About this procedure
What is zygoma reduction surgery?
Zygoma reduction surgery, also called cheekbone reduction, reshapes prominent or wide cheekbones (the zygomatic bones) to create a softer, narrower, and more balanced facial contour. It is often sought by patients who feel their cheekbones are too wide, too high, or too angular for the rest of their face.
When the part in front of the ear — called the side cheekbone — is reduced, the actual width of the face becomes narrower, the facial shape looks smoother, and the eyes appear relatively larger. If too much is removed, a step can form front-to-back along the sideburn line and look awkward, and the cheeks may appear sunken.
In East Asians, the area under the eyes called the front cheekbone is often sunken or flat, while the body of the zygomatic bone — also called the 45-degree cheekbone — tends to protrude. When the body of the cheekbone is cut, repositioned inward, and fixed, the rear and side aspects are reduced while the front gains a sense of volume. If the cheekbone is moved too much, the face can look unnatural.
How It Works
1. Assessment of Cheekbone Structure
Your surgeon evaluates whether the prominence comes from the front (anterior) portion of the cheekbone, the side (lateral / arch) portion, or both — this determines the surgical technique used.
2. Bone Reduction Technique
The most common method involves making small incisions inside the mouth (and sometimes near the hairline) to access the cheekbone, then cutting, repositioning, and securing the bone in a less prominent position using tiny plates or screws.
3. L-Shaped or Direct Reduction
Depending on the shape of the prominence, the surgeon may shave down the bone directly or perform an L-shaped osteotomy (a precise cut and repositioning) to narrow both the front and side projection of the cheek.
4. Combination Procedures
Zygoma reduction is sometimes performed alongside jaw contouring or chin surgery for a more comprehensive, balanced facial reshaping.
Benefits
Zygoma Reduction — Benefits
Reduces prominent cheekbones
Creates a slimmer facial contour
Improves facial balance and harmony
Softens angular facial features
Hidden incisions with minimal visible scarring
Long-lasting, natural-looking results