Cheekbone reduction surgery

[strawberrystar8]

Hello CozyCot's!

I've decided to open a new thread about cheekbone reduction so that we can gather all kinds of information on this procedure.

I'm traveling to Seoul on October 11th this year to get my cheekbones, sleepy eyes and nose done at Oz Clinic by Dr. Park. He has received negative remarks about having an "old" surgery room but as well as wonderful comments about giving truly great results. I guess we shouldn't judge the book by its cover?

I've e-mailed him several times this past few week and bombarded him with questions, hehe. He replies quickly, usually the day after sending him e-mail. He explains very throughly and doesn't seem bothered by my millions of questions. I've also heard by fellow forum members (other then cozycot) that he takes his time explaining during his consultation, is caring and professional. He even picks you up on your surgery day at your hotel!

Anyway. He does seem professional and I have gotten the impression by his e-mails that his cheekbone reduction procedure is simple and worry-free. He says that there would be very little blood during surgery and that I don't need to stay the day after the procedure to "get my cheeks drained for blood".

Here are my e-mails with Dr. Park for you to read:

April 29 2008:

Dear Anna,

Thank you for your interest in my clinic.
Are you Asian or Caucasian ?

Most Asians have wide face and prominent cheek bone(zygomatic bone).
So, zygomatic bone reduction is frequently recommended and very popular surgery.
It'll take only an hour and heals fastly.

Most foreign patients go back to their country after a week.
Most of postoperative swelling and bruise will be disappeared after 2 weeks.

Many patients worry about pain after facial bone surgery.
But in fact, pain is minor in facial bone surgery because there is no sensory nerve in facial bone.
Most of postoperative swelling come from swelling in face and will be disappeared after a day.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

Regards,

Hyuncheol Park MD
OZ Cosmetic Clinic
Seoul, KOREA


April 30th 2008:

Dear Anna,

Glad to meet you.

For fast recovery, I usually recommend 'Sinnech' which can decrease your postoperative bruise and pain.
I don't know where you are and whether you can buy that.
If you are in US, it is easy to buy in internet.
Evenif you don't ingest the Sinnech, you can recover completely after 6 weeks.
Even plastic surgeons can't notice whether you underwent zygoma reduction.

This cheek reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
That means you can't feel anything and are completely unconscious.
Because zygoma is arch like bone, it will be moved inward slightly during the procedure.
You don't have to imagine the whole procedure.

Of course, I will give you full postoperative care.



May 2nd 2008

Dear Anna,

Most patients go back to their home after zygoma reduction because they don't have to stay in hospital.
I usually recommend Human Starville Yeoksam hotel to most of foreign patients because it is clean, cheap, close to my clinic and has English speaking staffs.
You can find more information about hotel at my website.
http://www.drpark.co.kr/eng/sub02.htm

After zygoma reduction, the patient should wear bandage around face for 3 to 5 days to minimize postoperative swelling and bruise.



May 6th 2008

Dear Anna,

Thank you for submitting your photos.
You are a good candidate for zygomatic reduction.

Most foreign patients make a reservation for their surgery at least 1 month prior to their visit.
To shorten their staying period, I usually arrange their consultation at the day of arrival and surgery at next day.

Aspirin should not be ingested for at least two weeks before the surgery because it interferes with blood clotting.
And if you have any medication in use, please let me know.
The night before the surgery you should not eat or drink anything after midnight.

After surgery, you can go back to your hotel in the evening but sometimes, you should stay in hospital for one day.

In zygoma reduction surgery, it is not important how much I can reduce that.
The most important thing is how your face look better.
Because zygomatic bone is arch like bone, both ends are cut and the intervening zygomatic bone is moved.
According to the site of cutting and movement of the intervening zygomatic bone, the result can be differed.
I usually don't fix the bone because it is not necessary.
But sometimes I fix the bone with thin wire.

The cost of this surgery is about 4,500,000 KRW (about 4,500 USD).


