From Flat, Wide Cheekbones to a Voluminous, Youthful Face
Hello, this is Dr. Myungjun Oh from On Clinic. This case study features a patient who, despite having undergone two previous cheekbone surgeries, was still concerned about her flat and wide facial appearance. She particularly felt self-conscious about her profile appearing flat, which made taking photos a burden.
Patient's Concerns and Precise Diagnosis
The patient's primary complaint was that while her face looked relatively acceptable from the front, her cheekbone area appeared wide and flat from the side. Her previous two cheekbone surgeries had resulted in excessive bone reduction, which paradoxically made her face appear flatter and diminished its three-dimensional quality. After a thorough examination of her face, my goal was not simply to further reduce her cheekbones, but to enhance the overall facial volume to create a natural and harmonious facial contour.
"When your face looks flat from the side... it's because this area is wide. It's because it was repeatedly shaved down. You've had it reduced twice. When you shave and grind, the face gradually becomes wider." "The goal isn't just to reduce; it's to transform the face to be more three-dimensional!"
On Clinic's Midface Malar Reduction Surgery Plan
I meticulously analyzed the patient's cheekbone structure using CT scans. Since the previous surgeries had resulted in excessive bone resection, I determined that simply reducing the bone further would not yield satisfactory results. Therefore, I planned a 'Midface Malar Reduction Surgery' to bring the midface cheekbones inward while simultaneously enhancing the volume of the anterior cheekbones, thereby imparting a three-dimensional quality to the entire face.
- We move the previously wide and flared cheekbones inward to reduce facial width.
- We naturally enhance the volume of the anterior cheekbone area to improve a previously flat impression.
- We reposition the bones to create smooth facial lines and a three-dimensional contour.
I explained that after the surgery, not only would her face appear smaller, but her eyes would also look larger, giving her an overall doll-like image. The patient also expressed her desire to confidently take photos in front of the camera.
Post-Surgery Progress: Remarkable Changes at 1 Week and 3 Months
1 Week Post-Surgery: Although some swelling remained, her face already appeared significantly smaller and more youthful. Notably, the previous wide and flat appearance had diminished, and natural volume began to emerge in her face.
"You've become so beautiful~ Can you tell you look younger? It's become so small~ You're cute and look younger. Before, it was really wide, wasn't it? Can you tell it's become a bit more convex now? That's because I extracted it. I extracted this bone like this. I brought the wide, flared cheekbones together like this. I attached them perfectly. Your eyes have become so much bigger. You've become a doll-like face."
3 Months Post-Surgery: The swelling had completely subsided, and her facial contours were clearly defined. The patient expressed great satisfaction, looking in the mirror and saying, "My face is really small now." She also mentioned receiving many compliments from others about her face looking smaller and prettier. The previously flat side profile had disappeared, and her entire face had transformed into a more three-dimensional, vibrant, and youthful appearance.
Additionally, post-operative care included combining Ulthera and Titanium treatments to enhance skin elasticity and ensure tighter skin adhesion. This contributes to maximizing the surgical effect and creating an even smoother facial line.
On Clinic's Philosophy on Facial Contouring
At On Clinic, rather than focusing solely on quantitative reduction by shaving bone, we prioritize creating the most ideal and natural three-dimensional appearance by considering each patient's unique facial structure and proportions. My goal is to accurately diagnose and improve issues arising from previous surgeries, as seen in this case, to help patients achieve the beautiful face they truly desire.
Dr. Myungjun Oh, On Clinic | Last Reviewed 2026-05-23