ZYGOMA REDUCTION SURGERY
INITIAL CONSULTATION
- Assessment: Dr Sandeep will evaluate the client’s facial anatomy, skin quality, and overall health. This includes understanding the client’s medical history, any previous surgeries, and current medications.
- Desired Outcome: Dr Sandeep will discuss the desired aesthetic outcome with you in detail. It’s essential for the client to communicate their expectations clearly.
- Feasibility: Dr Sandeep will determine if the client is a suitable candidate for the procedure based on their anatomy and health status.
- Imaging: X-rays or CT scans are taken to assess the bone’s anatomy, thickness, and the location of vital structures like the inferior alveolar nerve.
- 3D Reconstruction: 3D reconstruction software to visualize the expected outcome and plan the exact bone resection is used in some cases.
- Model Creation: Using the CT scans, a 3D model of the client’s jaw might be created.
- Trial Surgery: Dr Sandeep might perform a mock surgery on this model to plan the exact amount and location of bone resection.
- Medications: Clients might be advised to stop certain medications, especially those that can increase bleeding risk, like aspirin or certain supplements like vitamin E, Gingko biloba and Garlic.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Clients are usually advised to stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption as they can delay healing.
- Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is crucial since the incision will be inside the mouth. Dr Sandeep might recommend dental cleaning before the surgery.
ANAESTHESIA
The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring the client is comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery.
PROCEDURE
INCISION
The surgery is usually performed intraorally, meaning the incisions are made inside the mouth, which avoids visible external scars. Sometimes, an additional small incision is made near the hairline or ear to access the zygomatic arch more effectively.
BONE REDUCTION
The prominent part of the zygomatic bone and arch is shaved down, reduced, or repositioned to achieve the desired shape.
REPOSITIONING
The zygomatic bone, commonly referred to as the cheekbone, and its arch can be prominent in some individuals, leading to a wider facial appearance. In some cases, the bone is repositioned and fixed in place using titanium screws or plates.
Osteotomy refers to the surgical cutting or removal of bone. In the context of zygoma reduction, osteotomies are performed to modify the zygomatic bone and arch to achieve a desired facial contour. There are several osteotomy techniques for zygoma reduction, and the choice of technique often depends on the client’s anatomy and the desired outcome, as well as the surgeon’s expertise. Here are the common osteotomies used:
Intraoral Zygomatic Body Osteotomy
This is the most common technique used by Dr Sandeep. An incision is made inside the mouth, between the upper gum and cheek. The zygomatic body is accessed and cut, allowing it to be repositioned. The bone can be moved inward to reduce its prominence. It’s then fixed in its new position using titanium plates and screws.
Zygomatic Arch Osteotomy
This technique focuses on the zygomatic arch, the part of the cheekbone that extends towards the ear. An incision can be made either inside the mouth or near the hairline above the ear. The arch is cut and repositioned, often in combination with the zygomatic body osteotomy. This provides a more comprehensive reduction of the cheekbone prominence.
Combined Zygomatic Body and Arch Osteotomy
This is a combination of the two techniques. Both the zygomatic body and arch are cut and repositioned. This provides a more harmonious and balanced facial contour. It’s especially useful for clients with significant cheekbone prominence.
CLOSURE
The incisions are then sutured closed. Absorbable sutures are used to close the incisions inside the mouth. Skin incisions are closed with sutures which need removal after 7 days.
RECOVERY
This varies among individuals, but there are general guidelines and expectations that most clients can anticipate. Here’s a breakdown of the recovery process:
Immediate Post-Operative Period
- Hospital Stay: Depending on the extent of the surgery and Dr Sandeep’s recommendations, clients might be required to stay in the hospital for observation for a day or two.
- Pain Management: Clients will likely experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
- Diet: A soft or liquid diet is recommended for the first few days to avoid putting pressure on the surgical site and to prevent any trauma to the intraoral incisions.
- Activity: Clients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.