May 9th 2008

Hello Anna,

Postoperative care of patients varies according to doctors.
Most of my patients who undergo zygoma reduction don't stay in hospital for one night.
They usually go back to their hotel in the evening.
If you want to stay in hospital for one night, you can stay but will be charged about 120 USD.
I think this is not necessary because there will be little discomfort except swelling.
I usually don't use drain in zygoma reduction because there is little bleeding in my operation.

Sometimes, information from internet or forum is not correct.
Maybe she said the patients should eat liquid food for 2 to 3 days (not months).
The patients usually have a difficulty in mouth opening for 2 weeks and should exercise mouth opening.

Postoperative swelling differs greatly according to the patients.
It becomes maximum at 2 to 3 days after surgery and decline after that.
If you apply cool pack continuously and elevate your head, the postoperative swelling will be minimized.

I know well Dr. Lee Hee Young because he is my junior when we trained reidentship in Catholic University.
He is also a very good doctor.

Today, I'm also planning zygoma reduction.
She will go back to her hotel in the evening eventhough she also will undergo other procedures like buccal fat removal and perialar augmentation.

May 26th 2008

Thank you for your interest in my clinic and submitting your pictures.

In the photos, you look very beautiful except wide cheek bone, slightly wide jaw and cheek and hooded upper eyelid skin.

I agree with your opinions and want to recommend you zygoma reduction, jaw reduction and blepharoplasty.

I can't be sure about cheek fat removal.

Maybe I can judge after direct consultation.



Have you heard about virtual surgery ?

Evenif this is not the same as real result, it can help both doctors and patients to communicate properly and can make the patients expect reasonably.

I'll attach a virtual surgery picture.

Have a look at this and give me your feedback.

I've performed zygoma reduction, buccal fat removal, jaw reduction and blepharoplasty.


May 30th 2008

Zygoma reduction is performed through intraoral incision and a stab wound in your sideburn.

A 3 mm stab wound is innoticeable.

The exact amount of zygoma reduction can be judged after consultation.


After 2 weeks, most of acute swelling will be subsided.

After 3 weeks, most of bruise will be disappeared.

After 8 weeks, most of chronic swelling and sign of surgery will be disappeared.


May 31st 2008

There are three kinds of anesthesia in rhinoplasty: general, IV sedation, local anesthesia.

I usually prefer local anesthesia with IV sedation in facial surgery.

I've been using IV sedation for over 18 years and have never seen any complications.

In facial surgery, I can watch the patients' airway and monitor their status continuously by myself.

Who can watch or monitor the patients better ? nurse anesthetist ? anesthesiologist ?

If you want, you can undergo surgery under IV sedation by anesthesiologist.

But it will be charged seperately, about 500 USD.

If you undergo zygoma reduction and rhinoplasty together, you will be under general anesthesia.

I show the patients pre and postoperative pictures whenever they want.



June 1st 2008

Zygoma reduction makes the face shallow, but it doesn't make cheek hollow.

On the contrary, it can make cheek look a little bit fuller because prominent zygoma is depressed.


Postoperatively, you should stay in my clinic for 1 or 2 hours until you are stabilized.

I'll give you medication including pain killers.

After that, I'll aid you take a taxi or take you to your hotel.

During your recovery, you should apply coolpack which I would give you and elevate your head above your heart.

That's the most effective way to heal fast.

There is no food restriction after surgery.

After 2 weeks, most of your swelling and bruise will be subsided and you can go out for shopping with some remained swelling.

In fact, most patients went shopping immediately after surgery concealing their face with caps of hood.

You should follow our follow-up schedule until your stitches are removed after 5 days.

You can start work out after 4 weeks.

I wish your all questions were answered.
----------------------

If that isn't detailed then I don't know what is!

By the way, some people are worried about Dr. Park doing the anesthesia himself. I've never of any complications with his patients regarding this so I assume that he's professional! He says he injects the anesthesia himself and has a certified anesthesiologist nurse with him during the operation. He also says that he does most of the monitoring himself.

