What is Zygoma Reduction

 

 

 

 

A zygoma reduction is a cosmetic surgical procedure

that reduces the size of the zygoma or the cheekbones.

It is the more advanced version of traditional jaw and chin procedures

and generally involves fracturing, trimming, and rotating the cheekbone to remove or correct bone protrusions that create a strong or harsh appearance.

The procedure is widely popular in East Asian countries,

 where strong zygoma features are prevalent.

 It has high satisfaction rating despite the existence of some surgical risks.

 

How is the Procedure Performed?

A zygoma reduction is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about three hours.

It requires patients to fast for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure.

As part of the pre-surgery preparation, an x-ray and CT-scan examinations are carried out to accurately determine the shape of the maxilla and mandibular bones

as well as the locations of the nerves in the area.

Two incisions, one inside the mouth and the other inside the temporal area,

 are then made to access the cheekbone.

The frontal and rear parts of the bone are then fractured to weakened the bone

so it can be easily pushed inwards from the front and the side, and reduce its outward protrusion.

If necessary, the surgeon may also cut off a portion of the zygoma (trapezoid shape) bone’s body to make it L-shaped.

 

The remaining zygoma bone is then rotated in a 3-dimensional manner.

The procedure can also be performed on the zygoma arch

 or the bow-shaped lateral aspect of the cheekbone.

A protruding zygoma arch can make the face seem wider than it actually is.

 

To reduce the arch, the surgery can be performed using the scalp approach,

where the incision is made either above or in front of the ear.

This gives the surgeon access to the arch and the body of the cheekbone

 making it easier to rotate the bone inwards.

In some cases wherein both the zygoma body and the arch need to be adjusted,

 the surgery will combine both techniques.

 

 

The zygoma bone is then fixated with screws once placed

 in the desired position to prevent bone movements.

Drains are placed to avoid fluid build-up in the surgical area and are removed the next day.

 The incisions are then closed with sutures.

 

After the procedure, patients are required to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring purposes. Any stitches made during the procedure will be removed after approximately two weeks or

 when the surgical site has adequately healed.

During the first three days following the procedure, patients are required to wear a compression bandage over the surgical area at all times. For the next 1 to 2 weeks, they are only required to put it on when at home.

 
 

 

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