Zygoma Reduction in Seoul: Softer, Narrower Cheekbones
The short answer
Zygoma reduction in Seoul narrows wide or prominent cheekbones by cutting and moving the cheekbone body and arch inward, then fixing them with small titanium plates through incisions inside the mouth and near the sideburn. Surgery takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours under general anesthesia. Typical 2026 prices range from about ₩8,000,000 to ₩40,000,000, and most visible swelling settles in 2 to 4 weeks.
Key facts
- Anesthesia: general
- Surgery time: about 1.5–2.5 hours
- Incisions: inside the upper mouth and a small one near the sideburn
- Typical cost: about ₩8,000,000–₩40,000,000
- Social downtime: about 2–3 weeks
- Final result: around 6 months
- Recommended stay in Seoul: about 10–14 days
What zygoma reduction changes
Your cheekbone, the zygoma, has two parts that shape the face. The front part, called the body, controls how far the cheeks project. The side part, the zygomatic arch, runs back toward the ear and sets how wide the midface looks from the front. When either part is large, the face can look broad, angular or harsh.
Zygoma reduction reduces one or both parts. Arch reduction narrows the side width. Body reduction softens front projection. In what Korean surgeons often call 3D zygoma reduction, both parts are cut so the whole cheekbone can be moved slightly inward and back, then held with small titanium plates. Planning is done on a 3D CT scan so the new cheekbones stay in balance with your jaw and temples.
Most often chosen for
- A wide midface when viewed from the front
- Cheekbones that project sharply and cast shadows
- Cheekbone asymmetry between sides
- A face that looks angular rather than soft
Often combined with
Many patients pair it with V-line surgery or square jaw reduction for a full facial contouring plan, and with temple filler or fat grafting to smooth any hollow above the cheekbone.
The procedure, layer by layer
Incision in the mouth
The surgeon makes an incision inside the upper lip near the gum to reach the cheekbone body. No scar shows on the face from this approach.
Where the bone cuts are made
An L-shaped or similar cut is made in the cheekbone body, and a second cut is made at the back of the arch through a short incision hidden near the sideburn or in the hairline. The freed bone is moved inward and slightly back, and plates and screws fix it in place.
How the incisions heal
The mouth incision closes with dissolvable stitches and heals within about two weeks. The sideburn incision is small and usually fades into a fine line within months.
Recovery timeline
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Peak swelling, compression garment, soft diet, often a 1-night stay |
| Week 1 | Bruising fades; daily mouth rinses; follow-up visits |
| Weeks 2–3 | Most visible swelling settles; many patients fly home |
| Months 1–3 | Residual swelling falls; normal chewing returns |
| Around 6 months | Final contour |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have wide or prominent cheekbones confirmed on a CT scan.
- Are in good general health and do not smoke, or can stop.
- Can stay in Seoul for about two weeks.
Another option may suit you better if
- Your face looks wide mostly because of jaw angles or masseter muscle.
- Your cheeks look full because of soft tissue rather than bone.
- You already have thin cheeks and hollow temples, where reduction could make you look older.
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about cheek sagging after bone is moved, temporary numbness of the cheek and upper lip, asymmetry, delayed bone healing (non-union), infection and hollowing at the temples. Ask how the surgeon fixes the bone, how many contouring procedures they perform, whether an anesthesiologist is present, and what revision policy applies.
Zygoma reduction cost in Seoul
Prices typically fall between about ₩8,000,000 and ₩40,000,000. Arch-only reduction sits at the lower end; full 3D reduction, combined procedures and senior surgeons sit higher. Confirm whether CT scans, anesthesia, overnight stay, medications and follow-up are included.
Zygoma reduction vs. V-line surgery
Zygoma reduction narrows the middle of the face; V-line surgery narrows the lower face and chin. If your face looks wide at the cheek level, zygoma surgery is the main tool. If it looks wide at the jaw, V-line is. Many patients have both.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Will my cheeks sag after zygoma reduction?
Some sagging is possible when bone moves inward. Good fixation and, in some cases, a lifting step reduce this risk; ask your surgeon how they prevent it.
Are the titanium plates removed?
Usually not. They are small and stay in place unless they cause problems.
How long should I stay in Korea?
Plan on about 10 to 14 days for follow-ups and initial healing before flying home.
Is there a visible scar?
The mouth incision is hidden; the small sideburn incision usually fades into a fine line.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.