Surgically reduces the cheekbone to create a more proportioned look to the face by bone shaving or an osteotomy.

Cheek Volume

Erin Storm, PA-C

Definitive guide on Zygoma Reduction Plasty (Cheekbone Reduction Surgery), including the procedure overview, benefits, risks, recovery, before & after photos, costs, and more. 

Anatomy of the cheek: implications for soft tissue augmentation

Zygoma Reduction Plasty (Cheekbone Reduction Surgery)

Cheekbone reduction surgery reduces the profile of the zygomatic bone for a slimmer facial contour. This procedure is meant for candidates who have large cheeks due to their inherent bone structure. Individuals with large cheeks due to oversized buccal fat pads would not benefit from this surgery. Zygoma reduction plasty can be performed through a less aggressive bone shave or by an cheekbone osteotomies (bone cuts).

Cheek shaving is done from an intraoral incision and a dremel like tool is used to take down the projection of the cheekbone. Cheek shaving is best used to reduce a forward projection caused by the cheek bones. While this procedure will result in some narrowing of the face, cheek shaving is not ideal to address the width of the face.

For more severe cases, cheekbone osteotomies are conducted under general anesthesia. Incisions will be made on the inside the mouth and in front of both of the ears to adequately access the zygomatic bones. The bones will then be cut with a saw, excess bone will be removed, and then arched inwards to create the new face shape. This contour will then be fixed into place with screws and plates. Incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures.

Zygoma Reduction Plasty

Cheek Surgery

Face

Head

Cheek

- X-rays taken of the cheek region
- Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours
- Stop taking blood thinning medication
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after the procedure
- Do not drink alcohol 2 days prior

Before Treatment

- Intraoral incision 
- Dremel-like tool is used to shave down the projection of the cheekbone
- Sutures to close

During Treatment: Cheekbone Shaving

- General anesthesia
- Intraoral incision and in front of both ears
- Excess bone removed and arched inwards 
- New contour fixed in place with screws and plates
- Sutures to close

During Treatment: Cheekbone Osteotomies 

- Facial swelling and bruising 
- Facial numbness
- Avoid any strenuous activities for 2 weeks

Immediately After Treatment

- Rest for at least 5-7 days for recovery
- Swelling, bruising, and numbness will disappear within 1-2 weeks

1-2 Week After Treatment

- Swelling up to 3 months postoperatively

3 Months After Treatment and Beyond

- Permanent 
- Noticeable results 2-3 weeks post-op
- Final results after 3 months

Result Notes

Zygoma reduction plasty reduces the cheek bone structure by two techniques: cheekbone shaving or cheekbone osteotomy. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after cheekbone reduction surgery.

A zygoma reduction plasty or cheekbone reduction surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces cheek shape and size through alterations to the cheek bone.

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Zygoma Reduction Plasty (Cheekbone Reduction Surgery)

Concerns Treated

Cheek Volume

Concerns Treated

Cheek Volume

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Related Procedures

Learn More About Zygoma Reduction Plasty (Cheekbone Reduction Surgery) in The AEDITION

Restylane Contour Is Here To Change The Cheek Filler Game

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AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT

Learn More About
Zygoma Reduction Plasty (Cheekbone Reduction Surgery) in The AEDITION