PROCEDURES


PROCEDURES


Client Testimonial

Great Doctor. Very patient, caring and skilled. I went to him regarding a maxillary bone fracture. He listened to all my concerns very patiently, answered everyone of my questions, went through the CT Scan with me, explained everything clearly and in great detail. Great Doctor Even More A Great Person. Highly recommend to anyone.

Frank, Manhattan

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Cheek deformities may involve missing skin from skin cancer removal, fractures of the bone, or congenital under-development of bone and soft tissue. Since the cheek is the highlight of the midface region, deformities in this area can be quite noticeable. Cheek reconstruction aims to restore the normal skin cover and contour of this prominent facial feature.

Repair of skin cancer defects is one of the commonest reasons for cheek reconstruction. Skin cancer in this area is usually removed by Mohs technique. Dr. Khosh is an expert in repair of cheek skin defects after Moh's excision. Depending on the location and size of the defect, skin flaps and secondary laser skin treatments can erase any visible signs of the skin cancer or evidence of its removal.

Cheek fractures occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents, sport injuries, or assault injuries. Cheek fractures may be associated with other facial injuries or fractures. A CT scan is necessary to fully evaluate the extent of bony fractures and plan surgical repair. Repair of cheek fractures is accomplished through hidden incisions inside the mouth or the lower eyelid. Small titanium implants are used to reposition and stabilize the cheek fracture.

Congenital abnormalities of the cheek are rare. Dr. Khosh prefers using fat grafting for repair of congenital under development of the cheek (hemi-facial microsomia). Congenital tumors such as vascular malformations or hemangiomas may require laser treatments, surgical excision and flap repair, or a combination of both.

Please view the case studies listed below for examples of cheek reconstruction for various deformities including skin defects, cheekbone fractures, or congenital deformities.

  • 2010 Patients' Choice Award
  • 2008-2009 & 2010-2011 Best Doctor List.
  • Past President of New York Facial Plastic Surgery Society.
  • Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University.
  • Past Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at Columbia Univeristy.
  • Founding Member of new York Head & Neck Institute.
  • Affiliate Member of Vascular Birthmarks Institute of New York.
  • 2001 Columbia University Maxwell Abramson Teaching Award.

Case Study

This 42-year-old lady developed a long and wide defect of the cheek, near the ear, following Moh's surgery for removal of basal cell cancer. This was repaired with a cheek advancement flap, which is similar to a facelift.

  • Patient: 42-year-old female with skin defect following cancer removal
  • Problem: 1.5 x 2.5 inch defect of cheek near the ear
  • Procedure: Cheek advancement flap

FAQS

What kind of anesthesia is used for cheek repair?
Repair of small and medium sized cheek skin cancer defects and cheek augmentation with fat transfer can be performed under local anesthesia. Surgical repair of larger cheek defects, and repair of cheek fractures requires general anesthesia in an operating suite.
When can I return to work following cheek reconstruction?
The swelling and bruising that follows surgical repair of cheek skin cancer defects or cheek fractures is mostly resolved after two weeks. Most patients can return to work at that time.
When are the stitches removed following cheek reconstruction?
In most cases, sutures are removed after 5 to 7 days.
What is a cheek advancement flap?
Advancement flaps are quite useful in repair of cheek defects. The skin from the remaining, intact cheek is advanced to the site of the defect, and the incisions are closed. This requires additional incisions on the face, but such incisions heal quite well.

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