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Cheek reshaping

Treatment Effect

Different cheek contouring procedures yield varying results. Surgical options, such as bone shaving, typically offer long-lasting and significant effects by fundamentally altering the facial bone structure, resulting in softer and more refined facial contours. Facial liposuction and buccal fat pad removal reduce fat accumulation in the cheeks, creating a slimmer facial appearance. Non-surgical injectable treatments, such as Botox for masseter reduction, shrink the jaw muscles to achieve a slimmer look, with effects usually becoming visible within 1–2 weeks and lasting 3–6 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers can quickly improve sunken cheeks, providing immediate volume and a fuller appearance, with results typically lasting 6–12 months.

Is this suitable for me?

The suitable candidates for cheek contouring mainly include: individuals with excessive facial fat causing puffy cheeks and a lack of definition; those with overly developed masseter muscles resulting in a square facial outline; people with sunken cheeks that make the face appear aged and haggard; and individuals with excessive facial bone development leading to a harsh and unattractive facial contour. However, cheek contouring is not suitable for those with severe systemic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes; individuals with infections or inflammation on the face; and those with unstable psychological states who have unrealistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes.

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Selecting Equipment

In cheek contouring, different procedures require different equipment. Surgical procedures, such as bone grinding surgery, require professional bone grinding devices, such as pneumatic and electric bone grinders. These devices demand high precision and stability to ensure surgical safety and efficacy. Facial liposuction requires liposuction instruments, such as ultrasonic and water-jet assisted liposuction devices. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages: ultrasonic liposuction emulsifies fat cells for easier removal with minimal tissue trauma, while water-jet assisted liposuction uses high-pressure water streams to precisely target fat, offering faster and more uniform fat removal. Although non-surgical injection procedures do not require large-scale equipment, they still necessitate professional injection tools, such as syringes and microneedles, which should possess excellent sealing properties and precision.

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Equipment Selection

In cheek contouring procedures, different treatments require specific equipment. Surgical interventions, such as bone grinding surgery, necessitate professional-grade tools like pneumatic and electric bone grinders. These devices must offer high precision and stability to ensure surgical safety and optimal outcomes. Facial liposuction requires specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic or water-jet assisted liposuction devices. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages: ultrasonic liposuction emulsifies fat cells for easier removal with minimal tissue trauma, while water-jet assisted liposuction uses high-pressure water streams to precisely target fat, enabling faster and more uniform extraction. Although non-surgical injectable treatments do not require large-scale machinery, they still demand professional injection tools, such as syringes and microneedles, which must exhibit excellent sealing properties and precision.

Price

Price

The cost of cheek contouring varies significantly depending on the procedure. Surgical procedures are generally more expensive, with bone grinding surgery typically ranging from 4,900,000 to 16,300,000 KRW, primarily determined by the complexity of the surgery, the hospital's tier, and the doctor's experience. The price for facial liposuction is generally around 1,630,000 to 4,900,000 KRW, with specific costs fluctuating based on the treatment area and volume of fat removed. The cost for buccal fat pad removal is approximately 820,000 to 3,270,000 KRW. Non-surgical injectable treatments are relatively more affordable; Botox for slimming the face usually costs between 330,000 and 1,310,000 KRW, while hyaluronic acid fillers range from 490,000 to 3,270,000 KRW, depending on the brand and volume used.

Expected Outcome

Expected Results

Before undergoing cheek contouring, it is important to have realistic expectations about the surgical outcomes based on your individual facial foundation and needs. Surgical procedures typically bring about more noticeable changes but involve longer recovery times and potential risks or complications. Non-surgical injectable treatments offer more natural-looking results, but their effects are temporary and require regular maintenance injections. For example, bone grinding surgery can significantly improve facial contours, but post-operative swelling and pain may occur, requiring weeks or even months for full recovery. The effects of botulinum toxin for slimming the face and hyaluronic acid fillers appear relatively quickly, but gradually diminish over time.

Combination Therapy

Combined Treatment

To achieve better cheek contouring results, combined treatments are sometimes employed. For instance, individuals with excessive facial fat and well-developed masseter muscles may first undergo facial liposuction to reduce fat accumulation, followed by botulinum toxin injections to atrophy the masseter muscles, thereby achieving a more significant slimming effect. For those with sunken cheeks and loose skin, hyaluronic acid fillers can be used first to address the hollowness, combined with procedures such as radiofrequency skin tightening to enhance facial skin firmness. Combined treatments require personalized plans tailored to individual conditions and should be performed by professional physicians.

Adverse Effects and Complications

Side Effects and Complications

Cheek contouring procedures may involve certain side effects and complications. Surgical interventions, such as bone grinding surgery, can lead to issues like bleeding, infection, facial nerve damage, and bilateral asymmetry. Facial liposuction may result in uneven skin surface, localized numbness, and pigmentation. Improper execution of buccal fat pad removal surgery can cause excessive cheek hollowing or damage to the parotid duct. Non-surgical injectable treatments also carry risks. Inaccurate dosage or improper injection sites for botulinum toxin injections may lead to facial stiffness and drooping eyelids. Hyaluronic acid fillers can cause localized redness, swelling, pain, and allergic reactions; in severe cases, they may lead to vascular embolism and subsequent skin necrosis.

Side Effects

In addition to the aforementioned side effects and complications, cheek contouring may present other adverse effects. For instance, post-operative swelling, pain, and bruising are common and typically represent normal physiological responses that gradually subside over time. Minor bruising may occur after non-surgical injectable treatments, usually resolving spontaneously within a few days. Furthermore, some individuals may experience psychological discomfort following cosmetic procedures, such as dissatisfaction with surgical outcomes or excessive preoccupation with facial changes, necessitating psychological adjustment.

Select Instrument

When selecting a device, ensure it has a valid medical device registration certificate. You can verify the device's information, including its manufacturer, model, and scope of application, on the official website of the National Medical Products Administration. Additionally, choose reputable medical institutions, as they typically equip advanced and safe devices and perform regular maintenance and calibration. When selecting a device, consider its performance and reputation, such as the efficacy and safety of liposuction devices, as well as reviews from other patients.

Project Contraindications

Contraindications for the Procedure

There are specific contraindications for cheek contouring. Individuals with severe systemic diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or coagulation disorders, are not suitable candidates for surgical cheek contouring procedures. If there are facial infections or inflammation, such as acne or boils, surgery should only be considered after these conditions have been fully resolved. Women should avoid cheek contouring surgery during menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. Additionally, individuals with unrealistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes or unstable psychological states are not suitable candidates for surgery.

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Contraindications

There are specific contraindications for cheek contouring. