Hello, this is Woori Plastic Surgery.
Many people are concerned about the side cheekbones as a cause of a face that looks wide. In particular, we often get questions like, “Will reducing only the cheekbones make the face look smaller?” In practice, because the approach can vary depending on the face shape during consultation, it is important to consider the overall contour rather than deciding based on just one area. Today, I’ll organize this based on cases where side cheekbone reduction is effective on its own and cases where a combined approach is needed.
If only the side cheekbones are developed
The most typical reason a face appears wide is the side cheekbones. In particular, if the face looks spread out from the front, or if the cheekbones stand out when viewed at a 45-degree angle, you can expect side cheekbone reduction alone to create a more refined impression.
The cheekbones are not simply protruding bones; they are also connected to the three-dimensional structure of the face, so it is important to approach them in a way that reduces width while preserving a natural volume. In such cases, side cheekbone reduction alone can produce a sufficient change.
If the jaw is also developed
On the other hand, if not only the cheekbones but also the square jaw or chin are developed, the story changes. When the area from the jaw near the ears to the chin is developed lengthwise, the lower face may appear wider in proportion and give a stronger overall impression.
In such cases, if only side cheekbone reduction is performed, the balance between the upper and lower face may become uneven, which can actually create an awkward look. Therefore, a combined approach that also considers the jaw line along with the cheekbones may be necessary.
The surgical scope varies depending on face shape
Face shape is not determined by just one area; it is created by the combined harmony of the cheekbones, jaw, and chin.
➡️ If only the cheekbones stand out → standalone side cheekbone reduction
➡️ If the cheekbones and square jaw are developed → cheekbone and jaw reduction together
➡️ If the chin is also short or set back → chin surgery together
As shown above, the necessary surgical scope can differ depending on each person’s skeletal structure. In particular, if the chin is short or appears set back, considering the chin as well can help create an overall V-line.
Balance is important
Side cheekbone reduction plays an important role in making the face look smaller, but it is not a method that solves everything on its own. If only one area is reduced without considering the proportions of the entire face, the balance may become awkward instead.
Therefore, the important thing is not simply reducing the cheekbones, but achieving balance by considering factors such as facial width, the degree of lower-face development, and the position of the chin together.
Side cheekbone reduction can be effective on its own depending on face shape, but in some cases it is a procedure that requires a combined approach. Referring to various cases can be helpful, but the most important thing is accurately understanding your current skeletal structure.
We recommend determining the direction that suits your face shape through 충분한 consultation.
