Cheekbone reduction

Cheekbone reduction in Turkey: what it is and how it works

Cheekbone reduction (clinically termed zygomatic reduction osteotomy or reduction malarplasty) is a specialised craniofacial surgery designed to narrow an excessively wide midface. The cheekbone structure consists of the anterior zygomatic body and the lateral zygomatic arch extending towards the ear. When these bones flare outwards, the face can appear harsh, disproportionately broad, or angular. Cheekbone reduction in Turkey repositions the bone inward to create a softer, balanced facial contour. For an overview of complementary procedures, explore our wider catalogue of plastic surgery treatments in Turkey.

Unlike soft-tissue treatments that target fat or skin, cheekbone reduction reshapes the facial skeleton. The surgeon makes precise bone cuts and secures the repositioned arch with miniature titanium plates. Incisions are hidden inside the mouth and at the sideburn hairline, leaving no visible facial scars. This guide explains how zygoma reduction works, what the evidence confirms, comparative costs against the UK and US, recovery milestones, and safety standards.

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Does cheekbone reduction actually work?

Clinical studies in craniofacial and aesthetic plastic surgery confirm that zygomatic reduction osteotomy reliably narrows midface width. By mobilising the zygomatic arch and securing it in a medial position, the horizontal span of the face is measurably reduced. Radiographic evaluations demonstrate high bone union rates and long-term stability when rigid internal fixation is applied.

However, the surgery alters bone rather than soft tissue. It does not reduce thick cheek fat or tighten loose skin. Reducing bony projection decreases skeletal support for overlying soft tissues; patients with poor skin elasticity or heavy cheeks risk post-operative tissue drooping and accentuated nasolabial folds. An ethical surgeon assesses bone structure, soft-tissue volume, and skin recoil before recommending surgery.

Surgical techniques: osteotomy vs bone shaving

Patients researching cheekbone reduction encounter two main surgical approaches: reduction osteotomy and bone shaving (burring). Historically, surgeons attempted to reduce cheek prominence by rasping down the outer zygoma surface. Craniofacial specialists advise against shaving alone for midface narrowing. The outer bone cortex is relatively thin; excessive burring risks weakening the bone without noticeably reducing lateral arch width, and abraded bone can develop irregular fibrous tissue.

The standard modern technique is the L-shaped or 3D rotational osteotomy. The surgeon makes an L-shaped cut through the front zygomatic body and a straight cut near the ear. A small bone wedge can be resected if anterior projection also requires reduction. The arch segment is then moved inward, slightly upward, and fixed with titanium microplates, delivering true three-dimensional narrowing.

Cheekbone reduction cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany

Facial bone surgery requires an accredited hospital theatre, general anaesthesia, specialised instrumentation, and custom fixation hardware. Cheekbone reduction cost in Turkey is substantially lower than in the UK, US, and Germany, primarily due to lower operating facility overheads. The table below outlines honest approximate ranges across countries.

Several clinical factors influence the cheekbone reduction price. Complex rotational osteotomies or secondary corrective procedures cost more than straightforward primary cases. Hospital stay duration, pre-operative 3D computed tomography (CT) scans, and fixation materials also affect the total fee. You can submit your details for a free quote before travelling. Packages in Turkey typically cover surgeon fees, anaesthetist care, hospital accommodation, pre-operative tests, medication, and transfers.

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Comparing cheekbone reduction with other facial contouring procedures

Determining whether midface prominence is caused by skeletal architecture, buccal fat pads, or masseter muscle bulk is vital when choosing a treatment. The table below compares reduction malarplasty with alternative procedures.

Facial harmonisation often considers the relationship between midface and lower face. Patients with a weak chin and prominent cheekbones may find that balancing the jawline with a jaw implant produces proportionate results without skeletal reduction. Older patients or those with existing skin laxity may combine zygoma reduction with a facelift to re-suspend soft tissues and prevent cheek descent.

Who is a good candidate for malar reduction, and who is not?

Suitable candidates are healthy adults with a disproportionately wide facial skeleton, prominent lateral arches, and good skin elasticity. Key candidate criteria include:

• A wide midface that appears out of balance with the temples and jawline.
• Prominent zygomatic arches creating a severe diamond-shaped facial profile.
• Firm skin with sufficient elasticity to redrape over the reduced bone framework.
• Realistic expectations regarding facial symmetry and the gradual timeline of bone healing.
• Non-smokers in good physical health without uncontrolled medical conditions.

Patients who are not suitable include those whose facial width stems from subcutaneous fat rather than bone structure. Individuals with significant skin laxity, thin skin lacking elasticity, active oral infections, or untreated sinus disease should not undergo intraoral osteotomies until these issues are addressed.

