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[ARTICLES] The Key Is Balance… Cheekbone Reduction Surgery Requires Thorough Consultation

As interest in facial contour improvement continues to grow, more people are seeking cheekbone reduction and facial contouring surgery. In particular, prominent cheekbones can create a stronger facial impression or make the face appear wider, leading to increasing demand for procedures that improve facial balance. However, recent facial contouring trends have shifted compared to the past. While previous approaches focused primarily on reducing overall facial size, current trends place greater importance on creating natural facial lines that harmonize with each individual’s features. Rather than aggressively removing bone, there is now a preference for surgical planning that considers overall facial proportions and side profile balance. Because cheekbone surgery directly involves the facial bones, thorough consultation and precise diagnosis before surgery are considered essential. The surgical method and osteotomy range may vary depending on factors such as the location and degr...

[ARTICLE] Should You Remove Old Pins from Facial Contouring or Two-Jaw Surgery? Precision Diagnosis Is Key

An increasing number of people who have undergone facial contouring or two-jaw (orthognathic) surgery in the past are now considering whether to have their surgical pins removed. Pins are typically used in procedures like zygoma reduction, mandibular angle reduction, and chin reduction to fix repositioned facial bones in place and ensure proper bone healing. Pin removal is generally possible at least six months after surgery. However, many patients delay the procedure, and in some cases, several years may pass. Dr. Soonbeom Kwon, Chief Director of ARC Plastic Surgery Clinic, advises, “If more than 10 years have passed since surgery, the pins are likely to have adhered to the bone or surrounding tissues. Therefore, a detailed evaluation using 3D CT scans is essential to precisely determine the pin’s location and the bone condition before proceeding carefully.” It’s important to note that pin removal is not always necessary. However, it may be considered in the following cases: if the patient wishes to hide evidence of prior surgery, if metallic materials show up during health screenings and cause discomfort, if there is ongoing pain or a foreign body sensation around the pin, or if trauma or impact poses a potential risk. Dr. Kwon explained, “Even if a long time has passed since the initial surgery, pin removal can be performed safely with accurate analysis and skilled surgical technique. However, if the pin is heavily adhered to surrounding tissues, the procedure may become more complex—making the judgment of an experienced surgeon especially important.” After pin removal surgery, patients may experience temporary pain or swelling. It is recommended to avoid hard or chewy foods and to get sufficient rest. Dr. Kwon added, “During recovery, it’s best to refrain from strenuous activities and to keep the surgical site clean, which helps promote proper healing.” – Medical Today, Reporter Seongwoo Cho (ostin0284@mdtoday.co.kr)

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