Step Deformity After Previous Zygoma Surgery, Resolved with 3D Zygoma Reduction Surgery
This patient had previously undergone zygoma surgery at another hospital but developed a 'step deformity' on the right cheekbone area, which led them to visit On Clinic. A step deformity is a condition where the facial line is not smooth and the bone appears to protrude, making it one of the potential complications after zygoma surgery. The patient was greatly concerned about their facial contour due to this issue.
Analysis of Problems from Previous Zygoma Surgery
I meticulously analyzed the problems from the previous surgery using the patient's 3D CT images. The CT scan revealed that the left zygoma appeared to have been osteotomized relatively posteriorly and had fused stably. However, the right zygoma was osteotomized approximately 1 cm more anteriorly, which resulted in improper bone fusion and a protruding bone. This protruding bone was the cause of the 'step deformity' the patient described. Reoperation on the right zygoma was more challenging compared to the left.
"The left zygoma was cut posteriorly, which was fine, but the right zygoma, cut anteriorly, likely didn't fuse properly. The protruding bone caused the step deformity."
Such non-union or malunion can affect not only aesthetic appearance but also bone stability, making accurate diagnosis and a reoperation plan crucial.
3D Zygoma Reduction Surgery Plan to Improve Step Deformity
At On Clinic, we formulated a customized 3D zygoma reduction reoperation plan based on the patient's 3D CT data. The core of the plan was to precisely remove the protruding zygomatic bone and accurately reposition the osteotomized bone to its original, natural location, connecting it smoothly in a straight line. Through this, we aimed to eliminate the step deformity in the facial line and balance the symmetry of both zygomas, thereby harmoniously improving the overall facial contour.
Post-Surgery Changes and Patient Satisfaction
After the surgery, the patient was extremely satisfied with their remarkably transformed facial line. We could feel great joy from their bright smile while looking in the mirror. In particular, they noticed the effect of their face becoming generally narrower and smaller. Indeed, as the zygomatic bones moved inward, a visual effect of the entire head appearing smaller also became apparent.
- Reduced Facial Width: The prominent cheekbones were reduced, naturally narrowing the facial width.
- Enlarged Eye Effect: As the zygoma line became smoother, the eyes appeared relatively larger and more defined.
- Head Size Reduction Effect: With the cheekbones receding, a visual change of the overall head size appearing smaller was achieved.
"My face is narrower, isn't it? It actually makes my head look smaller too. That's because the cheekbones went in. The protruding cheekbones are gone, so my head looks smaller. See how my eyes look bigger? Now all you see are my eyes."
The patient expressed a desire to take photos again after sideburn hair removal at their next follow-up, which indicated their anticipation for even more defined features after the facial line improvement. As such, 3D zygoma reduction surgery goes beyond simply reducing bone; it considers the overall facial proportions and harmony to achieve even more satisfying results.
Dr. Myungjun Oh, On Clinic | Last Reviewed 2026-05-23