The surgical procedure step by step

Cheekbone reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital and lasts between 90 minutes and three hours. The surgical steps include:

• Anaesthesia and preparation: General anaesthesia is administered with local anaesthetic infiltration inside the mouth to minimise bleeding.
• Intraoral incision: The surgeon makes an incision along the upper gum line inside the mouth to expose the front zygomatic body without visible external scars.
• Sideburn incision: A discrete 1-centimetre incision is hidden within the sideburn hairline to reach the posterior arch.
• Bone osteotomy: Using micro-oscillating or piezoelectric ultrasonic instruments, the surgeon performs an L-shaped cut through the anterior body and cuts the posterior arch.
• Repositioning and fixation: The mobilized arch is shifted inward and slightly upward, then rigidly fixed with titanium microplates and screws.
• Closure and dressing: Intraoral cuts are closed with dissolvable sutures, the hairline incision is stitched, and a supportive facial compression garment is fitted.

Cheekbone reduction before and after: what are realistic expectations?

Evaluating cheekbone reduction before and after results requires patience. In the initial weeks, post-operative swelling hides the structural contour change. Patients frequently feel their face appears wider initially; visible slimming emerges between weeks three and six as fluid clears.

True clinical results show a softened, narrower facial contour with balanced proportions. Photographs show refined facial contours rather than total facial transformation. No natural face is entirely symmetrical, and subtle baseline differences in orbit or jaw shape remain after surgery. Reputable clinics share unedited photographs of previous patients with comparable bone structure.

Your trip to Turkey and cheekbone reduction recovery timeline

Because zygoma reduction involves bone cuts, international patients should plan seven to nine nights in Turkey. This ensures adequate time for pre-operative 3D CT scans, surgery, hospital observation, and a comprehensive final check. Recovery milestones include:

• Days 1–3: One or two nights in hospital. Swelling and bruising peak around day three. Discomfort is managed with prescribed medication. A strict liquid diet and antiseptic mouthwashes are maintained.
• Days 4–7: Swelling begins to ease. Patients transition to a soft diet (purees, soups). Hairline stitches are removed, and the surgeon conducts a fit-to-fly assessment.
• Weeks 2–4: About 60 to 70 percent of swelling resolves. Patients typically resume desk work after ten to fourteen days. Chewing hard foods remains restricted to protect bone healing.
• Months 2–3: Bone fusion at the cut sites progresses solidly. Residual swelling subsides, and light non-contact exercise may resume with surgical clearance.
• Months 6–12: Bone healing and soft-tissue re-attachment are complete, revealing the final permanent contour.

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Potential risks, complications and long-term bone healing

Like any major skeletal operation, reduction malarplasty carries surgical risks. Professional societies such as the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) emphasise reviewing potential complications before undergoing surgery.

Temporary numbness is the most frequent effect. The infraorbital nerve passes near the zygoma, providing sensation to the cheek, lower eyelid, and upper lip. Surgical retraction often causes temporary numbness or tingling, which usually resolves over weeks or months. Permanent nerve damage is rare when performed by experienced craniofacial specialists.

Other potential complications include:

• Bone non-union or malunion: Incomplete bone healing or improper alignment, minimized by rigid titanium plate fixation.
• Soft-tissue sagging: Descent of cheek tissues if the periosteum and masseter muscle attachments are not properly re-suspended during surgery.
• Infection: Intraoral incisions require strict hygiene and prophylactic antibiotics to prevent oral or bone infection.
• Facial asymmetry: Subtle contour differences resulting from uneven swelling, plate positioning, or natural skeletal asymmetry.
• Hematoma: Localised blood collection beneath facial tissues requiring medical drainage.

How to choose a qualified craniofacial surgeon and hospital red flags

Cheekbone reduction requires advanced expertise in maxillofacial osteotomies and rigid fixation. Patients seeking cheekbone reduction Turkey should prioritize surgical qualifications over discounted package pricing.

Confirm that your surgeon is a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery or maxillofacial surgery, registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and recognized by bodies like the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Ensure the hospital has intensive care unit (ICU) support and 24-hour emergency medical services.

Key red flags include:

• Clinics recommending bone shaving for patients requiring lateral arch narrowing.
• Surgeons operating without pre-operative 3D CT imaging to map bone cuts and nerve paths.
• Agencies unable to confirm your operating surgeon in advance or demanding rushed deposits.
• Unsubstantiated claims of zero pain, swelling-free healing, or flawless symmetry.
• Absence of a documented protocol for post-operative aftercare once you return home.

Key questions to ask during your consultation:

• What are your qualifications in craniofacial and maxillofacial osteotomy?
• How many zygomatic reduction procedures do you perform each month?
• Do you use piezoelectric ultrasonic tools or mechanical saws for bone cuts?
• What fixation plates will you use, and will they ever require removal?
• How do you anchor soft tissues during closure to prevent midface sagging?

To understand the consultation and booking process, read our guide on how it works. You can submit your photographs and scans through our free quote portal to receive a personalized clinical plan from a certified surgical team.

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Hospitals with Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery in Turkey

Academic Hospital

Üsküdar, Istanbul

MoHHealth Tourism Licence+2

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Lokman Hekim Istanbul Hospital

Pendik, Istanbul

JCIMoH+2

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