What are the different types of facial bone contouring surgery?

Hello, this is EU Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. 

In today’s society, your face shape can greatly affect the first impression that you leave on the people you meet.

Facial bone contouring surgery can smoothen an uneven facial outline and help it appear smaller. It is important that the appropriate amount of bone is removed during the procedure so that the resulting face shape complements one’s facial features.

Facial bone contouring surgery enhances the cheekbones, the jawline, and the chin; it is a highly effective way to elevate an individual's overall image and facial balance.

Prominent cheekbones, a square jaw, and a short or long chin can be transformed into soft features on a slim face through facial bone contouring surgery.

1. What is Cheekbone (Zygoma) Reduction Surgery?!

Cheekbone Reduction Surgery smooths out the facial outline by reducing the most prominent part of the cheekbone. During surgery, the zygomatic arch is secured via dual fixation to minimize the likelihood of sagging or uneven cheeks post-surgery. Compared to the traditional L-Osteotomy, the cut is made higher up in the zygoma, directly reducing cheek volume and ensuring a high satisfaction rate among patients.

These are Pre- and Post-Cheekbone Reduction Surgery CT Scans. Comparing the before and after scans, we can see that the cheekbones are less prominent in the CT scan taken after the surgery. 

2. What is Square Jaw (Angle Reduction) Surgery?!

We consider each patient’s unique bone structure to optimize the appearance of their jawline. Cortical osteotomy may also be performed, depending on the patient's case.

The surgery is done by exposing the lower jaw through the inner membrane before excising the bone with a surgical saw.

During surgery, the custom-made square jaw stent is fitted onto a patient’s jaw to determine how much of the jaw bone will be excised. A dental technician, stent designing software, and a 3D printer are necessary to create these stents. We take all the possible precautions to ensure that every surgery is successful with maximized facial symmetry and no nerve damage. 

You can read more about “Safe and Precise Square Jaw Surgery Using 3D Printed Stents” on our blog.

3. What is Genioplasty?! 

This surgical procedure improves the appearance of a short chin and reduces the square jawline below the ear. A slimmer, more balanced jawline can be achieved through this operation.

What surgical methods are used for genioplasties? 

What is an Advancement Genioplasty? 

Compared to how much of the bone is removed, the location and angle at which it is removed are more important, as that has more impact on how the bone is secured.

At EU Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our surgeons consider each individual’s image and facial balance to help you achieve a complementary facial outline.

These are the before and after CT scans of a patient who has undergone the trio of facial bone contouring surgeries: cheekbone reduction surgery, square jaw (angle reduction) surgery, and genioplasty. 

We present the cases of two patients who have undergone cheekbone reduction surgery, square jaw (angle reduction) surgery, and genioplasty.

Compared to the before photos, the after photos show slimmer, more balanced faces with greater facial harmony.

What’s the post-op care like after facial bone contouring surgery? 

EU Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides recovery-oriented care to all patients who have undergone facial bone contouring or double jaw surgery in the first 2 weeks following their surgery.

SmartLux Focused Care reduces the recovery period after surgery so that patients can quickly return to their day-to-day lives.

How long does it take to recover from facial bone contouring surgery?

For facial bone contouring surgery, the length of the recovery period depends on the area operated on and the surgical method utilized. Patients who undergo only cheekbone reduction surgery can return to their daily lives within 5-7 days. It takes roughly a month for the swelling to reduce considerably.

What do I eat after facial bone contouring surgery?

It’s beneficial to follow a liquid-based diet consisting of porridge, soups, sports drinks, soymilk, and other meal-replacement beverages to nourish your body in the first two weeks after your surgery. After two weeks, you can eat as you normally would, but it is important to consume mostly soft foods in the month following the surgery.

The right diagnosis is crucial to safely achieve the desired results.

To improve the overall facial symmetry, we take the left, right, front, back, and 360-degree views into consideration. With extensive surgical experience and research, our surgeons perform facial bone contouring surgery that maximizes the benefits while minimizing the downsides. 

It’s important to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place for surgeries to be carried out safely. This includes the presence of an anesthesiologist and the availability of up-to-date safety equipment.

All of our doctors and staff members work to ensure a safe clinical environment by informing every patient about any possible side effects or complications after surgery. 

Visit us for an in-person consultation at EU Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, where responsible patient care is our top priority.