Cheekbone Reduction
A zygoma reduction or cheekbone reduction procedure involves creating the perfect facial contour by reshaping prominent cheekbone and reducing facial width to achieve a softer and more feminine appearance.
Suitable for those with excessively prominent front cheekbones, wide cheekbone and disproportionate or unbalanced facial structure, this procedure also helps to remove and correct bone protrusions, as such creating slimmer and more attractive facial features.
Solution
Depending on the patient’s natural facial structure, the surgeon will perform the cheekbone reduction procedure using an L-shaped osteotomy or a two-site osteotomy and rotation method. This procedure involves two incisions — one is intra-oral for the zygomatic body and the other is located in front of the ear behind the sideburn for the zygomatic arch. The incision is created small to minimise the appearance of the scar.
Frontal site osteotomy (anterior osteotomy) of zygoma means the zygomatic body is to be cut by a special saw into an L-shape, while the back-site osteotomy (posterior osteotomy) means that zygomatic arch is to be cut. The cheekbone will be rotated inwardly and fixed by mini-titanium plate and screws to prevent further bone movement. The surgeon then creates a smooth step of the bone and closes the intra-oral incision using absorbable suture. The outside incision will be closed with fine sutures.
Recovery
It is important to take care of your oral hygiene to prevent infection. Using mouth wash regularly may help during the recovery phase. Bear in mind that it is also important to keep the face elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Patient may also use cold compress during the first 72 hours following the surgery to reduce swelling. Avoid excessive facial movements and aggressive activities for a month after surgery.