Facial Bone Reduction

Facial Bone Reduction is an advanced facial contouring surgery designed to slim, soften, and rebalance prominent facial bone structures such as the jawline, cheekbones, or chin. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim performs Facial Bone Reduction using precise osteotomy techniques and comprehensive facial analysis to achieve natural, proportionate facial harmony. This procedure is ideal for patients seeking a more refined facial silhouette while maintaining structural integrity and long-term stability. With a focus on artful precision, patient safety, and individualized surgical planning, Dr. Kim delivers facial bone contouring results that enhance overall facial balance without an over-operated appearance.

Overview

Facial Bone Reduction is a highly specialized form of facial contouring surgery that reshapes underlying bone structures to improve facial proportions, balance, and symmetry. Unlike soft-tissue procedures alone, facial bone reduction surgery directly addresses prominent skeletal anatomy, making it a powerful option for patients with a wide jaw, angular mandibular borders, flared zygomatic arches, or a disproportionately strong chin.

At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Charles Kim approaches Facial Bone Reduction with a philosophy rooted in precision, safety, and natural aesthetics. Each procedure begins with an in-depth consultation, allowing for accurate visualization of bone structure, nerve pathways, and facial proportions. This detailed surgical planning ensures optimal outcomes while minimizing risks associated with facial bone surgery.

Common facial bone contouring procedures include jaw reduction surgery, mandibular angle reduction, zygoma (cheekbone) reduction, and chin reduction genioplasty. These techniques are often combined to create a softer, more oval or heart-shaped facial contour. Dr. Kim carefully customizes each surgical plan based on the patient’s anatomy, aesthetic goals, gender identity, and facial balance, ensuring refined and harmonious results.

Facial Bone Reduction differs significantly from non-surgical facial slimming treatments. While injectables or fat reduction methods may improve soft tissue appearance, they cannot alter bone width or projection. Surgical facial bone reduction provides permanent, structural changes that result in long-lasting facial refinement. Dr. Kim utilizes advanced osteotomy techniques, controlled bone shaving, and precise repositioning to achieve smooth transitions and natural contours.

Throughout the procedure, patient safety remains paramount. Dr. Kim employs meticulous surgical technique, nerve-preserving strategies, and layered closure methods to reduce swelling, bruising, and recovery time. The result is a slimmer, more balanced facial profile that maintains natural expression and function.

Overview

Benefits & Candidates

Creates a slimmer, more proportionate facial shape

Softens wide jawlines and prominent mandibular angles

Enhances facial symmetry and balance

Provides permanent facial contouring results

Improves confidence with refined facial aesthetics

Customizable for masculine, feminine, or neutral facial goals

1. Patients with wide or prominent jawbones

2. Individuals seeking permanent facial slimming surgery

3. Patients with strong mandibular or zygomatic bone structure

4. Individuals with realistic expectations for facial contouring surgery

The Process

  • Comprehensive Consultation
    Detailed facial analysis and surgical planning lead by Dr. Charles Kim.
  • Pre-Operative Preparation
    Medical clearance, facial markings, and customized surgical mapping.
  • Anesthesia Administration
    General anesthesia administered for patient comfort and safety.
  • Bone Reduction & Contouring
    Precise osteotomy, bone shaving, or repositioning of the jaw, cheekbones, or chin using advanced surgical techniques.
  • Smoothing & Symmetry Refinement
    Careful contouring to ensure balanced transitions and natural facial proportions.
  • Layered Closure & Recovery Initiation
    Meticulous closure and transfer to recovery with post-operative monitoring.
  • Recovery & Risks

    As with any surgical procedure, Facial Bone Reduction carries potential risks and requires a carefully managed recovery process. Dr. Charles Kim prioritizes patient education, transparency, and safety throughout every stage of care at CK Plastic Surgery.

    Common short-term side effects include swelling, bruising, facial tightness, and temporary numbness. Swelling typically peaks within the first one to two weeks and gradually subsides over several months. Most patients can return to light activities within two weeks, with full recovery progressing over three to six months as bone healing stabilizes.

    Potential risks include infection, asymmetry, prolonged swelling, nerve irritation, or delayed bone healing. However, these risks are minimized through comprehensive pre-operative screening, advanced surgical planning, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Dr. Kim uses nerve-sparing techniques and precise osteotomy placement to protect facial sensation and function.

    Post-operative care includes pain management, dietary modifications, compression garments if indicated, and scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing. Patients are provided with detailed aftercare instructions to support optimal recovery and long-term results. Dr. Kim and the CK Plastic Surgery team remain closely involved throughout the recovery process to ensure patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction.

    Real Results

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How natural do results from bone reduction appear?

    Results look natural when bone reshaping is performed with precise measurements and an understanding of facial proportions. Dr. Kim blends artistry and anatomical expertise to ensure cheekbone narrowing, mandible refinement, or V-line contouring maintains the patient’s character rather than creating an artificial appearance. People often seeking subtle jaw slimming or soft-profile contouring appreciate that his approach enhances structural balance while avoiding overly aggressive reductions, allowing features to look harmonious from every angle.

    What risks should patients understand before surgery?

    The primary risks include temporary numbness, swelling, asymmetry, and rare nerve or bite changes. Dr. Kim minimizes complications by using advanced imaging, meticulous bone handling, and precise intraoral incisions. Patients exploring cheekbone shaving, mandible contouring surgery, or full V-line remodeling should know that board-certified expertise is essential for safety. At CK Plastic Surgery, careful preoperative planning helps prevent soft-tissue sagging, ensures proportional balance, and supports smooth long-term healing.

    Are the results from facial bone reduction permanent?

    Yes, facial bone reduction produces long-lasting results because the bone is physically reshaped and repositioned. Dr. Kim’s approach focuses on structural harmony so your new facial proportions remain stable as swelling resolves. Patients seeking permanent jaw slimming, long-term cheekbone narrowing, or durable V-line contouring often choose this surgery over temporary alternatives. Although soft tissues continue to mature with age, your bone framework maintains its refined contour, offering lasting improvements in facial symmetry and proportional balance.

    What techniques are used for jaw and mandible reduction?

    Jaw and mandible reduction surgeons reshape the bone through well-hidden incisions inside the mouth, sculpting excess width or angularity at the mandibular angle. Dr. Kim may incorporate T-shaped osteotomy, chin contouring, or angle shaving depending on your goals, whether you're seeking V-line jaw reduction, asymmetric jaw correction, or a slimmer lower-face contour. His precise planning ensures that bite alignment, facial proportions, and long-term stability remain consistent while delivering natural-looking results.

    How does facial bone reduction improve overall facial harmony?

    Facial bone reduction enhances harmony by adjusting bone width, projection, and angles to better complement your natural features. Dr. Kim evaluates jawline flare, zygomatic prominence, chin length, and midface symmetry using 3D facial analysis to design a cohesive plan. Many people searching for balanced facial contouring, asymmetric cheekbone correction, or lower-face width reduction find that bone reshaping is the most effective way to achieve a softer, more refined appearance while still preserving their unique identity.

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