cheek bone operation

[unknown947]

my mother did the CAT scan and visited the doctor, he said  it will be better to let it heal by itself without an operation, because when it heals there'll be only 1 or 2 mm difference flately and he'll see her in a period of 3 months.. Do you think this is right ? Also, she has a small fracture in the skull because the bones are related. what do you think should be done? about the shower, can she shower and wash her hair smoothly with warm water? for sleeping, what position would be best for the healing? And finally, can she do the things that she usually does because the pills that she's taking are making her tired all the time, for example can she drive?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Basically, you are asking me to second guess the surgeon without the benefit of viewing the CAT scan or examining the patient.  It sounds like your surgeon is taking an appropriate conservative approach, but a definite answer would require a review of film and a direct examination.  The same applies to the skull fracture.  A slightly elevated (20 degree) head position would be best.  Driving is not appropriate while on narcotics or pain medication that reduces reaction time.