Facial Bone Reduction

What Is Facial Bone Reconstruction?

Facial bone reconstruction—also known as facial skeletal contouring or maxillofacial reconstruction—is a specialized procedure that reshapes or rebuilds the underlying bone structure of the face to restore balance, symmetry, and harmony.

At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. K. Charles Kim, M.D., F.A.C.S., uses advanced surgical techniques to correct congenital asymmetries, trauma-related deformities, or aesthetic concerns related to facial proportions. This surgery can involve adjustments to the cheekbones (zygoma), chin (genioplasty), jawline (mandible), or forehead to achieve a natural and balanced facial appearance.

Whether you seek reconstructive correction or cosmetic refinement, Dr. Kim’s precise artistry and experience in Korean facial bone surgery ensure both function and aesthetics are carefully restored.

Why Choose Facial Bone Reconstruction at CK Plastic Surgery

Facial bone reconstruction is one of the most complex and delicate procedures in modern plastic surgery. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kim brings an exceptional combination of aesthetic mastery and surgical precision to every case.

Why patients choose CK Plastic Surgery:

• Dr. Kim is board-certified and fellowship-trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• He studied and practiced at world-renowned institutions in Seoul, Beverly Hills, Honolulu, and Brown University.
• The clinic combines Korean craniofacial surgical techniques with modern 3D imaging for optimal planning and accuracy.
• Every procedure is custom-designed to your facial anatomy and goals.
• Patient safety, trust, and natural outcomes are the clinic’s top priorities.

At CK Plastic Surgery, facial bone reconstruction isn’t just correction—it’s artistry. Dr. Kim’s skill in blending structure and aesthetics creates results that look natural, balanced, and completely unique to you.

Benefits of Facial Bone Reconstruction

Facial bone reconstruction offers both functional and cosmetic benefits, helping patients restore harmony and confidence in their appearance.

Key benefits include:

• Corrects congenital or post-traumatic facial asymmetry.
• Enhances proportion between the jaw, chin, cheeks, and forehead.
• Improves facial symmetry and harmony.
• Restores natural facial balance after injury or prior surgery.
• Enhances breathing and oral function in complex cases.
• Creates a more defined and attractive facial contour.

Patients often report not only improved aesthetics but also better self-esteem and emotional well-being after recovery.

Who Should Avoid It?

Facial bone reconstruction is a major surgical procedure and may not be appropriate for:

• Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions or bleeding disorders.
• Individuals with unrealistic aesthetic expectations.
• Those unwilling to follow post-operative recovery and care instructions.
  Dr. Kim conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if reconstructive surgery or an alternative approach—such as facial contouring, fillers, or fat grafting—would best achieve your desired outcome.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for facial bone reconstruction include:

• Individuals with congenital facial asymmetry or deformity.
• Patients recovering from facial trauma or injury.
• Individuals dissatisfied with facial proportions or bone structure.
• Those seeking a more balanced, V-line, or heart-shaped facial contour.

Whether reconstructive or aesthetic in purpose, this procedure is fully customized to your unique bone structure, ethnicity, and aesthetic vision.

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The Procedure: What to Expect

Facial bone reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The process and recovery depend on the specific bones being addressed—such as the cheekbones, chin, or jawline.

Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Consultation & Imaging: A 3D CT scan and facial analysis are conducted to plan the surgical adjustments precisely.
2. Anesthesia: Administered to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure.
3. Incisions: Small incisions are made inside the mouth or discreetly along natural creases to avoid visible scars.
4. Bone Reshaping or Augmentation: Using advanced tools, Dr. Kim repositions, shaves, or augments bone structures for optimal balance.
5. Fixation: Titanium plates or bioabsorbable screws are used as needed to stabilize new bone positions.
6. Closure: Incisions are closed carefully to promote minimal scarring and smooth healing.

Depending on complexity, the surgery typically lasts 3–5 hours, and patients may stay overnight for monitoring.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from facial bone reconstruction is gradual but manageable with expert guidance.

Typical recovery timeline:

• First 1–2 weeks: Expect mild swelling, bruising, and tightness. Most patients can return to light activities after 10–14 days.
• Weeks 3–6: Swelling continues to decrease; facial definition begins to appear.
• 3–6 months: Final results become visible as tissues fully settle and bone remodeling completes.

Aftercare tips:

• Maintain head elevation to minimize swelling.
• Follow a soft or liquid diet for 1–2 weeks.
• Avoid heavy exercise until cleared by Dr. Kim.
• Follow all medication and post-operative care instructions closely.

Results from facial bone reconstruction are long-lasting and permanent, delivering transformative improvement in facial proportion and symmetry.

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Surgery / Service Results

Facial bone reconstruction creates balanced, natural contours that enhance both aesthetics and function.

Expected outcomes include:

• Improved facial symmetry and proportion.
• A smoother, more defined jawline or chin.
• Restoration of normal bone structure following trauma.
• Enhanced confidence and self-image.

When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Kim, results are both structurally sound and artistically refined, blending seamlessly with your natural features.

FAQs – Facial Bone Reconstruction

Is facial bone reconstruction safe?
Yes. When performed by a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Kim, the procedure is highly safe, with detailed pre-surgical planning and advanced fixation techniques.

Will there be visible scars?
No—incisions are usually made inside the mouth or hidden within natural contours, leaving minimal to no visible scarring.

How long does recovery take?
Initial recovery takes about 2–3 weeks, with complete healing and refinement visible within 3–6 months.

Is this procedure painful?
Discomfort is mild to moderate and managed effectively with prescribed medication.

Can it be combined with other facial surgeries?
Yes. Many patients combine reconstruction with rhinoplasty, fat grafting, or eyelid surgery for comprehensive enhancement.

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