Cheekbone Reduction
in McLean, VA
Reduction malarplasty also referred to as a malar reduction or cheekbone reduction, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of the cheekbones offered to patients in Virginia including McLean, Falls Church, Tysons, Arlington plus the Washington DC area. It is performed by Dr. Vartan Mardirossian at the Mardirossian Facial Aesthetics fully licensed surgical suite in McLean, VA.
What is Cheekbone Reduction?
Cheekbone reduction is a bone contouring process to reduce the volume and the projection of the cheekbones, helping to achieve a slimmer and more delicate facial appearance. When the cheekbones are excessively large, they can overpower the beauty of the eyes, thus making them less noticeable.
Am I a Candidate for a Cheekbone Reduction?
Many of the patients who seek cheekbone reduction instead of facial implants have one (or more) of the following features:
- An especially broad face
- An unwanted fierce appearance (large malar can give the impression of anger in some cases)
- An overly masculine appearance
- A flat facial structure
Before & After Cheekbone Reduction
Sometimes large cheekbones combined with a prominent jaw and angle can make the face appear too wide. Cheekbone reduction surgery aims to reduce the cheekbones and create a more proportionate, narrower, and in some cases, a more feminine face.
Malar reduction is incredibly popular in East Asia among populations known for their high, wide cheekbones. Though reduction malarplasty is not as well-known in the U.S. (or the West in general), it can benefit many people who are self-conscious about the overall shape, size, and width of their faces.
Dr. Mardirossian is one of the very few Western surgeons who perform cheekbone reduction. During the consultation, Dr. Mardirossian will obtain 3D CT images of your face to discuss the best option for you.
How is Cheekbone Reduction Performed?
Cheekbone reduction in our practice is performed through two small incisions inside the mouth and two small incisions on the sideburn skin. Through these incisions, the cheekbone is mobilized on each side and repositioned in a more inward position.
Some bone will be removed to allow for easier mobility of the cheekbone. The cheekbone will be fixed in its new position with the help of tiny titanium plates. After completion, the sharp edges are rasped and shaved down for better and more natural aesthetics. The incisions in the mouth are then closed with absorbable sutures and those in the sideburn are closed with sutures that will be removed one week after the operation.
How Does Buccal Fat Removal Complement Cheekbone Reduction?
A procedure that can be combined with cheekbone reduction is buccal fat removal, which helps reduce the fullness of the soft portion of the cheeks. Despite being performed through fine hidden incisions, cheekbone reduction and buccal fat removal involve manipulation of deep tissues near your eye and the nerves that move your face. To avoid unnecessary risks, make sure you trust your face to an expert in the field like Dr. Mardirossian when considering this procedure.
Is There a Risk of Facial Tissues Sagging After Cheekbone Reduction Surgery?
Yes, there is a minimal risk of soft tissue sagging after the cheekbone has been reduced. Mostly this is because the soft tissue dissection is kept at minimum levels. The risk of such sagging generally increases after 40 years of age. To prevent any sagging, we perform a short incision facelift or a thread lift at the end of the procedure.
What is Recovery Like After Cheekbone Reduction?
Swelling generally lasts one to two weeks. You may be advised to use ice for three to seven days following your procedure to allow for proper wound healing. Some difficulty with chewing food may be present for the first week and then resolves gradually.
Before you leave, you will be given instructions on when to follow up and how to properly care for the incision sites. Most of our patients go back to their everyday activities three to four days after the procedure, strenuous physical activity can be resumed after two to three weeks.
How Long Will My Cheekbone Reduction Results Last?
Once the cheekbone has been repositioned, it will stay in the new position permanently. Once the procedure is performed, the maximum amount of cheek deprojection is usually achieved.
Contact Mardirossian Facial Aesthetics today to schedule a consultation with Vartan Mardirossian, M.D., F.A.C.S., to see if this procedure is the right solution for you. We offer cheekbone reduction to patients in Virginia including McLean, Falls Church, Tysons, Arlington plus the Washington DC area.