[ARTICLE] Zygoma Reduction in Facial Contouring: The Importance of Precision and Facial Balance

Interest in facial contouring surgery, including zygoma (cheekbone) reduction, continues to grow steadily. Zygoma reduction is not merely about reducing bone size, but rather about harmoniously reshaping the cheekbones in proportion to the entire facial structure. Experts point out that excessive reduction of the zygomatic bones can actually make the face appear longer or result in lower post-operative satisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial to design the surgery with precise consideration of each individual’s facial shape and proportions. The zygoma plays a key role in determining the mid-face contour. A well-balanced zygomatic structure enhances facial dimensionality and contributes to a more vibrant and attractive appearance. On the other hand, overly prominent cheekbones can create a harsh or rough impression. In such cases, zygoma reduction can help improve disharmony between the cheekbones and cheeks, resulting in a softer, more youthful look. The procedure generally involves resecting or cutting the protruding zygomatic bone and repositioning it inward. However, if facial proportions are not properly considered or if too much bone is removed, the results may appear unnatural. Additionally, inadequate fixation may lead to complications such as nonunion or cheek sagging. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to minimize dissection of the periosteum (bone membrane) and to firmly secure the osteotomized segments with double fixation. This dual fixation method stabilizes the bone and helps reduce the risk of cheek drooping while promoting faster recovery. The fixation devices used are made from medically approved materials that are biocompatible and safe for the human body. Furthermore, preoperative 3D-CT scans are helpful in precisely identifying the zygomatic bone anatomy and the location of nerves. This allows for a safer procedure with minimal nerve damage, and helps determine the optimal osteotomy position and resection volume tailored to the patient. Rotating and repositioning the cut zygoma in a posterior-superior direction can also aid in lifting the soft tissue naturally, thereby minimizing the risk of post-operative sagging. Dr. Soonbeom Kwon of ARC Plastic Surgery Clinic stated, “In zygoma reduction, it’s not about how much bone you remove, but about finding the most harmonious position and angle for fixation that suits the face best.” He added, “Since facial contouring is a complex and high-level procedure, choosing a medical team with sufficient experience and expertise is of utmost importance.” – Medical Today, Reporter Seongwoo Cho (ostin0284@mdtoday.co.kr)