Facial Implant and Soccer

[whlax6]

I broke my cheek bone and it wasnt realized until later into the healing process. As a result one side has a lack of prominance. I was wondering if it is possible to get a cheek implant and still be allowed to play collegiate soccer.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

The best option would probably be re-creation of the fracture and repositioning of the bone.  This, however, is a major procedure and should be undertaken after consultation with a craniofacial surgeon.

[whlax6]

Is a bone graft an option?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Once a cheek implant has been placed and the area healed (about one month), there should be no restriction in your activities including soccer.  Of more pertinence is the questions of will such an implant correct your asymmetry sufficiently to warrant its use.