Maxfacts

Cheekbones

Postoperative problems affecting the cheekbones include

• Relapse from the place of reduction (the process of returning broken bones to their correct position) if the bones are not, or inadequately fixed (held in place by plates and screws or wires). This used to be a regular problem before internal fixation of fractures became widespread.
• Compression of the infraorbital nerve (the sensory nerve that innervates the upper lip, parts of the nose and the lower eyelid, one on each side of the face) can result in neuropathic pain.
• Double vision and epiphora (tearing) can be a problem if the orbital floors or walls (eye socket) are involved.
• Epistaxis (nosebleed) if there is bleeding into the maxillary sinus (air filled space above the upper jaw).
• Scars that will affect the cheek.
• Ectropion and entropion, when scarring pulls the lower eyelid out (ectropion) or in (entropion).
• Incorrect positioning of bone(s), leading to an over-prominent or sunken cheekbone.
• Altered sensation over the cheek.