Cheek bone reconstruction or not?

Hi, I had several blows to the head in a nasty assault, and the cheek bone is fractured, the consultant said it is OK to leave it and it will heal naturally, but that the right cheekbone is now slightly lower than the left (correct) one. He's given the choice of having the corrective operation, but says it's optional because the difference is noticeable but not too big. You can certainly notice it if you are aware of it - the left side of the face has a pronounced cheekbone, the right less so due to the fracture.
What are the risks of this operation, and how large are they? The consultant said he must warn that there is a very small chance of losing sight in the right eye due to the operation. I'm keen to go ahead if it will correct the face, but of course the other half of me says don't have the operation if it's not strictly necessary.
Any advice please!

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

If you have a cheekbone fracture (malar bone fracture) then surgery to reposition the bone should be done as soon as possible (within a week or so of the injury) and before the bone heals.  Once healing occurs, the ability to re-fracture and reposition it later becomes exceedingly difficult.  While any surgery carries some risks, the risk for this procedure in the proper hands is quite small.

[mpriestman]

Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it. The surgeon said he will probably create an incision under the eyes and possibly out a little bit in the direction away from the nose. Could you tell me if these scars would remain visible after the operation? Many thanks