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

  1. Cheekbone accessed
  2. Bone cut/repositioned
  3. Fixed with plates/screws
  4. 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.