I'm doing this surgery without my parents, sister and boyfriend knowing...! They don't even know that I'm bothered by my wide cheekbones. I inherited the cheekbones by my mom (thanks mom!!), making my face look wide, a bit flat and chunky. My dad on the other hand has a narrow face without any prominent cheekbones or jaw which my sister inherited.

I'm doing the surgery to sharpen my features and I'm NOT aiming for the caucasian look. I have a so-called baby face and I'm in a job position where people don't take me seriously because of my young look.

It would be a bit tricky to go through the surgery process without anyone knowing. But I've figured everything out.

I would love to hear about your experience with cheekbone reduction surgery if you've already done it. And of course your plans for this surgery. Consider me as your surgery buddy!

I'm so sorry for the long post. Just had to share.

Hope to hear from you!

Cheers from Europe

[strawberrystar8]

I received response to my e-mail about my anemia, food restrcitions and visible signs of surgery. He responded fast as usual


Dear Anna,

If Gore-tex implant is chosen, 200,000 KRW (about 200 USD) can be added.

If IV sedation is chosen, 200,000 KRW 9about 200 USD) can be added also.
Anemia itself is not a great hindrance to surgery, but your general condition is very important to surgery.

If you can't feel serious symptoms from anemia, it doesn't interfere with surgery.

I don't restrict any food after surgery.

Restriction in food after surgery is one of the representative superstitious belief in Asia.

Protein and well balanced diet can fasten the healing of wound.

Acute swelling will be subsided after 2 weeks of zygoma reduction.

Chronic swelling also will be subsided after 2 to 3 months.

There will be no sign of surgery after 2 to 3 months.

The shape of face can be changed a little bit upto 6 to 9 months after surgery, but no one can notice that.

There is little precautions of restriction in your activity after 2 months of surgery.


Regards,
Hyuncheol Park MD

[sarahbarah]

simulation

hi strawberry, would you mind sharing the B&A simulation pics?
i am thinking of getting this done around the same time you are at BK

[strawberrystar8]

Yes sure, here they are. Don't mind the blurry background. The first image is a simulation of cheekbone, nasal elevation and excessive skin eyelid surgery. The other is of me with simulated jaw shaping, buccal fat removal and eyelid.

When are you traveling to Seoul and are you going to undergo other surgeries?

[leighton]

hi strawberrystar8! wow thanks for setting up this new thread, and for sharing the simulated pics i think you'll look great with the jaw shaping + buccal fat removal, it really makes your face look smaller.. OT, but i love your eyebrows!

i want to do bone reduction surgery too, but for the jawbone. actually, all i want is a sharper, more oval face, so i don't know if what i need is cheekbone or jaw shaving. haha. i've emailed Dr Chuang in Taiwan but he hasn't replied yet.

i think it's great that Dr Park replies so quickly and in such detail. i wanted to ask if you had a list of questions prepared, and if so, would you mind sharing them? thank you dear

i'm facing the same problem as you in that my parents or friends know nothing about my intention to do PS, but i've let my bf in on it, and he's going with me to Taiwan. i think the change will be pretty drastic since i'm only in taiwan for about less than 3 weeks, and i have no idea how i'll explain things to them. but i guess one thing at a time yeah

[leighton]

oh i also wanted to ask, would you know what's the difference between face liposuction and buccal fat removal? which yields better results? because i've heard different opinions from people and am not sure which procedure is more effective in reducing fat on the face. TIA!

