Malar Reduction

The approach is recommended for individuals with wide and very prominent malar areas, and would like for a more proportionate appearance. The individual will require a computerized facial x-ray, followed by a detailed description of the cheek bone structure by the surgeon and aligning the desired outcome with the patient. In the less extreme case, the approach may involve reshaping the cheek bone. For more drastic changes, the surgeon will consider a full operation. This method will require performing surgical cuts in 2 areas – one inside the mouth to access to the cheek bone, and another tiny one along the hairline by the ear to access the posterior part of the cheek bone. After removing and reshaping from these 2 areas, the surgeon will then reposition the cheek bone in place.

Recommended for:

Individuals who want a narrower cheek bone
Individuals who want a less prominent cheek bone

Operation details:

After applying anesthesia, the surgeon will apply a cut on the upper gum area and extend to the cheek bone. A tool will be inserted through this cut to reshape the bone. In the more extreme case, it will be necessary to remove the excess cheek bone from both the front and side, and then reposition the entire piece. The surgeon will secure the refitted cheek bone with titanium, stop the bleeding, apply drain tube, and close the wound.

Post-operational treatments:

Apply cold pack to the area during the first 3 days.
For the mouth cut, rinse mouth 4 times per day (morning, noon, evening, night). The suture will resolve itself within 1-2 months. For the ear cut, to remove suture on Day 7. Patient can wash his/her face and apply makeup afterwards.
Apply the drain tube for 1 day.
Avoid direct sunlight, spicy or preserved food, or food that requires heavy chewing during the first 1-2 months.
Apply elastic face band regularly for 2 months
The swelling will be less noticeable after 6 months. Upper lip numbness will be less noticeable after 3-6 months.

Possible side-effects:

Upper lip numbness, which will be less noticeable after 3-6 months.
If left uncared for, the surgical cut in the mouth may risk infection.
Sagging cheek, which will be more likely among more senior patients with thin cheek skin but abundant cheek tissue.
Non-attached cheek bone. This can be obvious during chewing, and will require a correction surgery.
Difficulty in opening the mouth (to full height) during the first 1-2 months. This will gradually return to normal.

How long will the change last?

The result will typically last a lifetime.