In some cultures, the position and plumpness of the cheekbones is associated with leadership qualities; prominent yet balanced cheeks are considered to be indicators of boldness, confidence, and ambition. In many western cultures, high and well-defined cheeks are also coveted, but these characteristics can elude many patients. Also, age-related changes can cause formerly prominent apples of the cheeks to “fall,” leading to a sunken, tired, and overall aged appearance. These patients may seek out plastic surgeons like Dr. Kwan to boost, enlarge, or otherwise augment cheekbones. This augmentation can be done with implants or soft tissue dermal fillers. Yet, every patient is different and may not desire cheeks that are any more prominent.
Notably, some of our patients who are of Asian descent desire cheekbone reduction surgery in Fort Lee NJ and the surrounding area. They may have naturally large cheekbones and feel that the mid-face so visible to the world isn’t in proportion with the rest of the face. Prominent cheeks can also make the face look wider than it actually is and overwhelm the delicate facial features that a lot of our patients like. We don’t want your best features to be hidden! There is also, among many of Edmund Kwan MD’s patients, the general preference for a softer, feminine face shape. The strong angles associated with high or prominent cheekbones can create a strong, well-defined, angular facial shape and an overall more masculine appearance that conflicts with a patient’s preference. Dr. Kwan sculpts cheekbones that celebrate your best, unique features while also preserving your ethnic identity.
Real Patients, Real Results Before and After Done By Dr. Kwan
Revealing your natural, beautiful best
In situations where patients are concerned about the prominence of their cheeks, Dr. Kwan may recommend a procedure called reduction malarplasty, the scientific term for cheekbone reduction surgery. The technique used to narrow the mid-face depends on the results from your consultation and examination. Depending on your unique facial anatomy and the degree of correction desired, the bone may be reduced through burring or shaving it down within the precise treatment site, which is pinpointed via our precision diagnostic technologies. We may virtually “map” the face and identify irregularities or potential sites where the cheeks are not in proportion with other features.
Burring is completed by making an intraoral incision through the inside of the mouth. These types of incisions are generally associated with faster healing and a lower risk of complications; however, there are some limitations with this particular approach to cheek reduction:
- It may not be appropriate for some patients who desire or need more dramatic improvement as it offers limited reduction capabilities.
- Professional skill from a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Kwan is a must because this method presents challenges to maintaining symmetry and the normal or aesthetic curvature of the cheekbones.
- In some patients, burring alone can produce flattened cheekbones and actually make an already wide-appearing face look even wider. This is not pleasing to most of those patients who come to Edmund Kwan MD for reduction malarplasty or related treatment in the first place.
- Burring can also be combined with other procedures to achieve desired improvement.
Osteomy involves cutting and removing a piece of the bone. The results of your complimentary consultation and examination will also tell Dr. Kwan and the team if the muscle responsible for an oversized, bulky shape needs to be removed. His skill helps to assure predictable results that don’t affect function; for example, efficient and effective chewing and facial expression is retained. The cut bone can simply be repositioned, contoured, and reinserted into the appropriate position to achieve attractive results. The bone heals on its own without the need to introduce supports such as wires. This is generally a less invasive alternative to conventional treatments, which also correlates with faster recovery and fewer risks. Cheekbone-related procedures may be combined with still other categories of surgical treatment, including a forehead lift or contouring. These combined procedures may be performed without additional incisions.
As with any procedure, there is a risk of scarring and other complications. But these risks are well-controlled in a safe environment and by turning to a qualified surgeon like Dr. Kwan:
- Edmund Kwan MD’s surgical center is accredited for utmost safety and peace of mind.
- Qualifications such as board certification help to achieve natural, personal results
- You avoid the complications associated with improperly performed malarplasty, such as asymmetry – when one cheek looks higher, lower, or otherwise apart from the other cheek
- Special care is taken to perform clean, straight incisions in the upper portion of the cheek area for optimal bony contact and healing
Bring your questions with you to a consultation at one of Dr. Edmund Kwan’s three convenient locations: in Manhattan, New Jersey, or Flushing. (212) 734-4488
