While cheekbone enhancement is popular in the West, many Asian patients seek reduction for a smoother facial contour. Here's what zygoma reduction involves.
Why Reduce Cheekbones?
Common Concerns
- Face appears too wide
- Cheekbones feel too prominent
- Desire for smoother contour
- Face looks angular or harsh
Types of Zygoma Reduction
L-Osteotomy
- Most common technique
- Bone cut in L-shape
- Rotated inward
- Reduces width effectively
Shaving/Burring
- For mild prominence
- Less invasive
- Limited reduction possible
Infracture
- Bone pushed inward
- Specific technique
- Combined with other methods
The Procedure
Approach
- Incision inside mouth
- Small sideburn incision sometimes
- General anesthesia
- 2-3 hours typically
What Happens
- Cheekbone accessed
- Bone cut/repositioned
- Fixed with plates/screws
- Incisions closed
Recovery
- Significant swelling: 2-4 weeks
- Bruising: 2-3 weeks
- Soft diet: 2-4 weeks
- Final results: 3-6 months
Risks
- Nerve damage (numbness)
- Asymmetry
- Skin sagging (rare)
- Infection
Combining with Other Procedures
- Jaw reduction (complete facial contouring)
- Fat grafting (to balance)
- Chin surgery
Korean Specialization
This procedure is relatively rare in the West but common in Korea, where surgeons have extensive experience.