[strawberrystar8]

hi strawberrystar8! wow thanks for setting up this new thread, and for sharing the simulated pics i think you'll look great with the jaw shaping + buccal fat removal, it really makes your face look smaller.. OT, but i love your eyebrows!

i want to do bone reduction surgery too, but for the jawbone. actually, all i want is a sharper, more oval face, so i don't know if what i need is cheekbone or jaw shaving. haha. i've emailed Dr Chuang in Taiwan but he hasn't replied yet.

i think it's great that Dr Park replies so quickly and in such detail. i wanted to ask if you had a list of questions prepared, and if so, would you mind sharing them? thank you dear

i'm facing the same problem as you in that my parents or friends know nothing about my intention to do PS, but i've let my bf in on it, and he's going with me to Taiwan. i think the change will be pretty drastic since i'm only in taiwan for about less than 3 weeks, and i have no idea how i'll explain things to them. but i guess one thing at a time yeah

Hi leighton,

thank you! The pleasure is on my side there's very little info on cheekbone reduction (people who share their surgery experience) on the net and so I decided to start a thread about it.

Do you mean the questions I asked Dr. Park...? I'm planning on e-mailing him again on questions like the stitches in the mouth etc.

I will definitely share all of my e-mails and communication with you

Wow, it's great that your bf knows and is going with you! That's sweet and supportive of him my bf doesn't even know I'm bothered by my wide face, or atleast he hasn't said anything. I always wear my hair down and hide my cheeks

I'm worried about my parents reaction IF they found out because they believe that I should "be greatful for what God gave you" and I think they might be insulted by removing their traits. I don't know how your parents are but be prepared for their reactions and maybe some preaching. As long as you show them that you're happy with what you've done, I think it should be okay in the end.

I think 3 weeks will be a short period of time to heal. 3 weeks is enough for 90% of the bruising and swelling to subside. Just take a look this Korean guy's blog on his surgeries (jaw, nose, eyes, fat removal..?) : http://www.xanga.com/oyyu

He writes (video blogs) and puts out pictures about his post-op experience after multiple surgeries. I received the link from a fellow Cozycot member.

I've heard of brilliant results by taking vitamin supplements, sinnech, bromelain, adding more protein in your meals can really help speed up your recovery. You have to start taking the supplements 2 weeks before surgery and up to 4 weeks after the surgery. And keeping your head elevated and putting cold packs on your face are alone great for the healing.

And for the lipo vs. buccal, after all the late night surgery researching this past month, I think liposuction is intended for people with jowl (think chicken). Face liposuction is the removal of fat from under the chin. You know the "hanging juggle" below the chin on older people?

On the other hand-- buccal fat removal is the procedure to remove the fat pads that augment the lower cheeks, so the target area is your cheek. The buccal fat removal is for reducing the "puffiness" when you smile If you have full cheeks and appear overweight this is the choice for you. I'm not 100% though.

Are you Asian?

I think full cheeks plus your facial bone are your target, but your doctor will likely check this on you. You can have your surgeon do the virtual simulation on your face. Those simulation pictures aren't 100% correct though.

Hope I've answered your question. Let me know if there's anything more! Good luck

[sparklez]

you are very pretty strawberry! (from what i can see). did you ask the doctor about whether the simulation is accurate? that it won't make your face fuller? the simulation doesn't seem to make your face fuller at all. Will you be posting recovery pics during your recovery period like that xanga guy did? that would be so awesome. also, have you decided on which procedures you'll have?

Also, i've done some research and the first 48 hours are the most crucial for preventing swelling. YOu need to have your head elevated at all times and apply ice (without removal gaps) for 48 hours straight. And then after 2 days, warm moisture will reduce swellling, and not ice. that is more important that the herbal supplements you take.

I also read that bromelain, sinecch, and vitamin C (in high doses) will help a lot.

[sarahbarah]

strawberry, is there a reason you prefer OZ to BK?

[strawberrystar8]

Here is my latest e-mail to Dr. Park and his answers. Prompt and detailed as always

-----------------------

Hi again,

regarding Cheekbone Reduction:

- What exactly is chronic swelling? Is it noticable after 2 months and won't I be able to touch/put pressure on my face after 2 months due to that? I read on your consultation forum that it takes 3 to 4 months for the chronic swelling to dissappear. You said 2 to 3 months on your previous mail... I would just like to know if my face will look strange when my family will meet me 2 months after surgery.

