Cheekbone Reduction Service in Korea

Cheekbone-reduction surgery in Korea, known as zygoma reduction, is a surgery that reduces the size and projection of prominent cheekbones to create a softer facial contour. 
Because East Asian skull shapes tend to be broader and shorter, the procedure is especially popular among East Asian patients whose wide or pronounced cheekbones may benefit from this precise, innovative Korean approach designed for natural-looking results.

What is cheekbone reduction?

Cheekbone reduction, known as zygomatic reduction, is a surgical procedure that reduces cheekbone volume and size. Expert doctors thoroughly understand the individual’s facial anatomical structure before performing the surgery.

Korean cheekbone reduction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to refine facial aesthetics by contouring and reshaping prominent cheekbones to create a more balanced, harmonious facial appearance. The procedure is especially popular among individuals with wide or prominent cheekbones that are visible from the front or side. The goal is not to dramatically alter one’s identity, but to achieve a softer, more proportionate look.

One of the most advanced techniques developed in Korea is the 3D rotation-lifting cheekbone reduction, invented by Dr. Kim Tae-Gyu in 2010. This method improves upon older techniques like the L-shaped osteotomy by reducing the entire cheekbone, including the 45-degree angle, through a trapezoidal excision of 5mm (0.2 inches) to 10mm (0.4 inches). The cut cheekbone is then lifted and fixed in a biomechanically favorable position, reducing the risk of sagging and soft tissue descent. This technique prevents or minimizes skin sagging by preserving and lifting ligaments and muscles upward.

Korean surgeons typically perform cheekbone reduction surgery using an intraoral approach to assure minimal scarring and a fast recovery period, usually between one to two weeks. In some cases, a scalp incision or endoscopic facelift is performed simultaneously to prevent cheek drooping. The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours and involves fixation with titanium screws and plates or metal-free methods like screwless fixation, depending on the patient’s needs.

Cheekbone reduction surgery is deemed one of the most challenging facial contouring procedures due to the complexity of zygomatic bone structure and the need for precision in both aesthetics and biomechanics. It requires personalized treatment plans, 3D-CT imaging, and a deep understanding of facial balance. Common options include screw fixation or metal-free methods, both of which are offered at clinics like Made Young and THE PLUS PS in Gangnam, South Korea.

Although generally safe, the procedure carries risks like infection, bleeding, facial soft-tissue ptosis, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with aesthetic results. Careful consultation and planning are vital to minimize these complications and guarantee a natural, balanced appearance.

Is cheekbone reduction popular in Korea?

Cheekbone reduction is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure in South Korea. South Korea is a leading destination for cheekbone reduction surgery. Patients travel from around the world to take advantage of its advanced techniques.

Who is a good candidate for cheekbone reduction in Korea?

Ideal candidates for cheekbone reduction in Korea have wide or prominent cheekbones, feel their facial width appears too angular or chubby, and desire a smaller, slimmer, and more balanced silhouette. They are non-smokers in good overall fettle, possess stable bone growth, and hold realistic expectations of the results. Individuals seeking a more feminine or defined facial structure, and those with disproportionate, unbalanced, or asymmetric cheekbones benefit from this procedure. For patients in their twenties, sagging skin is rarely a concern. For those in their thirties to forties, careful assessment of skin elasticity is made to minimize any risk of post-operative cheek droop.

How much is cheekbone reduction surgery in Korea?

In Korea the cost of cheekbone reduction surgery generally ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 USD. The average figure is $5,000-7,000. Costs range from approximately $3,784 to $6,054 depending on various factors including the surgeon’s expertise and clinic location. The lower price is 5,500,000 ₩ while the high price is 18,000,000 ₩. Procedure price depends on chosen method of correction, status of doctor, clinic, complexity of the procedure, and facility where the surgery is performed.