Facial Contouring

Zygoma Reduction

Zygoma Reduction is a facial contouring procedure that considers cheekbone projection, facial width, and connection to the jawline together to create a softer and more balanced face line, with harmony across the whole face being more important than simply reducing bone volume.

Overview

Zygoma reduction is generally approached not as a surgery that simply makes prominent cheekbones smaller, but as a way to reorganize the overall face line by considering facial width, the balance between the front and lateral zygoma, the connection to the jawline and cheek contour, and even the thickness of the skin and soft tissue together. In Korean facial contouring clinics, it is often considered when cheekbone projection makes the face look wider or stronger from the front or 45-degree angle. However, the same method or reduction range is not applied to everyone. The surgical scope and approach can vary depending on the position and direction of the bone prominence, asymmetry, the possibility of soft tissue sagging, and the desired image, and reducing too much can actually lead to an unnatural impression or weaker facial balance. That is why the real goal is not simply to make the cheekbones smaller, but to design a softer and more stable contour that connects naturally with the jawline, midface, and the overall facial shape.

Key benefits

Can help soften the impression of facial width by considering both front and lateral cheekbone projection together
Often supports a more balanced contour when the cheekbones stand out from the front or oblique angle
Allows planning that considers not only the zygoma, but also the jawline and midface together
Can be approached in a way that prioritizes a natural and stable face line over excessive reduction

Ideal for

People concerned that prominent front or lateral cheekbones make the face look wider or stronger
Those who feel their cheekbones stand out not only from the front but also at the 45-degree angle
Anyone wanting a softer and more harmonious transition between the cheekbones and jawline
People considering zygoma reduction alone or together with other facial contouring procedures

Quick facts

Procedure time Can vary depending on the case

Downtime Swelling and recovery can vary by person, and residual swelling may take longer to settle

Anesthesia The anesthesia method can vary depending on the case

When results start The contour usually settles gradually as the early swelling decreases

Aftercare

In the early recovery period, it is usually best to follow the clinic’s guidance on diet and oral care closely
Sauna, alcohol, and heavy exercise are commonly avoided for the recommended period
Keeping follow-up visits as scheduled can help monitor the recovery process

Cautions

The surgical scope and approach can vary depending on the current cheekbone structure, facial proportion, and soft tissue condition
Swelling, recovery speed, and the timing of residual swelling settling can vary significantly by person
The final plan is usually decided after evaluating not only cheekbone prominence, but also balance with the jawline and midface

FAQ

Does zygoma reduction make the face look much smaller?

It can make the face look smaller in some cases, but the main goal is usually to soften cheekbone prominence and improve overall facial balance rather than simply reduce size.

How much can the cheekbones be reduced?

The feasible range depends on bone structure, direction of projection, facial proportion, and soft tissue condition. During consultation, the decision is usually made by prioritizing a natural and stable contour rather than reducing as much as possible.

What is recovery usually like after zygoma reduction?

Swelling and recovery can vary from person to person and by case, and the timeline and aftercare plan are usually explained during consultation.

Is zygoma reduction sometimes combined with jaw or other contouring surgery?

Yes, it is sometimes combined depending on the case. The recommendation is usually made by looking at the overall facial balance and the desired image together.

What is usually evaluated during a zygoma reduction consultation?

The consultation usually evaluates front and lateral cheekbone projection, facial width, asymmetry, connection with the jawline, and the desired result together with the feasible range.

Related treatments

Square Jaw Reduction

Square Jaw Reduction is a facial contouring procedure that considers mandibular angle prominence, lower-face width, and connection to the chin together to create a softer and more balanced lower facial line, with harmony across the whole face being more important than simply reducing the angular bone.

Chin Contouring

Chin Contouring is a facial contouring procedure that considers chin length, angle, forward projection, and connection to the jawline together to create more balanced facial proportion and a natural profile line, with harmony across the whole face being more important than simply making the chin longer or more projected.

Related tags

Explore more

Request consultation →