Will Cheekbone Contusion and Hematoma Heal After Drainage?

Will recovery occur after drainage of a hematoma caused by a zygomatic bone contusion?

Hello, doctor.
I was in a car accident on January 17, where I sustained an impact to my zygomatic bone.
Half of my face was bruised, and my eye was swollen to the point of almost being unseeable.
I applied ice and then heat, but the swelling of the zygomatic bone was quite severe, and there was a large hematoma.
The doctor recommended surgery for quicker recovery, so I underwent hematoma drainage.
Now, the bruising is gradually fading, but there is a small area that is slightly sunken, and when I smile, the muscle contours look unnatural.
Is it possible for this to recover? If not, can I undergo cosmetic surgery? Thank you.

Lan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/24

Dr. Lin Zhemin reply Plastic Surgery

A zygomatic bone contusion with hematoma has occurred, and while the bruising has subsided, the muscle contours appear unnatural when smiling.
If there is no fracture to the bone, rehabilitation treatments such as massage and heat therapy can be utilized.
However, if there is a zygomatic bone fracture, further evaluation in a plastic surgery clinic is necessary to determine if surgical intervention is required.

Reply Date: 2017/10/24

More Info

Cheekbone contusions and hematomas can indeed heal after drainage, but the extent and quality of recovery can vary significantly based on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the effectiveness of the drainage procedure, and individual healing responses.
When you experience a contusion and hematoma in the cheekbone area, the body typically initiates a healing process. Initially, the area may swell due to inflammation and the accumulation of blood (hematoma) under the skin. The application of ice and heat, as you have done, is a common practice to manage swelling and promote blood flow, respectively.
After surgical drainage, as you've mentioned, the reduction of swelling and the gradual disappearance of bruising are positive signs that your body is healing. However, the presence of a small depression in the cheekbone area and the unnatural muscle lines when smiling may indicate that there has been some structural change or damage to the underlying bone or soft tissue.

In many cases, the body can heal itself over time, and the appearance may improve as swelling continues to subside and tissues remodel. However, if the depression remains prominent or if you are concerned about the aesthetic outcome, consulting with a plastic surgeon or a specialist in facial reconstructive surgery may be beneficial. They can assess the area and determine if further intervention, such as cosmetic surgery, is appropriate.

Cosmetic procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques, such as fillers, to more extensive surgical options that may involve repositioning or augmenting the bone structure. The choice of procedure will depend on the specific characteristics of your injury, your overall health, and your aesthetic goals.

It's also important to consider that healing can take time. While some individuals may see significant improvement within weeks, others may take months to fully recover. Factors such as age, overall health, and adherence to post-operative care instructions can all influence recovery time.

In summary, while drainage can facilitate healing from a cheekbone contusion and hematoma, the final aesthetic result may not be guaranteed. If you are dissatisfied with the healing process or the appearance of your cheekbone, consulting with a qualified specialist can provide you with options for further treatment. They can offer tailored advice based on a thorough examination and your specific situation. Always ensure that any surgical or cosmetic procedure is performed by a certified and experienced professional to minimize risks and optimize outcomes.

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