Bone Grafting for Non-Union Gaps: Zygoma Reconstruction After Complications
A patient visited O.N Clinic after undergoing two cheekbone Surgeries and even a double jaw Surgery at a famous hospital in Korea. Despite previous Surgeries, the patient experienced significant discomfort due to severe asymmetry, non-union (bone gap) of the cheekbones, and functional problems such as difficulty opening the mouth wide. Such complex revision Surgery cases demand a high level of expertise and experience in the field of facial contouring.
Diagnosis and Customized Planning
Dr. Oh Myung-jun meticulously analyzed the patient's 3D CT images to identify the root cause of the problem. The CT clearly showed bone loss and a bone gap (non-union) in the cheekbone area. The previous Surgeries had exacerbated the imbalance between the left and right sides of the face, and structural bone defects were leading to functional limitations. Dr. Oh used the CT images to directly point out the problematic areas to the patient, explaining in detail the areas where bone had disappeared and the state of non-union.
"The bone here was gone, and the bone gap (non-union) was also gone, so we performed a bone graft there."
Based on this Diagnosis, Dr. Oh established a precise Planning that considered not only aesthetic improvement but also functional Recovery. The main goals were to reconstruct the bone in the non-union area and adjust the position of the cheekbones to restore facial symmetry and volume.
Precise Bone Graft and Revision Surgery Process
Dr. Oh Myung-jun performed a bone graft in the areas where bone was deficient due to non-union to ensure bone continuity and promote stable union. Additionally, the cheekbones were repositioned to their ideal original location and fixed. Dr. Oh's skilled technique shone through in this process.
- Correction of Bone Gap (Non-union): Autologous bone or artificial bone was grafted into areas where the bone had not properly fused, filling the bone defect and promoting union.
- Cheekbone Repositioning: The cheekbones, which were causing asymmetry, were moved to their precise positions to balance the facial contour.
- Functional Improvement: As Dr. Oh explained, "We lifted and filled the cheekbones, and performed a bone graft in the deficient areas," and specifically, "The reason we cut this area was to allow the patient to open their mouth wide." Additional measures were taken to improve the patient's chewing function and oral opening ability.
Post-Surgery Changes and Patient Satisfaction
Post-Surgery 3D CT images showed that the patient's cheekbone non-union had been resolved, and the overall facial contour had become smaller and more balanced. Dr. Oh compared the pre- and post-Surgery CTs, explaining, "You can see it's smaller than the head (temple)?" The patient expressed satisfaction, saying, "I feel like my face has become a bit more spherical (round)." This indicates not just a reduction in size, but an improvement in the overall three-dimensionality and harmony of the face.
Additional Consultation and O.N Clinic's Strengths
One week after Surgery, the patient visited for a follow-up and felt relieved by Dr. Oh's words, "It will get better in about 3 months. Don't worry." The patient was very satisfied with the results of the cheekbone revision Surgery and requested an additional Consultation for jaw Surgery. Dr. Oh emphasized the harmony of the entire face, saying, "Of course. We need to match the proportions." When the patient mentioned never having received filler or fat injections in the jaw area, Dr. Oh advised, "You'll need Botox in that area later," providing a long-term management plan.
The patient asked Dr. Oh, "What are the advantages of having jaw Surgery at O.N Clinic?" Dr. Oh explained O.N Clinic's strengths based on his extensive experience. He mentioned his numerous Surgery experiences, stating, "I've performed over 16,000 Surgeries, and was that all I did?" He then added, "I've done double jaw, contouring, jaw, and cheekbone Surgeries," emphasizing his comprehensive expertise in facial contouring. He also stated, "It's not about the difference in method that makes you beautiful, it's about the difference in skill," asserting that the surgeon's skilled technique and know-how are paramount, rather than simply promoting a specific surgical method. When the patient asked if Softwave Laser Treatment could be done with the Surgery, Dr. Oh replied, "You can do it together," demonstrating the possibility of customized treatment for the patient.
O.N Clinic | Last Reviewed 2026-05-23