begin to fade over the following week. Your cheekbone will take around six weeks to heal completely after receiving surgery. You should be very careful as to not apply any pressure or avoid injury to the side of the face during this recovery period. Try to avoid blowing your nose until the cheekbone has healed and lie on your back when sleeping if possible.
Patients who have an incision inside their mouth should rinse their mouth with a solution of warm water and salt to prevent infection. This will be discussed with your surgeon.
Broken cheekbone and eye socket surgery at OMFS Melbourne
If you have been referred for broken cheekbone and eye socket surgery, fill out our patient registration form here!