Facial Contouring · Cheekbones
Zygoma (Cheekbone) Reduction in Seoul: Methods, Cost and Recovery
Reviewed November 2026
The short answer
Zygoma reduction narrows wide or prominent cheekbones by cutting and repositioning the zygomatic bone inward, softening the mid-face from the front and side. In Seoul it typically costs about KRW 7–14 million. Surgery takes around 1.5–2.5 hours under general anaesthesia through small incisions inside the mouth and near the sideburn. Most swelling settles in 2–4 weeks, with final contour after about 3–6 months.
Key facts
- What it changes: width of the cheekbone body and arch
- Incisions: inside the mouth and a small one hidden near the sideburn
- Typical Seoul cost: about KRW 7–14 million
- Fixation: small plates and screws hold the repositioned bone
- Main swelling: about 2–4 weeks
- Suggested stay: 10–14 days in Seoul
What zygoma reduction is
The zygoma is the cheekbone, made up of a front body under the eye and an arch that runs back towards the ear. When either part is wide or projects strongly, the face can look broad or angular from the front, or the cheek can stand out sharply in profile. Zygoma reduction surgery narrows this framework so the mid-face looks softer and more oval.
It is one of the core facial contouring operations in Korea and is often planned together with jaw reduction for overall balance. Unlike fillers, which can only add volume, zygoma reduction permanently reshapes bone. The aim is a gentle curve that keeps some natural fullness at the front of the cheek, since flattening the cheek too much can make the face look tired or aged.
How zygoma reduction works
Most Korean surgeons use an osteotomy technique. Through an incision inside the mouth, the front of the cheekbone body is cut, sometimes with a thin strip removed, and moved inward. Through a small incision near the sideburn, the back of the arch is cut so it can also move in. The repositioned bone is fixed with small plates and screws at the front. Shaving alone is sometimes used for mild prominence, but it changes width less than repositioning the bone.
Common zygoma reduction techniques in Seoul
| Technique | Typical use |
|---|---|
| L-shaped osteotomy | Moderate to marked width; body and arch moved inward together |
| Arch infracture | Side-of-face width from the arch, often added to body work |
| Bone shaving (burring) | Mild front prominence where only a small change is needed |
| Combined contouring | Zygoma plus jaw and chin reduction for a full facial reshape |
Estimated zygoma reduction cost in Seoul
A typical quote is about KRW 7–14 million for cheekbone reduction alone. Combining it with jaw reduction or V-line surgery raises the total but can reduce the cost per procedure. Confirm that the quote includes CT scans, anaesthesia, plates, overnight care, compression garments and follow-up.
Who is a good candidate?
- adults with wide or prominent cheekbones seen from the front or side
- people who feel the mid-face looks broad, harsh or angular
- those with adequate soft tissue, so the cheek does not look hollow after reduction
- healthy patients who can stay in Seoul around two weeks
If your cheeks look full mainly because of fat or soft tissue, surgery on bone may not help; ask about alternatives such as buccal fat reduction. If your mid-face also sags, discuss whether a lift should be part of the plan. Our blog on whether you can combine a deep plane facelift with zygoma reduction covers this question.
What to expect during and after zygoma reduction
During consultation
The surgeon examines your face from several angles, takes photos and orders a 3D CT scan to measure the bone. You should hear which technique is planned, how far the bone will move, and how cheek sagging will be prevented. Ask about the surgeon's contouring experience, anaesthesia support and the clinic's revision policy.
During surgery
Surgery takes about 1.5–2.5 hours under general anaesthesia, longer when combined with jaw work. Many clinics keep you overnight and fit a compression garment to support the cheeks.
Recovery and results
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first week and may spread around the eyes. You will eat soft food and keep the mouth clean with rinses. Opening the mouth can feel stiff for a few weeks, and some numbness of the cheek and upper lip is common at first. Most people feel presentable at about 2–3 weeks. The bone heals over about 6–8 weeks, and the final shape is visible at about 3–6 months. Stay in Seoul around 10–14 days for check-ups before flying.
Zygoma reduction surgery in Seoul, Korea
Choose a plastic surgeon who performs facial bone contouring regularly, in a clinic with a dedicated anaesthesiologist and overnight monitoring. Ask how bone healing will be checked, especially whether a follow-up CT is offered, and how your home doctor can contact the clinic if needed.
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
Is zygoma reduction permanent?
Yes. The bone is cut and repositioned, so the narrower shape is permanent, although soft tissue continues to age normally.
Can cheekbone reduction cause sagging cheeks?
Some soft-tissue drooping can occur, particularly with older skin or large reductions. Good fixation and careful planning reduce the risk; ask your surgeon how they handle it.
Will there be scars after zygoma reduction?
The main incision is inside the mouth, and the small one near the sideburn is usually hidden in the hairline.
Can I combine zygoma and jaw reduction?
Yes. Many patients in Seoul have cheekbone, jaw and chin contouring together for a balanced oval face, if the surgeon considers it safe in one session.
How soon can I fly after cheekbone surgery?
Most surgeons suggest staying about 10–14 days so swelling, stitches and bone position can be checked before you fly.
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.