- Sleeping: You will be advised to sleep with the head raised to reduce swelling and aid in faster recovery
- General care: You will be advised to blow your nose to reduce the risk of air collecting in the tissues. Nasal douche may be prescribed to help clear the nose of any blood clots.
First Week
- Swelling and Bruising: These are common and usually peak around the second- or third-day post-surgery. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling.
- Oral Hygiene: Since there are intraoral incisions, maintaining oral hygiene is crucial. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent infections.
- Activity: Clients should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. It’s essential to rest and allow the body to heal.
- Follow-up: A post-operative check-up is typically scheduled within the first week to assess healing and address any concerns.
- Sleeping: You will be advised to sleep with the head raised to reduce swelling and aid in faster recovery
- General care: You will be advised to blow your nose to reduce the risk of air collecting in the tissues. Nasal douche may be prescribed to help clear the nose of any blood clots.
First Month
- Swelling: While the majority of swelling will subside within the first couple of weeks, some residual swelling might persist for a few months.
- Numbness: Some clients might experience temporary numbness or altered sensation in the cheek area. This usually improves over time.
- Diet: Gradually reintroduce solid foods as comfort allows.
- Physical Activity: While light activities can be resumed, clients should still avoid vigorous exercises or activities that might impact the face. Contact sports are strictly prohibited for 3 months after surgery.
Long-Term Recovery
- Bone Healing: The bones will continue to heal and fuse over several months. It’s essential to be cautious and avoid any trauma to the face during this period. Contact sports are strictly prohibited for 3 months after surgery.
- Final Results: The final aesthetic results of the surgery might not be fully apparent until all swelling has subsided, which can take several months.
- Scar Maturation: If external incisions were made (e.g., near the hairline or ear), the scars would mature and become less noticeable over time.
General Recommendations
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Follow Surgeon’s Instructions: Always adhere to post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritiously: Proper nutrition can aid in the healing process.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the face from direct sun exposure, as it can cause skin discoloration and affect scar healing.
- Communication: It’s essential to maintain open communication with Dr Sandeep and his team throughout the recovery process. Address any concerns or unusual symptoms immediately. Remember that individual recovery can vary, and some clients might heal faster or slower than others.
ADVANTAGES OF ZYGOMA REDUCTION
FACIAL CONTOURING
The surgery can reduce prominent cheekbones to create a softer, more balanced and refined facial contour from the side view.
AESTHETIC BALANCE
By adjusting the cheekbones, surgeons can help bring the features into a more aesthetically pleasing alignment with the rest of the face.
IMPROVED PROPORTIONS
The procedure can make the face appear less wide and more proportionate in terms of facial width and cheek prominence.
FACIAL SYMMETRY
In cases where there is asymmetry of the cheekbones, zygoma reduction can help in achieving a more symmetrical appearance.
CUSTOMISATION
Dr Sandeep and his team offer a tailored approach, allowing for adjustments in the extent of reduction to meet individual aesthetic goals. This customisation ensures that the outcome aligns closely with the client’s expectations.
IMPROVED CONFIDENCE
Many clients experience a significant boost in self-confidence following the procedure. Feeling more comfortable in one’s skin often leads to improved social interactions and overall well-being.
PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS
For some individuals, the prominent cheekbones could be a source of self-consciousness or even bullying. Zygoma reduction can provide psychological relief by addressing these concerns.
COMBINED PROCEDURES
Zygoma reduction can be combined with other facial contouring procedures like jaw reduction or chin augmentation for a more comprehensive facial makeover. Dr Sandeep often discusses these options during the consultation phase.
LONG-LASTING RESULTS
Unlike temporary measures like fillers, the results of zygoma reduction are typically permanent, giving clients long-term satisfaction with their new facial contours.
SAFETY
When performed by skilled surgeons like Dr Sandeep and his team, zygoma reduction is generally considered a safe procedure with a low risk of complications.
