What is Malar Reduction: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition & Overview

Malar reduction, also known as reduction malarplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to reduce the size of the malar, or the cheekbones. While well-defined cheekbones are known to create an aesthetic appearance, some people, especially those with East Asian backgrounds, are prone to have excessively prominent cheekbones that do not look proportional or balanced with the rest of their facial features. This makes the face look too wide or too square in shape. Malar reduction surgery can effectively correct this problem and create a more balanced, more aesthetic appearance.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Malar reduction surgery is for individuals who have overly prominent cheekbones. This may be due to a high malar body or high malar arch, both of which can make a person’s facial features look disproportionate. The result is usually a mandibular angle that is prominent on the frontal view, the lateral view, or both. When the bone is laterally prominent, it causes the face to appear too wide.

Thus, to qualify for the procedure, patients are first evaluated based on their facial symmetry, skeletal proportion, and their degree of zygomatic prominence. Their facial nerves status is also reviewed.

Patients who qualify for malar reduction are usually those with the following features:

• Broad face
• Fierce appearance
• Flat facial appearance
• Unsightly space below the malar

The procedure can involve the following:

• Resection or cutting the most protruding part of the zygomatic arch
• Bone fixation
• Buccal fat removal
• Moving the positions of the muscles, fat, and tiny nerves in the cheeks

How is the Procedure Performed?

There are numerous cheekbone reduction techniques that can be used to achieve the goal of the procedure. Most of them are performed under general anaesthesia administered via nasotracheal intubation with local infiltration of 0.5% lidocaine with adrenaline. The available techniques include:

• Intraoral approach/L-shaped osteotomy
• Scalp approach
• Rotation technique

One common technique is creating an L-shaped osteotomy of the zygomaticomaxillary junction using the intraoral approach, in which the incision is made near the mucous membrane inside the mouth. Once the 2-cm incision has been created, the body of the zygoma is cut with a special saw into an L shape. The arch is then held into a lifted position using pre-fabricated U-shaped microplates and screws. Studies show that this technique can achieve generally satisfying results with a low risk of complications, although it does require a follow-up period of 6 to 18 months.

Another technique is called zygoma reduction through the scalp approach method, in which the incision is made in the scalp above the ear (if the zygoma body has to be reduced) or in front of the ear (if the zygoma arch has to be reduced). This is effective in cases wherein the cheekbone protrudes frontally and laterally.

The size of the cheekbones can also be reduced using the rotation technique. In a traditional procedure, the lateral cheekbone is merely cut. However, this technique, although still commonly used nowadays, can sometimes cause bone instability due to the damage the bone suffers when it is cut. This is performed through the mesial-clockwise rotation of the zygomaticomaxillary complex, which can improve bone contact and thus reduce the malar volume. This technique can achieve the goals of a malar reduction procedure while also reducing the risk of cheek drooping due to bone instability.

If an incision is made, the wound will be sutured at the end of the procedure. The patient will then be given a follow-up schedule so that the doctor can check on the wound as it heals. In most cases, absorbable sutures are used, which means they no longer have to be removed.

Nowadays, malar reduction surgery can also be performed using both endoscopic and 3D techniques. Endoscopic malarplasty is known to cause less scarring and swelling due to the smaller incisions it requires. This also effectively speeds up recovery time.

Possible Risks and Complications

As a facial contouring procedure that requires facial incisions, a malar reduction surgery can put patients at risk of bleeding and infection. In a study performed on 54 patients who have undergone a reduction malarplasty using the zygomatic arch-lifting technique, at least 3 of them developed minor wound infections following the procedure. They were, however, easily treated with antibiotics.

Scarring is rarely a problem as malar reduction surgeries are performed using intraoral incisions or endoscopic techniques. However, patients can expect to experience some swelling and pain during the recovery period.

