Fractured Cheekbone

Over a year ago I was sucker punched at a bar and suffered a fractured zygomatic arch (cheekbone). Although there is no pain or discomfort the fracture never really healed properly and at times feels awkward as though something is out of place. My doctor said surgery was unnecessary but after a year of looking at my distorted cheekbone in the mirror and feeling depressed I want to do something about it. I was wondering if it was too late to get surgery and have the bone corrected

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

It is possible to correct the displaced cheek bone, but it is not an easy process.  Basically, the fractured bone is attached in three places and all three areas were fractured in the injury.  The bone must be re-fractured in all three areas, repositioned and held in place with tiny plates and screws.  The difficulty is to reposition the bone symmetrically and fix it in place.