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Bone Grafting for Non-Union Gaps: Zygoma Reconstruction After Complications

Revision cheekbone reconstruction with bone graft

Bone Grafting for Non-Union Gaps: Zygoma Reconstruction After Complications
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A patient visited On Clinic after undergoing two cheekbone surgeries and even orthognathic surgery at a renowned hospital in Korea. Despite previous surgeries, the patient experienced significant discomfort due to severe asymmetry, non-union (bone gap) of the cheekbones, and functional difficulties in opening her mouth wide. Such complex revision surgery cases demand a high level of expertise and experience in facial contouring.

Precise Diagnosis and Customized Surgical Plan

Dr. Myungjun Oh meticulously analyzed the patient's 3D CT images to identify the root cause of the problems. The CT scans clearly showed bone loss and non-union (bone gap) in the cheekbone area. 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 of bone loss and non-union.

"Here, bone was lost, and a bone gap (non-union) also occurred, so bone grafting was performed there."

Based on this diagnosis, Dr. Oh formulated a sophisticated surgical plan 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.

Meticulous Bone Grafting and Revision Surgery Process

Dr. Myungjun Oh performed bone grafting in areas with insufficient bone due to non-union, ensuring bone continuity and promoting stable fusion. Additionally, he repositioned and fixed the cheekbones to their ideal original locations. Dr. Oh's skilled technique shone throughout 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 fusion.
  • Cheekbone Repositioning: The cheekbones, which caused asymmetry, were moved to their precise positions to balance the facial contour.
  • Functional Improvement: As explained, "the cheekbones were raised and filled, and bone grafting was performed in deficient areas," and specifically, "this area was cut to enable the patient to open her mouth wide." Additional measures were taken to improve the patient's masticatory function and oral opening ability.

Post-Surgery Changes and Patient Satisfaction

Post-surgery 3D CT images confirmed that the patient's cheekbone non-union was resolved, and the facial contour had become generally smaller and more balanced. Dr. Oh compared pre- and post-operative CT scans, explaining, "You can see it's smaller than the skull (temple area), right?" The patient expressed satisfaction, saying, "My face feels a bit more spherical (a rounded feeling)." This indicates not just a reduction in size, but an improvement in the overall three-dimensionality and harmony of the face.

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Further Consultation and On Clinic's Strengths

The patient, who visited for a follow-up a week after surgery, felt relieved by Dr. Oh's words: "You'll get better in about three months. Don't worry." The patient was highly satisfied with the cheekbone revision surgery results and requested further consultation regarding jaw surgery. Dr. Oh emphasized the harmony of the entire face, saying, "Of course. We need to match the proportions." In response to the patient's statement that she had never received fillers or fat injections in her jaw area, he advised, "You'll need Botox in that area later," presenting a long-term management plan.

The patient asked Dr. Oh, "What are the merits of having jaw surgery at On Facial Contouring?" Dr. Oh explained On Clinic's strengths based on his extensive experience. He mentioned his numerous surgical experiences, stating, "I've performed over 16,000 surgeries, but was it only that?" He then added, "I've done orthognathic, 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 one beautiful, but the difference in skill," stressing that the surgeon's experienced technique and know-how are paramount, rather than simply promoting a specific surgical approach. When the patient asked if Sofwave, a laser procedure, could be done concurrently with the surgery, Dr. Oh replied, "You can do it together," demonstrating the possibility of customized patient treatment.


On Clinic Dr. Myungjun Oh | Last Reviewed 2026-05-23