Concerns about Non-Union (Bone Gap) and Wide Face After Previous Zygoma Surgery
This patient visited On Clinic after undergoing zygoma surgery at another hospital previously, but was not satisfied with the results. They were particularly distressed by the non-union (bone gap) of the zygoma that occurred after the surgery, a wide and flat-looking face, and asymmetry issues.
Accurate Diagnosis Through CT Analysis
We meticulously analyzed the patient's current condition using 3D CT images. What was clearly revealed in the images was a severe non-union (bone gap) in both zygomatic bones. This bone gap occurs when the bones fail to fuse properly and can lead to pain or functional problems over time. Furthermore, the position and shape of the zygomatic bones disrupted the overall balance of the face, causing it to appear generally wide and flat.
"With severe non-union in both zygomas, we need to reduce the midface while also improving the bone gap."
Misconceptions About Face Shape and On Clinic's Differentiated Approach
Many patients believe their face appears long and desire to reduce the vertical length of their midface. However, this can sometimes have the counterproductive effect of making the face appear wider. This was also the case for this patient.
The Importance of Horizontal Width and 45-Degree Zygoma Over Midface Length
The patient believed their midface was long, but in reality, the vertical length of the midface was not a significant issue. Instead, the fundamental problem was the wide horizontal width of the face, particularly the excessively protruding 45-degree zygoma area, which made the face appear large and broad. If the vertical length of the midface were to be forcibly reduced, the face could paradoxically appear even wider.
- Patient's Primary Concerns: Long, broad, and asymmetrical face.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Zygoma non-union, excessively protruding 45-degree zygoma, wide facial horizontal width.
- On Clinic's Goals: Bone gap correction, reduction of facial horizontal width, creation of a three-dimensional contour, and improvement of asymmetry.
On Clinic's Zygoma Revision Surgery Solution: Bone Gap Correction and Achieving a Three-Dimensional Face Shape
Considering the patient's condition, we focused on perfectly correcting the non-union (bone gap) and reducing the horizontal width of the face as much as possible, while creating a natural and three-dimensional face shape.
Precise Zygoma Repositioning and Fixation
We precisely realigned and firmly fixed the bone gap in the zygoma that had separated due to the previous surgery. This process goes beyond simply reattaching the bones; it involves repositioning the zygoma to its ideal location to restore the overall balance and three-dimensionality of the face. The protruding zygoma was effectively reduced, decreasing the horizontal width of the face and creating smoother contours.
"There was originally this much non-union (bone gap). Do you see how the bone gap, which was separated like a lump in the front, is now gone? Can you tell that it has completely fused?"
Three-Dimensional Facial Transformation Making the Head Appear Smaller
After the surgery, the patient expressed great satisfaction, saying, "My face has become much smaller. My head also looks smaller." While patients often hear from other clinics that "it's difficult to see further effects due to a large head," On Clinic effectively reduces the zygoma, the main skeletal structure of the face, thereby decreasing the overall volume and width of the face. As a result, even if the actual head size remains unchanged, the face can appear much smaller and more three-dimensional. Furthermore, pre-surgical asymmetry issues were also improved, completing a more harmonious face.
Restoring Confidence Through Successful Revision Surgery
Through zygoma revision surgery, this patient resolved the non-union, a side effect of the previous surgery, and transformed their wide and flat face into a smaller, more three-dimensional shape. With improved asymmetry, they achieved an overall more beautiful and natural-looking face. On Clinic accurately diagnoses each patient's unique facial characteristics and strives to provide safe and satisfying results.
Dr. Myungjun Oh, On Clinic | Last Reviewed 2026-05-23