Zygoma (Cheekbone) Contouring

 

685. <Zygoma (Cheekbone) Contouring>
Zygoma contouring is a facial bone surgery that reshapes the cheekbones to improve midface balance. It can involve reduction, augmentation, or asymmetry correction.

Zygoma reduction is done in two ways:

1. Non-fixation: The zygomatic arch is cut but not fixed. This avoids external scars but may lead to instability due to jaw habits like clenching or grinding.

2. Fixation: Both the zygomatic body (via intraoral incision) and arch (through a small cut near the sideburn) are cut and securely fixed. Though it leaves a minor scar, it offers better stability.

For older patients, zygoma reduction can be combined with facelift surgery. In these cases, the arch can be accessed beneath the SMAS flap during the facelift, eliminating the need for a separate incision at the sideburn.

When the midface appears flat or saggy due to weak cheekbones, zygomatic augmentation can help. A custom 3D-printed implant (based on facial CT scans) can be inserted through the mouth. For a natural alternative, midface lift (see post 664) and fat grafting can add volume without implants.

If the cheekbones are misaligned due to past trauma, they may cause eye asymmetry or enophthalmos (sunken eyes). In such cases, zygomatic repositioning is done. A 3D skull model and navigation system may be used for precise correction and symmetry.

Zygoma surgery is not just about making the cheekbones smaller—it's about reshaping and repositioning them to create a balanced and dimensional midface.

🦴 [Zygoma contouring restores volume and structure to the midface.]

—685mm Growing Pine—