If the cheekbones protrude, the jaw is square, or the facial bones are asymmetrical, even the most well-defined features tend to get lost. This shows just how important facial contour is.

As interest in facial contouring surgery has grown recently, so has the amount of information about the various procedures. Along with this, information driven by advertising and marketing has also increased.

However, the consensus among board-certified plastic surgeons is that it is risky to decide on facial contouring surgery based solely on cost or promotional information. In particular, it has been pointed out that some clinics in Gangnam, Seoul, where plastic surgery clinics are concentrated, are performing surgeries indiscriminately through excessive marketing disguised as promotions, and that more careful choices are required.

According to Dr. Hyung-jun Kim of NANA Plastic Surgery (Gangnam) (pictured), facial contouring surgery is broadly divided into square jaw, cheekbone, and chin surgery. Since the surgical area and method differ depending on the individual's condition, masseter reduction, cortical osteotomy (bone shaving), and deep cheek fat removal may be performed at the same time. 

However, Dr. Kim advises against excessive ambition, as insisting on a small face or a sharp V-line at all costs can lead to revision surgery.

An accurate diagnosis is essential for safe and precise facial contouring surgery. According to Dr. Kim, the thickness of the patient's facial bones and muscles and the amount of fat must be measured before surgery through 3D-CT (computed tomography) and X-ray examinations. 

Whether an anesthesiologist is on site is another essential item to check. Since facial contouring surgery is performed under general anesthesia, the role of the anesthesiologist is extremely important. Before general anesthesia, a pre-surgical examination to check the patient's current physical condition is also essential.

"Along with the recent increase in demand for facial contouring surgery, a wide range of information is being exposed online, but the most important thing is a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon," Dr. Kim advised. "For satisfactory results, it is advisable to listen to expert opinions, compare carefully, and then undergo safe and effective surgery."

Source: Medical Tribune (http://www.medical-tribune.co.kr)