- Will I be able to eat normal (eat steak, harder food)after 2 months?

- Do you think sunbathing and humid weather will affect my healing? I'm traveling to the Philippines with my family 10 weeks after surgery.

- Is it true that talking and moving the mouth can reduce the healing process (I've heard about a case on jaw reducing)? When is it safe to talk etc.?

- When will the wound in the mouth close after the surgery? Will you be taking out the stitches or will it dissolve?



Postoperative swelling varies according to the patients.

After 2 to 3 weeks, large swelling around cheeks will be subsided.

So, most of patients can go out for shopping or tour without much notification because they look nearly normal.

But they still have swelling in face and they can't feel the reduction of cheek bone in this period.

After 2 to 3 months, small swelling around cheeks will be subsided and they can find their cheek bone reduced.

In this period, other people usually don't know whether the patient underwent surgery.

This small chronic swelling can persist more than 6 months in some case.

So, final judgement of surgery can be made after 6 months when all the swelling is subsided completely.



After 4 weeks of surgery, you can start any exercise except vigorous sports like boxing.

You can have a difficulty in eating for 3 to 5 days because of the intraoral wounds and swelling in mouth.

At 5 days after surgery, I'll remove your stitches in mouth eventhough I use self dissolvable stitches.

After that, you should exercise opening the mouth and you can eat everything you can.

Talking or mouth opening don't interfere your healing.

Sunlight exposure or humid weather also don't interfere healing.



Nasal elevation:

- Will I be getting "a splint"? If that's the case, I don't know what that is, but I've heard forum member talk about it often. Like, "the splint came out".

- When will the swelling and visible signs of nasal dorsum elevation surgery dissappear completely?


After surgery, I'll attach nasal splint on your nose for 5 days.

After a week, about 80 % of swelling will be subsided and you can go out freely.

Final judgement of surgery should be made after 6 months when all the swelling is subsided completely.


General questions:

- How do I/you know if I'm allergic to anesthesia? I've been given local anesthesia before during tooth removal without any allergic reactions. Is it the same as general anesthesia?

- Do you do surgeries/consultations on Saturdays?

- Are you going to check my blood before surgery?

- Will I be able to wash my face and putting on facial lotion after surgery?


Allergy to anesthetic agent is extremely rare.

Anesthesiologist will give antiallergic drug if you show the allergic sign to anesthetic agent.

I'll check your blood before surgery to know your general health condition.

You can wash your face and can apply lotion from 5 days after surgery.

I work on Saturday also.

-------------
Thanks for all your answers. I would like to know as much as possible about my surgeries to feel safe and secure. I'm the kind of person who gets a bit sick by looking at blood, wounds, sharp knifes etc. =S I've heard lots of great things about you unlike other clinics that always think about money. I've heard of doctors and nurses from a clinic who seem rude and don't give enough support and attention during post-op and consultation. They just want to get it done. I've heard many complain about a famous clinic in Seoul- that they don't give enough post-op care. Some have even felt depressed by it. They travel from across the globe all alone and finds no support or comfort after surgery. Thanks again.


I'm sorry for the bad service of some clinics in Seoul.

There are many complains about the bad service (especially after operation) of some large clinic in Seoul.

They usually don't care much about their patients and are interested only about money because they spend a lot of money in advertising and decorating their clinics.

But my clinic is different.

Eventhough my clinic is small (compared to large clinic), we always try to help our patients and always think in patients' side.

Most of our patients feel at ease in my clinic because all the doctors and nurses treat them like our family.

If you have any questions or need any help, feel free to ask me.

Regards,
Hyuncheol Park MD

[strawberrystar8]

you are very pretty strawberry! (from what i can see). did you ask the doctor about whether the simulation is accurate? that it won't make your face fuller? the simulation doesn't seem to make your face fuller at all. Will you be posting recovery pics during your recovery period like that xanga guy did? that would be so awesome. also, have you decided on which procedures you'll have?

