A patient we met in the clinic today visited On Clinic feeling deeply dissatisfied with a previous cheekbone surgery performed at another hospital. They were suffering from side effects such as their face appearing larger and eyes looking smaller after the surgery. Notably, among Chinese patients, they mentioned having received surgery from a doctor at another hospital nicknamed 'Fake Lao' due to a similar pronunciation to Dr. Myungjun Oh's name.
What Went Wrong with the Incorrect Cheekbone Surgery?
The patient decided to consider revision surgery a year after their initial operation. Comparing pre- and post-surgery photos and CT scans from the first procedure, it was evident that while the cheekbones were prominent before, the face appeared even larger after surgery, and the midface became elongated, resulting in an overall stuffy or constricted impression.
The Shocking Truth Revealed by CT Scans
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, with gaps present, and the reduction effect of the cheekbones was minimal. Furthermore, the cheekbones did not move inward sufficiently, failing to reduce facial width; instead, the lateral cheekbones appeared even more prominent. Dr. Myungjun Oh explained, "They might say the CT images from the other hospital look similar to mine, but the actual results are completely different," emphasizing the distinct differences in bone fusion status and reduction extent.
"On bone images, it might look somewhat similar, and to my eyes, it doesn't even look similar, but the results are completely different, aren't they?"
What Made On Clinic's Cheekbone Revision Surgery Different?
At On Clinic, we precisely diagnosed the patient's condition and accurately identified the problems with the previous surgery before proceeding with revision surgery. The goal of the revision surgery was not merely to reduce the cheekbones, but to improve the overall facial proportions and harmony.
One year after the surgery, the patient experienced remarkable changes. Dr. Myungjun Oh personally confirmed the patient's improved appearance, asking, "Can you tell your midface length has shortened? Your face has become smaller! Do you notice your eyes look bigger?"
Through the revision surgery, the patient achieved the following positive changes:
- The midface length was effectively shortened, creating a more youthful appearance.
- The overall facial width was reduced, 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 unfused bone union sites from the prior surgery were stably joined, leading to functional improvement.
Thread Lifts or Facelifts Are Not Necessary
The patient inquired about the left cheekbone area appearing larger after surgery, having received a thread lift three months prior. In response, Dr. Myungjun Oh pointed out the potential side effects of thread lifts, stating, "It's because of the threads, because of the threads. Please, don't get thread lifts." Furthermore, to a patient considering a facelift (拉皮), he asserted, "A facelift pulls the area in front of the ears, but if your face gets shorter, your head appears smaller, and your eyes get bigger, there's no need for a thread lift or a facelift!"
While thread lifts and facelifts can be effective in improving skin sagging, they cannot resolve fundamental facial contour issues, especially those caused by bone structure. Incorrect procedures can even lead to unnecessary side effects. Dr. Myungjun Oh recommended managing skin elasticity with lifting procedures like Ulthera, three to six months after the swelling subsides from surgery. All treatment results may vary individually.
At On Clinic, we meticulously analyze each patient's condition, avoid recommending unnecessary procedures, and strive to achieve the best possible results using the most suitable and safest methods for the patient. Especially in revision surgery, accurately diagnosing and resolving the cause of the initial surgery's failure is crucial, and the experience and skill of seasoned medical professionals are essential.
Dr. Myungjun Oh, On Clinic | Last reviewed 2026-05-23