Zygoma Reduction Surgery: Effects and Differences Between 230-Degree and 3D Zygoma Reduction

Hello, I am Director Jo Hyun-woo of Ipche Plastic Surgery.

Today, I will discuss the differences in effectiveness between 230-degree 3D zygoma reduction and 3D zygoma reduction surgery.

Zygoma reduction surgery has a history of more than 30 years.

To understand the differences in effectiveness between 230-degree 3D zygoma reduction and 3D zygoma reduction surgery, you must first understand that the surgical method varies depending on the type of zygomatic bone.

Because the development and shape of the zygomatic bones differ from person to person, the results may vary even with the same procedure.

Therefore, if you are currently considering zygoma reduction surgery, the most important first step in avoiding unnecessary surgery is to accurately determine which type of zygoma you have.

This is a schematic view of the zygomatic bone from below.

The image above shows the appearance before and after lateral zygoma reduction surgery.

The actual amount of bone reduction is

Figure (a) is a schematic representation of lateral zygoma reduction surgery. The volume of the zygomatic bone is reduced by the amount indicated in red.

Figure (b) shows the volume of the zygomatic bone reduced after conventional 3D zygoma reduction surgery. You can see that the reduction includes not only the lateral zygoma but also the 45-degree zygoma.

Figure (c) compares the volume of the zygomatic bone reduced by each surgical method.

Although the amount of reduction is nearly the same in both procedures in the lateral zygoma area, where the zygomatic bone is reduced the most, a difference emerges in the amount of reduction as the area approaches the 45-degree zygoma.

The 230-degree 3D zygoma reduction surgery performed at our clinic does not achieve quite as much reduction as conventional 3D zygoma reduction surgery, but it was designed to achieve results as close to those of the latter as possible. In approximate terms, the difference in the amount of reduction in the 45-degree zygoma area is around 20%.

Of course, a 20% difference is not insignificant, but 230-degree 3D zygoma reduction has the advantages of a shorter operating time, being possible under sedation anesthesia, and a faster recovery.

When these factors are considered together, the difference perceived in the actual surgical results may not be as large as expected.

Figure (d) is a schematic representation of 230-degree 3D zygoma reduction surgery.

At Ipche Plastic Surgery, shaving is additionally performed only when the 45-degree zygoma is prominent.

This process precisely smooths the 45-degree zygoma area to make the angle where the zygoma transitions into the facial contour softer and more natural.

The following are photographs of an actual patient who underwent zygoma reduction surgery at our clinic.

This patient had both prominent 45-degree and lateral zygomas, so 3D zygoma reduction surgery and deep cheek fat removal were performed together for greater improvement.

Comparing the before-and-after images, you can see that the overall facial contour, which had appeared uneven and peanut-shaped, became softer and smoother.

These photographs show the case of a patient who underwent 230-degree 3D zygoma reduction surgery.

When shaving is additionally performed, as shown in the CT images, you can see that the volume of both the 45-degree and lateral zygomas is reduced overall.

You can also see that the line extending from the 45-degree zygoma to the lateral zygoma has been improved to look smoother and softer.

So, which procedure is better: 230-degree 3D zygoma reduction or 3D zygoma reduction surgery?

In fact, it is difficult to say that one procedure is unconditionally better than the other. This is because the degree of reduction achieved varies depending on the development of each person’s zygomatic bones. Most importantly, you should choose a surgical method suited to your zygoma type and undergo the procedure safely.

For a more satisfactory and safe surgical result, an accurate diagnosis and thorough consultation must come first.

At our clinic, we carefully analyze each patient’s zygomatic bones and facial skeleton through 3D CT imaging, and accurately determine the necessary surgical method.

If you are considering zygoma reduction surgery, we recommend first accurately assessing the condition of your bones and then choosing the surgical method most suitable for you.

So far, we have examined the differences between 230-degree 3D zygoma reduction and 3D zygoma reduction surgery through illustrations and actual cases.

Thank you.