What kind of facial contouring surgeries are there?

Facial bone contouring surgery is a cosmetic surgery that can help improve angular, wide, or large faces. There are three main facial contouring surgeries- zygoma reduction surgery, which reduces the cheekbones, angle reduction surgery, which can reduce the size of the jaw angle for those with square jaw, and genioplasty, which can help create a narrower or shorter chin or can be used to advance or set back the chin when viewed from the side. Facial bone contouring is for those who do not have functional issues but are insecure about their round or wide faces.

Zygoma Reduction

Zygoma is the scientific term for the cheekbone. The angle and exact location of where the bone will be cut vary from each person to person depending on the shape of their cheekbone- some people find that their cheekbones protrude forward while others find that theirs protrude sideways. The cheekbone will be pushed inwards and fixed with plates and screws to keep the cheekbone firmly in place and prevent sagging. The limit of how much the cheekbone can be reduced is the width of the bone itself as there needs to be some overlap for the cheekbone to heal properly.

You can watch Dr. Shin go into more detail regarding the importance of fixing the bones in this video.

Zygoma reduction can be used to reduce the face width from the side, as well as reduce the amount the cheekbone protrudes when viewed from a 45-degree angle. Reducing the side of the cheekbone can create a smooth line from the temple to the cheek when viewed from the front. Those whose cheekbones protrude more than usual when viewed from the 45-degree angle can give the appearance of being temperamental.

Angle Reduction

Angle reduction surgery is performed in the area directly below the ear. Previously, it was trendy to remove all traces of an angle, but recently it has become more popular to leave some of the length below the ear for a more natural appearance. Additionally, for the angle reduction to be even more effective, some people opt to reduce the width of the bone through cortical bone osteotomy.

Genioplasty

Genioplasty can be used to change large, angular, or blunt chins. Depending on the patient's chin and the shape that they like, there are several different methods of genioplasty. Generally speaking, T-osteotomy is used.

This method of chin reduction is used to make the chin narrow, but for patients with long chins, it can also be used to reduce the length, or for patients with recessed chins, the tip of the chin can be moved forward. When fixing it in place titanium pins, it can be moved to the left or right to correct symmetry. You can find out more about this procedure on our website.

The facial bones are the foundation on which facial features are based. It is therefore important to find a surgeon that will consider the face's balance and your individual characteristics into consideration. As much as everyone looks different, each person's surgical needs and plans are varied- removing as much bone as possible does not necessarily make a more beautiful face. If you are considering facial bone contouring surgery, please make sure to consult with an experienced, skilled, and most importantly, licensed professional.