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[ARTICLE] Square Jaw Surgery: Facial Bone Structure and Lower-Face Balance Matter More Than the Amount of Bone Reduction

A square jaw may be a concern when the lower part of the face appears wide from the front or when the angle of the jawbone below the ear is prominent from the side. This facial shape can be influenced by various factors, including not only the size and shape of the mandible, but also the development of the masseter muscles used for chewing and the amount of fat beneath the chin. Square jaw surgery is a type of facial contouring surgery that aims to improve the contour of the lower face by adjusting the shape and width of the mandible. However, the surgical outcome is not determined simply by removing a large amount of bone. It is important to determine the appropriate extent and location of bone reduction based on each individual’s skeletal structure and overall facial proportions. In particular, excessive reduction of the mandibular angle located below the ear may result in an unnatural side profile. On the other hand, reducing only the prominent area visible from the side may not ...

[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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