[ARTICLES] Facial Contouring Surgery Possible for Exam Candidates… Confirm Growth Plate Closure and Choose an Experienced Surgeon

As temperatures drop in autumn and winter, reduced outdoor activity and a recovery-focused environment make this season an ideal time for those considering facial contouring surgery. In particular, after the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), inquiries from exam candidates have been increasing, as many high school seniors have completed skeletal growth. Dr. Kwon Soon-beom, Director of ARC Plastic Surgery, explained, “Facial contouring surgery is a highly complex procedure that involves cutting and repositioning facial bones, so it must be performed only after the growth plates have fully closed. In the later years of high school, most facial growth plates are closed; therefore, if examinations confirm completed growth, surgery can be considered even for exam candidates.” Once growth is complete, various contouring procedures—such as zygoma (cheekbone), square jaw, and chin surgery—can be used to improve facial proportions. However, because these procedures directly involve facial bones, swelling, bruising, and sensory changes may occur, making the precision of preoperative evaluation critical. Dr. Kwon emphasized, “Preoperative CT scans are essential to accurately assess bone thickness, nerve locations, and occlusion, which helps minimize potential side effects.” Recently, trends in facial contouring have shifted away from excessive bone reduction toward achieving a more “natural contour” that preserves an individual’s unique features and facial balance. As a result, demand is increasing for combined contouring surgeries that address the cheekbones, jaw angle, and chin simultaneously. For cheekbone surgery, rather than indiscriminately reducing protrusion, surgeons analyze each patient’s skeletal structure and perform minimal necessary resection. The repositioned zygomatic bone is then rotated inward and upward. When combined with double fixation and upward soft-tissue suspension, this approach enhances stability, helps prevent cheek sagging, and can provide a lifting effect. Chin surgery techniques vary depending on chin length, width, and degree of protrusion. Dr. Kwon noted, “When performed together with square jaw surgery rather than as a standalone procedure, chin surgery maximizes facial balance and creates a more natural line. It is also crucial to smooth the resection area to prevent step-off deformities or angular irregularities.” Square jaw surgery requires a high level of expertise, as even small differences in bilateral bone resection can lead to asymmetry. Techniques that preserve part of the mandibular angle beneath the ear and customize the jawline angle for each individual greatly influence patient satisfaction. Additionally, reducing mandibular thickness by resecting the outer cortical bone can create a slimmer facial line even from the front. Dr. Kwon advised, “Because facial contouring surgery requires comprehensive consideration of bone structure, nerve pathways, and soft-tissue dynamics, precise diagnosis based on 3D-CT and individualized surgical planning are essential. Patients should also verify that the medical facility has an emergency response system, anesthesia specialists, and surgeons with sufficient operative experience before deciding on surgery.” He added, “Given that facial contouring involves bone cutting, it is a major surgery that warrants careful consideration. Above all, thorough consultation with a specialist before surgery is vital to accurately understand one’s condition and realistic possibilities.” In conclusion, he stated, “If growth plate closure is confirmed, exam candidates can safely undergo surgery at a qualified medical institution after adequate consultation. When meticulous analysis is combined with experienced surgical technique, satisfaction with facial contouring surgery can be significantly enhanced.”