ON Facial Contouring: Dr. Oh on Zygoma Revision and Midface Length
This patient visited O.N Clinic because they were not satisfied with the results of a previous cheekbone Surgery. Specifically, the left cheekbone was too long, and due to the previous Surgery, the bone was in a state of 'non-union' where it had not properly fused. They also experienced severe asymmetry of both cheekbones, which made their mid-face appear long.
O.N Clinic's Diagnosis and Customized Re-Surgery Planning
At O.N Clinic, we conducted a detailed CT scan to accurately understand the patient's condition. The CT analysis revealed that in the previous Surgery, the left cheekbone was osteotomized in the middle, rather than its normal position, making it longer. This resulted in a non-union state where the bone had not fully fused. The opposite cheekbone also had an inappropriate osteotomy position, further accentuating the asymmetry between the two sides.
I explained the current situation to the patient in detail and proposed a customized Planning to improve the asymmetry and effectively reduce the length of the mid-face through re-Surgery. I specifically informed them that if the non-union site was unstable during Surgery, the pins would be removed and reconnected precisely to ensure firm fixation. If it was stable, the existing pins would be utilized to connect it in the same manner as the opposite side to achieve symmetry.
"The problem is that the left cheekbone is long. But on the opposite side, the bone was cut in the middle. It should have been cut here, but it was cut in the middle. The bone didn't fuse. It's a non-union. The hospital that performed the previous Surgery did it very strangely. If the pins are loose, I will reconnect them during Surgery. If not, and it's firm, I will connect it the same way as the opposite side. We also corrected the asymmetry."
Post-Surgery Changes and Patient Satisfaction
Post-Surgery CT images showed a clear improvement. The length of the mid-face, which was long, was reduced by almost half, and the asymmetry from the previous Surgery was significantly improved. Upon seeing the CT images, the patient expressed surprise and satisfaction, saying, "Oh my god! This is amazing!" In particular, the asymmetry of the cheekbones, which was more prominent when viewed from below, was visibly and effectively corrected.
Recovery Process and the Importance of Consistent Care
Even one week after Surgery, the patient was dedicated to their Recovery. I guided the patient through important exercises to aid Recovery. It is crucial to consistently practice four movements twice a day – opening the mouth wide, pushing the jaw forward, and moving it left and right – to ensure smooth temporomandibular joint movement and promote stable Recovery of the surgical site.
When is Cheekbone Re-Surgery at O.N Clinic Necessary?
Cheekbone re-Surgery is a complex Surgery that requires consideration of not only cosmetic improvement but also functional aspects. You may consider cheekbone re-Surgery in the following cases:
- Non-union and Malunion: If the bone did not fuse properly or fused abnormally after a previous Surgery.
- Severe Asymmetry: If severe left-right facial asymmetry persists even after Surgery.
- Excessive or Insufficient Reduction: If the cheekbones were reduced too much or too little than expected.
- Mid-face Length Issues: If a side effect of the cheekbone Surgery resulted in the mid-face appearing long.
- Functional Problems: If functional discomfort such as temporomandibular joint Pain or difficulty opening the mouth is present.
O.N Clinic strives to accurately diagnose these complex issues and provide optimized re-Surgery solutions for each individual patient.
O.N Clinic | Last reviewed 2026-05-23