A Special Connection at On Clinic
This is the story of a Chinese patient who visited On Clinic after reading a blog post she personally wrote. The surprise and joy were immense when the author of the very blog that countless Chinese patients had shown as a reference actually visited us. The patient had clear criteria for her desired face shape and had meticulously documented them in her blog.
The Face Shape Our Patient Dreamed Of
The patient desired flat cheekbones when viewed from the front and did not want prominent cheekbones from a 45-degree angle. Furthermore, she preferred an overall long and sharp face shape and wished to minimize the midface area as much as possible. These requirements necessitated a complex surgical plan that considered not just the size reduction of the cheekbones but also the overall facial proportions and harmony.
Surgical Plan and the Doctor's Perspective
Upon reviewing the patient's CT scans, I confirmed that the size of both cheekbones was similar. However, the differing size and length of the midface compared to the eyes were noticeable. I explained that to achieve the patient's desired face shape, not only bone reduction but also skin contraction was crucial.
"To change the face shape like this, not only bone changes but also how well the skin tissue contracts is very important. Especially if the cheekbones are reduced, the midface alone might appear more prominent. Therefore, satisfactory results can only be achieved when the skin contracts well along with the retaining ligaments."
Remarkable Surgical Results and Patient's Reaction
After the surgery, the patient exclaimed "Wow!" upon looking in the mirror. I, too, was very satisfied with her transformed appearance.
Comparing the before-and-after CT scans, it can be seen that the cheekbones were reduced by about half, making the overall face smaller and softer. The improvement in the 45-degree cheekbone area was particularly prominent, bringing her closer to the flat and sharp face shape she desired.
The patient consistently provided positive feedback even after 2 weeks, 1 month, and 7 months post-surgery. Especially in the 7-month follow-up photos, she boasted an even more natural and beautiful face shape.
- 2 weeks post-op: Swelling began to subside, and changes in face shape became noticeable.
- 1 month post-op: Swelling significantly reduced, and the face became smaller.
- 7 months post-op: The final face shape was achieved, looking more natural and satisfactory.
On Clinic's Midface Cheekbone Surgery
At On Clinic, we meticulously analyze each patient's facial structure and desires to establish the optimal surgical plan. Midface cheekbone surgery, in particular, focuses on achieving natural yet dramatic changes by considering the face's three-dimensionality and proportions.
Seeing the patient's satisfied smile brings me great reward as well. We will always do our best to ensure safe and highly satisfactory results.
Dr. Myungjun Oh, On Clinic | Last reviewed 2024-07-30