The patient was concerned about a "step deformity" on the back of their face after a previous cheekbone surgery. This was due to the lower cheekbone remaining larger than the upper cheekbone, creating an imbalance. On Clinic performed revision cheekbone surgery to resolve this issue and improve overall facial proportions.
Revision Cheekbone Surgery: Leading to Overall Facial Transformation
During the pre-surgical consultation, the patient mentioned that they felt their face looked wide, leading them to over-enhance their nose. This was an optical illusion caused by the wide horizontal width of the face making the nose appear relatively low. Dr. Myungjun Oh explained that the plan was to enhance facial dimensionality and balance the midface through cheekbone reduction. This process involves making the front of the cheekbones more prominent to fill the central part of the face, and, if necessary, the nose height might need readjustment after surgery. This is a delicate approach that considers the overall harmony and balance of the entire face, not just reducing the cheekbones.
Causes and Solutions for Step Deformity
The patient's step deformity, confirmed by CT scans, was caused by the lower cheekbone protruding more significantly than the upper cheekbone. Dr. Oh focused on effectively reducing the lower cheekbone based on an accurate diagnosis and smoothly connecting the overall cheekbone line to correct this imbalance. Post-surgical CT scans show that the cheekbones have moved noticeably inward, resulting in a much smoother side profile. As the patient themselves remarked, “The sides are gone,” the reduction in cheekbone width transformed the face to appear smaller and more three-dimensional.
The Secret to Jawline Transformation: Retaining Ligament Lifting
The patient was surprised that their jawline appeared slimmer after surgery, as if they had undergone jaw surgery. Dr. Myungjun Oh explained that this phenomenon occurs because the retaining ligaments are lifted along with the cheekbones during surgery. As facial proportions change, the jawline naturally improves. This is a common question many people have: “Why did my jaw change when I didn't have jaw surgery?”, “Why did my eyes get bigger when I didn't have eye surgery?”, “My ear shape changed, isn't that edited?” Such questions all stem from the overall facial proportions changing. Thus, facial contouring surgery is a crucial process that transforms not just specific parts of the face, but the entire impression and harmony.
“It's because your facial proportions have changed! It's also a surgery that makes your impression younger and softer.”
Post-Surgical Care and Recovery Process
Post-surgical swelling gradually subsides from the upper part of the face, with the lower part being the last to resolve. Because of this, the face may initially appear longer or wider, and occasionally, patients might feel that the swelling hasn't subsided as beautifully at two months post-op compared to immediately after surgery. Dr. Oh emphasizes to patients, showing them CT scans, that they must allow ample time for the swelling to fully resolve. Time is a crucial factor in managing swelling.
Additionally, to aid skin contraction, a customized post-contouring lifting procedure called Titanium Lifting is performed to create a more elastic and smooth facial line. Such systematic post-operative care is essential for enhancing surgical satisfaction.
Through revision cheekbone surgery, the patient resolved the step deformity on their face and achieved a smaller, more three-dimensional appearance. Above all, the positive change of a younger and softer impression demonstrates the successful outcome of the surgery. On Clinic meticulously analyzes each patient's unique facial characteristics and strives for the most natural and beautiful results.
Dr. Myungjun Oh, On Clinic | Last Reviewed: 2024-07-29