Cheekbone Reduction Surgery: Key Insights and What to Expect
If you’ve ever felt that your cheekbones are too prominent or that they give your face a shape you're not comfortable with, you might have considered cheekbone reduction surgery. This procedure is designed to reshape the mid-face area, creating a more balanced and harmonious appearance. Let's look into what this surgery involves and what you can expect.
Cheekbone reduction, also known as zygomatic reduction or reduction malarplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the bone structure of the mid-face. This surgery is ideal for those who feel that their cheekbones are too broad, protruding, or asymmetrical, and want to achieve a softer, more balanced facial appearance.
Who Is Cheekbone Reduction Suitable For?
This surgery might be right for you if:
Your cheekbones protrude noticeably when viewed from a 45-degree side angle.
The sides of your cheekbones create shadows, making the lower cheek area look sunken.
You’re unhappy with angular facial features and prefer a softer, more rounded look.
Your face is broad, especially in the cheekbone areas, and you desire a more contoured appearance.
You have asymmetric cheekbones that make your face appear uneven or crooked.
Surgical Method
The cheekbone reduction procedure typically involves the following steps:
Cheekbone Osteotomy: An incision is made inside the mouth, and an osteotomy (cutting of the bone) is performed on the side of the cheekbone.
Bone Osteotomy: The inner side of the frontal cheekbones is removed to reduce their prominence.
Cheekbone Relocation: The cheekbones are rotated and repositioned inward to create a more balanced look. This also ensures that the surrounding tissues are properly handled, preventing sagging or bulging.
Fixation: The repositioned bones are stabilized with titanium pins to ensure they remain securely in place
The Process of Cheekbone Reduction Surgery
Consultation: The first step in cheekbone reduction surgery is a thorough consultation. During this appointment, your surgeon will use CT scans to evaluate your cheekbones and assess the condition of your tissues, muscles, and skin elasticity. This helps in planning the surgery to achieve the best possible outcome.
Preparation: Before the surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to prepare. This may include guidelines on diet, medications, and lifestyle adjustments to ensure the procedure goes smoothly.
Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort during the procedure, general anesthesia is administered. This means you’ll be fully asleep and won’t feel any pain during the surgery.
Incisions: Small incisions (about 2 cm) are made along the sideburn and inside the mouth to access the cheekbones.
Fixation: Titanium pins are used to secure the repositioned bones. These pins are safe and commonly used in medical implants.
Recovery: Post-surgery, you can expect some swelling and bruising, which are normal parts of the healing process. A liquid diet is recommended for the first week to ease the strain on your facial muscles, and ice compressions are suggested for the first 3-4 days to reduce swelling. You’ll need to wear a compression face garment to further manage swelling. Most patients can go home the same day as the surgery, but it's recommended to stay in the area for about 14-15 days for follow-up care. During the first month, it's important to avoid alcohol, smoking, saunas, and strenuous physical activities. Light walking is encouraged to aid in recovery. Pain and discomfort around the cheeks are common, and your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers to help manage these symptoms. Keeping your head elevated while sleeping and following specific oral hygiene practices are crucial to preventing complications.
Follow-Up: Post-operation appointments will be scheduled. Stitches along the sideburn will be removed after 7 days, and oral stitches will be removed after 14 days. You’ll also receive deswelling treatments to aid in your recovery.
Results: It can take up to 1 year to see the final results of the surgery.
Precautions and Risks
As with any surgery, cheekbone reduction comes with its risks. These include common surgical risks such as infection, bleeding, bruising, swelling, and potential allergic reactions to anesthesia. There’s also a risk of injury to nearby muscles, bones, nerves, or blood vessels.
Specifically for cheekbone reduction, you may experience changes in skin sensation, asymmetry between the cheekbones, or contour irregularities. Some patients might feel tightness when opening their mouth, which usually improves over time. Additionally, there’s a possibility of bone-related complications like disunion, weakening, or displacement of the cheekbones, which could require further surgery if they occur.
Cheekbone reduction surgery can be a life-changing procedure for those looking to achieve a more balanced and proportionate facial appearance. If you're considering this surgery, make sure to consult with a qualified specialist to discuss your options and what you hope to achieve. Do you think cheekbone reduction might be right for you? Let us know your thoughts or any questions you have!
At Beauty Hopper, we use our many years of experience in the field to help you link up with the best medical experts for your particular procedure. We also offer thorough assistance in organizing your trip, making sure everything goes smoothly and without any trouble during the planning phase. Contact us for a complimentary consultation and further details about the services we provide.
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