[MediaFine Expert Column] Interest in facial contouring surgery has been steadily increasing recently. Facial contouring surgery is a surgical method that resects bone to make the facial shape smoother and more aesthetically beautiful. Demand is growing as more people want a refined facial shape like that of celebrities. However, once bone has been removed it cannot be restored, so a careful decision is required.

Facial contouring surgery is not a simple bone-resection procedure; a customized design that considers harmony with each individual's facial shape is essential. Satisfying results can only be achieved when a dedicated medical team takes images using specialized equipment such as 3D-CT and then designs the surgery considering various factors such as the individual's bone shape, the proportions of the facial features, and the position of nerves.

In addition, performing contouring and lifting at the same time through 4th-generation premium contouring surgery has recently become the preferred approach. Combining contouring surgery with lifting can lower the likelihood of post-operative side effects, so more stable results can be expected.


Cheekbone surgery can be performed with upward fixation of the cheekbone and upward fixation of the soft tissue above the periosteum. Using these methods significantly lowers the likelihood of hollow cheeks or sagging after surgery. Accordingly, moving protruding cheekbones inward through cheekbone reduction narrows the width of the face and gives a softer impression. Reducing developed cheekbones makes the face narrower and adds a three-dimensional effect, and after surgery the cheekbones that protruded to the sides are reduced, making the face look smaller.

For chin surgery, it is important to perform upward fixation of the double-chin muscles at the same time as chin drilling to reduce the likelihood of double-chin sagging after surgery. Adjusting the length and volume of the front chin to match facial proportions through chin surgery can form a natural, balanced facial shape. Adjusting the length and volume of the chin to suit the individual's facial form creates a more harmonious facial line.

Facial contouring surgery is not simply about reducing bone; the design must be optimized for each individual's facial shape. For this, it is advisable for a dedicated board-certified plastic surgeon to take the three key facial measurements: facial length, the width between the cheekbones, and the width between the jaws.

In addition, the width of the cheekbones at 45 degrees, the position of the nose, lips, and lower jaw, the size of the mandibular angle below the ear, the angle of the square jaw, the position of nerves, the thickness of soft tissue in each area, and the thickness of the square jaw muscles must be precisely measured to expect highly satisfying results.

Facial contouring surgery achieves the most ideal results when it is based on an individually customized design. Therefore, it is most important to decide on surgery based on a careful plan after thorough consultation with a specialist medical team. (Dr. Kwon Byung Yun, NANA Plastic Surgery)

Source: Smart Today (https://www.smarttoday.co.kr)