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Cheek Reconstruction Surgery

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 or another type of face and neck surgery. Skin cancer in this area is usually removed by the Mohs technique. Dr. Khosh is an expert in repair of cheek skin defects after Mohs 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 Fracture Repair

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.

For more information on cheek reconstruction or to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Khosh, contact our office today.

Case Studies

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

Cheek reconstruction New York, NYCheek reconstruction New York, NY

Skin defect in middle of cheek

This 35 year-old-female has Mohs excision of a basal cell cancer from the middle of her cheek, resulting in a 2.5 x 1.5 cm loss of skin. Repair under local anesthesia resulted in an imperceptible scar.

  • Patient: 35 year-old-female with skin cancer
  • Problem: 2.5 x 1.5 cm mid cheek skin defect
  • Procedure: Flap repair of cheek defect
Cheek reconstruction New York, NYCheek reconstruction New York, NY

Skin defect of cheek in front of ear

This 38 year-old-female has had multiple basal cell cancers of the face. Removal of a recurrent cancer resulted in a 5.5 x 3.5 skin loss in front of the ear. A facelift type flap was used to move the cheek skin back and hide the resultant scar.

  • Patient: 38 year-old-female with skin cancer
  • Problem: 5.5 x 3.5 cheek skin defect in front of the ear
  • Procedure: Facelift flap to cover the defect and hide the scar
Cheek reconstruction New York, NYSkin defect at junction of the cheek and lip removed by Mohs surgery

Skin defect at junction of the cheek and lip

This 66 year-old-female had a basal cell cancer removed by Mohs surgery. There was a 1.75 cm skin defect at the junction of the cheek and upper lip. An island pedicle flap was used for repair. The scar lines are well hidden in the natural creases of the face.

  • Patient: 66 year-old-female with skin cancer
  • Problem: 1.75 cm skin defect of cheek near the upper lip
  • Procedure: Island pedicle flap
Cheek reconstruction New York, NYCheek reconstruction New York, NY

Congenital under development of cheek

This 38 year-old-male was born with congenital under development of the left side of his face. Ten years ago, a cheek implant was placed in hopes of improving the facial appearance. The entire left side of the face was augmented with two sessions of fat grafting.

  • Patient: 38 year-old-male
  • Problem: Under developed left cheek and face
  • Procedure: Fat grafting in two sessions
Cheek reconstruction New York, NY

Skin defect of cheek near the temple

This 57 year-old-female had a basal cell cancer removed from the upper-outer cheek near her temple. She had a large circular defect measuring 3.5 cm in diameter. This was repaired with a cheek advancement flap with an imperceptible scar.

  • Patient: 57 year-old-female with skin cancer
  • Problem: 4.5 cm defect of upper outer cheek
  • Procedure: Cheek advancement flap
Cheek reconstruction New York, NY

Skin defect of the lower-outer cheek

This is a 56 year-old-male after removal of basal cell cancer in the lower-outer part of cheek. This resulted in a 4.0 x 3.5 cm defect of the skin. The area was repaired with a rhombic transposition flap.

  • Patient: 56 year-old-male with skin cancer
  • Problem: 4.0 x 3.5 cm skin defect in the lower-outer cheek
  • Procedure: Rhombic transposition flap

Disclaimer: These are actual results for patients of Dr. Maurice Khosh. Plastic and cosmetic surgery results can vary between patients.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cheek Reconstruction

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.

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.

In most cases, sutures are removed after 5 to 7 days.

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.

Related Procedures

Reconstructive surgery for cheek defects is aimed at restoring the face. In skin cancer repair, related procedures may entail secondary surgical treatments to enhance the cheek appearnce or laser treatments to camouflage scars. In facial fracture repair, related procedure may include fat transfer or facial filler injections to improve facial contours.

Woman cheek.

Click Here to See Cheek Photo Gallery

What Dr. Khosh's Patients Say

5.0

Based on 174 reviews

Meredith G.
Saw Dr. Khosh for a fractured nose. He reset my nose beautifully (and with little discomfort to me) and then discussed some of my sinus issues with me upon my follow up visit. Never felt like he was rushing me out and felt very confident in his abilities. I would highly recommend to anyone needing plastic or reconstructive options!
Jackie C.
Great front office, really good experience after what was a terrible accident. I was made to feel comfortable. Dr. Khosh is very good at what he does. I'm still healing but I'm confident of the results
Kaitlin M.
Dr. Khosh takes exceptional care of his patients. He has operated on me twice, each time making me feel extremely comfortable and satisfied with the results. His staff is also very kind and knowledgeable.
Diana G.
Dr. Khosh & his staff Susan & Christine are absolutely amazing! They were so supportive & helpful from beginning to end & they are just wonderful people. Thank you guys I truly appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I would recommend them to anyone & everyone!
Joann M.
After visiting and being evaluated by several doctors, I kept going back to Dr. Khosh. His tranquil spirit and professionalism were captivating. Thank you for a job well done and keeping me calm throughout the entire process. A special thanks to your staff Susan and Christine for all of their support as well. Hi highly recommend Dr. Khosh.
Leah G.
Upon hearing of the overwhelmingly positive experience a friend of mine had in choosing Dr. Khosh as her surgeon, I decided to make an appointment for my own septoplasty/rhinoplasty/turbinate reduction. Although I was slightly skeptical as the praise I had heard seemed a bit hyperbolic, all uncertainty dissipated after meeting the Doctor and his staff. My pre- and post-operative experience was excellent in terms of concerns adequately addressed prior to the surgery and mitigation of any bruising in the convalescent period. Despite my apparent predisposition to rather slower healing, a year after the surgery, my nose looks really pretty and my breathing entirely unobstructed! I highly recommend Dr. Khosh!
Courtney G.
AMAZING!!!!!! I had Dr Khosh perform lipo on my chin/neck and my result is unbelievable! Better than I could have expected! I met with a couple of surgeons and the second I met with Dr Khosh I knew he was the one I was going with. He was compassionate and explained every detail of what would take place during the surgery and what to expect during recovery. I even emailed a few times during recovery with various questions and he got right back to me asap which was really comforting! I honestly fully recommend Dr Khosh, he did an amazing job and is an amazing person.
Frieda S.
i can finally breathe!! Dr. Khosh made the entire experience a breeze, it was truly a pleasure to be under his care. I am forever thankful and highly recommend him. Not only does his work speak for himself, but he has excellent bedside manner. His kindness and patience is above and beyond. He takes the time to answer to every question you have to help you understand the process while at the same time making you feel so comfortable. From the first consultation i knew i was in good hands. I am so pleased with the result and forever thankful.
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