DISADVANTAGES OF ZYGOMA REDUCTION
Dr Sandeep and his team take a holistic approach when consulting with clients interested in zygoma reduction. They make it a point to discuss not only the advantages but also the potential disadvantages and risks involved. Here are some of the drawbacks and limitations that Dr Sandeep often outlines:
SURGICAL RISKS
As with any surgical procedure, zygoma reduction carries inherent risks such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia.
RECOVERY TIME
Clients should expect a recovery period that may include swelling, bruising, and discomfort. The healing process can vary among individuals and may take several weeks.
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT
Although many clients experience a boost in self-confidence, some may take time to adjust to their new appearance. Psychological readiness is crucial for any cosmetic surgery.
REVISION SURGERY
In some instances, clients may require a second operation to achieve their desired results or to correct complications from the initial surgery.
LIMITATIONS WITH OTHER PROCEDURES
The extent to which zygoma reduction can be combined with other facial surgeries may be limited, depending on individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.
EXPENSE
Zygoma reduction is a specialized procedure that can be relatively costly, especially if performed by experienced surgeons. It’s often not covered by insurance, as it is usually considered a cosmetic procedure.
POTENTIAL RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Zygoma reduction surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications. While the procedure can provide significant aesthetic benefits for those seeking a more refined facial contour, it’s essential to be aware of the potential challenges. Here are the risks and complications associated with zygoma reduction:
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there’s a risk of infection at the surgical site, especially since some incisions are made intraorally.
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding can occur during or after the procedure requiring corrective measures and procedures, leading to prolongation of your hospital stay.
- Nerve Damage: The face has a complex network of nerves. There’s a risk of damaging these nerves during surgery, which can lead to numbness, tingling, or even muscle weakness in certain areas of the face.
- Asymmetry: There’s a possibility of uneven bone reduction, which can result in facial asymmetry. This might require revision surgery.
- Scarring: While the intraoral approach minimizes visible scars, there’s still a risk of scarring, especially if incisions are made externally near the hairline or ear.
- Unsatisfactory Results: The client might not be satisfied with the aesthetic outcome, either due to personal preferences or surgical outcomes that don’t align with initial expectations.
- Bone Non-union or Malunion: If the bone is cut and repositioned, there’s a risk that it might not heal correctly (non-union) or might heal in an undesirable position (malunion).
- Hardware Complications: If titanium screws or plates are used to fix the bone in place, there’s a risk of these becoming loose, causing discomfort, or even migrating. In rare cases, the body might reject the hardware.
- Sinus Complications: Given the proximity of the zygomatic bone to the sinuses, there’s a potential risk of sinusitis or other sinus-related complications.
- Prolonged Swelling: While some swelling is expected after surgery, prolonged or excessive swelling might indicate an underlying issue.
- Limited mouth opening: Rarely the bone fragments which are mobilized to reduce the cheek prominence may hinder free and unrestricted movement of the lower jaw after surgery, this may require further surgery to correct.
- Adverse Reaction to Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia, often used in zygoma reduction, carries its own set of risks, including allergic reactions or respiratory complications.
- Blood Clots: Rarely, blood clots can form, posing a risk if they travel to vital organs.
- Chronic Pain: Some clients might experience prolonged discomfort or pain in the surgical area.
It’s crucial for clients to be well-informed about these risks and to discuss them in detail with Dr Sandeep during the consultation phase. Proper post-operative care and following Dr Sandeep’s instructions can also play a significant role in ensuring a smooth recovery and minimizing complications.
REFINE YOUR LOOK WITH CHEEKBONE CONTOURING
Elevate your facial harmony with our specialized zygoma reduction procedure. Transform prominent cheekbones into a subtle, contoured elegance that enhances your natural beauty. Our experienced team are committed to crafting the delicate, proportional facial features you aspire to.
Bid farewell to disproportion and welcome a more symmetrical you. Book your personalized consultation with us today and embark on the path to a gracefully contoured profile. Make the change that mirrors your inner grace. Your refined silhouette awaits—reach out now.