Also, i've done some research and the first 48 hours are the most crucial for preventing swelling. YOu need to have your head elevated at all times and apply ice (without removal gaps) for 48 hours straight. And then after 2 days, warm moisture will reduce swellling, and not ice. that is more important that the herbal supplements you take.

I also read that bromelain, sinecch, and vitamin C (in high doses) will help a lot.

Aww I'm blushing. Thank you! I'm sure you're very pretty too

Thanks for sharing your tips on preventing swelling and healing. Thank you for your PM about your friend's surgery post-op too. Appreciate it a lot

Regarding fuller face. I think I wrote his answers in my first post on this thread:

Even if this is not the same as real result, it can help both doctors and patients to communicate properly and can make the patients expect reasonably.

I read on his consultation forum that it's not exactly 100% same results as the picture but it's not far from it. Most of the predetermined results is given during the final consultation before surgery. You see, I only gave him one picture. One picture isn't enough to decide. He has to check my face from every angle to decide upon the results.

The second picture didn't make my face look fuller because he simulated fat buccal removal (fat in the cheeks) as well as cheekbone and jaw reduction, and eyelids. The first picture simulates only cheek reduction, nose elevation and eyelids.

I think posting pictures of my post-op is a bit dodgy. I don't want anyone to know but I will likely create a private blog, put some dots on my eyes and give the password access to those who messages me here on this forum

I've decided to undergo cheekbone reduction, excessive skin eyelid surgery and nose elevation. Thought about jaw reduction but it would be a totally drastic change and my family will definetely suspect. I would like to keep my slightly wide jaw that I inherited from my mom to keep her happy. I'm not too bothered about it. Maybe I'll do some botox to minimize them (my right cheek is a bit bigger and harder than the other due to excessive chewing on that side.) or I'll might consider a new operation in a about a year or so.

By the way, are you considering cheekbone reduction as well?

[strawberrystar8]

strawberry, is there a reason you prefer OZ to BK?

Well, I've heard great things about him as a surgeon. He gives a lot of pre- and post-op care and attention, he doesn't rush, which is quite important to me because I don't want to feel depressed or alone when I'm in Korea. I've heard a lot of cases where the patient gets depressed because of unattentive and non-caring plastic surgeons. They just want to get done with it. It might not be in your mind right now, but plastic surgery is a major and emotional process. I want to feel safe and secure during this period. It will help with the healing too

I've heard a couple of complaints about BK. About his post-op care and consultation. I've heard (and seen) he has given excellent results though. But I can't draw into a conclusion about Bk's clinic.

As from what I've heard Dr. park, he picks you up at your hotel, has an eye for detail, gives full pre- and post-op care, is very detailed, is understanding and compassionate. And he knows his work of course. He also aids you to a taxi or your hotel after surgery by reading his e-mails I feel safe about choosing his clinic. You can read more about this in my previous mail from him.

Feeling safe, secure and taken care of are one of my important factors in this process as I'm quite a scared cat when it comes to blood, wounds, sharp knives and of course the thought of someone cutting up my skin

[sarahbarah]

i agree with sparkles, very pretty. and your skin is gorgeous, too. it looks like "peaches and cream." what is your cleansing routine?
(you can msg me if you don't want to clutter this thread with off topic stuff)

[silentjess]

nothing to display.

[strawberrystar8]

i don't think u need surgery at all...u are already pretty. why?

Thank you I guess women never seem happy about their looks?

First of all, I have a baby face which is interfering with my work. I'm in a job position where people don't take me seriously because of my young look.

Secondly, I've been bothered by my bulky and wide face since I was a young teenager and it's interfering with my self-confidence. I feel it doesn't look good on pictures. I look tired with my puffy eyelids and my face looks blown up. I've always worn my hair down to hide the sides of my face. Even when it's boiling hot outside. I always walk with my head weirdly and cover my face so that people won't notice my round face.