Other complications that have been associated with malar reduction include:

• Buccal branch facial nerve injury
• Protracted trismus
• Inadequate bone contact
• Bone instability
  
  

References:

• Harii Kiyonori. “Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery: Reduction Malarplasty: A New Approach to Malar Bone by Double Incision.”

• Mahatumarat C., Rojvachiranonda N. “Reduction malarplasty without external incision: A simple technique.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. June 2003; 27(3): 167-171.

• Mu X. “Experience in East Asian facial recontouring: reduction malarplasty and mandibular reshaping.” Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2010 Jul-Aug;12(4):222-9.

/trp_language]

[trp_language language=”ar”][wp_show_posts id=””][/trp_language]

[trp_language language=”fr_FR”][wp_show_posts id=””][/trp_language]

# Malar Reduction: Overview, Benefits, ⁢and Expected Results



## Overview of Malar Reduction



Malar reduction is ‌a cosmetic surgery‍ procedure used to reduce ⁢the size of ⁤the cheekbones for a slimmer facial profile. This procedure can also be used in conjunction with​ other facial⁢ surgeries, such ‍as a⁣ facelift,‍ to create ‌a​ more balanced ⁣and youthful appearance.



The⁣ surgery involves ⁣removing excess skin and soft tissue from the cheeks. While most ⁣patients ⁢undergo the procedure under general anesthesia,⁤ some choose local anesthesia to minimize scarring. The total time ‍the ⁢surgery takes depends on the area being treated, typically ranging between⁢ two and four hours.‌ Postoperative‌ recovery varies, commonly taking six weeks ‌for‌ the‍ swelling and bruising to subside completely.



## Benefits​ of Malar Reduction



* **Improved ⁢Facial Profile:** Malar reduction can help create a more defined, balanced‍ facial profile. ‍The procedure can reduce the prominence of the cheekbones, making the ⁤face appear slimmer ⁢and narrower.

* **Aesthetics:** Many ‍individuals opt for malar reduction to achieve a more‍ aesthetically pleasing look. This can be especially impactful for those with broad cheekbones or a fuller facial structure.

*‌ **Combined with Other Procedures:**⁤ Malar reduction can complement other facial rejuvenation procedures. When combined⁣ with a ​blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or facelift, these procedures can create a cohesive, youthful look.



## Expected Results of ⁣Malar Reduction



* **Facial⁣ Harmony:** After surgery, patients will experience ‌a decrease in the size and prominence of​ their cheekbones. This ​helps create a more harmonious balance among‌ facial features, especially ⁣for those with‍ wider cheekbones.

* **Natural Appearance:** The primary objective of malar reduction is to ⁢yield⁢ a natural-looking result, avoiding ⁤a gaunt or hollow appearance.⁣ A skilled ⁤surgeon⁢ will meticulously adjust the⁤ cheeks’ contour to harmonize with‍ the patient’s overall aesthetic characteristics.

*⁤ **Scarring:** Initially, scars may be noticeable at the incisions, but as recovery progresses, ​they tend to⁤ fade and become less visible. The⁢ surgeon’s expertise and proper adherence to post-operative care⁢ instructions ⁤play a ⁣significant role‍ in achieving minimal scarring.



## Conclusion



Malar⁣ reduction provides many benefits, ⁣such as achieving‌ a slimmer and more defined ‌facial profile, for those seeking facial aesthetic improvement. The procedure can also be combined‌ with other cosmetic surgeries such as eyelid surgery ⁣or facelifts to create a more comprehensive and balanced youthful appearance.



Every surgery carries unique considerations based on individual⁢ needs and characteristics; hence, it is paramount to engage in a ⁤thorough‌ consultation with ⁢a​ board-certified ‌plastic surgeon. During this interaction, potential risks,⁤ benefits, ⁤and ⁤expected outcomes can be⁣ thoroughly addressed.



**Key Terms:** *malar reduction, cheekbone reduction, facial aesthetics, plastic​ surgery, cosmetic ⁢surgery, face slim surgery, facial contouring*