Changes in facial length and head shape after cheekbone revision surgery
A patient I met in the clinic today visited O.N Clinic feeling deeply dissatisfied after receiving cheekbone Surgery at another hospital in the past. They were suffering from side effects such as their face appearing larger and their eyes seeming smaller after the Surgery. In particular, they mentioned receiving Surgery from a doctor at another hospital who is nicknamed 'Fake Lao' among Chinese patients, due to a similar-sounding name to Dr. Oh Myung-jun.
What problems were there with the incorrect cheekbone Surgery?
The patient considered revision Surgery one year after the first Surgery. Comparing the photos and CT scans from before and after the first Surgery, it was confirmed that although the cheekbones were prominent before Surgery, after Surgery, the face appeared even larger, and the midface became longer, changing the overall impression to one of stuffiness.
The shocking truth confirmed by CT
Analysis of the patient's CT scans revealed that the cheekbone Surgery performed at the other hospital had bone osteotomy sites that were not properly fused and had gaps, and the reduction effect of the cheekbones was minimal. Furthermore, the cheekbones did not properly move inward, so the width of the face did not decrease; instead, the lateral cheekbones appeared even more prominent. Dr. Oh Myung-jun explained, "They say that the CT images from other hospitals look similar to mine, but the actual results are completely different," emphasizing the clear difference in bone fusion status and reduction degree.
"The bone images might look somewhat similar, and to my eyes, they don't even look similar, but the results are completely different, aren't they?"
What was different about O.N Clinic's cheekbone revision Surgery?
At O.N Clinic, the patient's condition was precisely diagnosed, and the problems of the previous Surgery were accurately identified before proceeding with revision Surgery. The goal of the revision Surgery was not merely to reduce the cheekbones but to improve the overall proportion and harmony of the face.
One year after the Surgery, the patient experienced a remarkable transformation. Dr. Oh Myung-jun personally confirmed the patient's improved appearance, saying, "Can you tell that your midface length has shortened? Your face has gotten smaller! Do you notice your eyes are bigger?"
Through revision Surgery, the patient achieved the following positive changes:
- The midface length was effectively shortened, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
- The overall width of the face decreased, making the head appear smaller and the face more slender.
- Appropriate reduction of the cheekbones made the eyes appear larger and created a more refreshed impression.
- The previously separated bone fusion sites from the earlier Surgery stably reattached, leading to functional improvement.
Thread Lifting or facelift is not necessary
The patient had received a Thread Lifting Treatment three months prior and inquired about the phenomenon of the left cheekbone area appearing larger after the Surgery. In response, Dr. Oh Myung-jun pointed out the possibility of side effects from Thread Lifting, stating, "It's because of the threads, because of the threads. Please, don't get threads." Furthermore, to a patient considering a facelift, he asserted, "A facelift pulls the area in front of the ears, but when your face shortens, your head becomes smaller, and your eyes get bigger, there's no need for Thread Lifting or a facelift!"
Thread Lifting or facelift Surgery can be effective in improving skin sagging, but they cannot resolve fundamental facial contour problems, especially those caused by bone structure. On the contrary, incorrect procedures can lead to unnecessary side effects. Dr. Oh Myung-jun recommended managing skin elasticity with Lifting Treatment such as Ultherapy (PRIME) about three to six months after the swelling from Surgery has subsided. All treatment results may vary from person to person.
O.N Clinic meticulously analyzes each patient's condition, does not recommend unnecessary procedures, and strives to achieve the best results through the most appropriate and safest methods for the patient. Especially in the case of revision Surgery, it is crucial to accurately diagnose and resolve the causes of the first Surgery's failure, and the experience and skill of a seasoned Medical Team are essential.
O.N Clinic | Last reviewed 2026-05-23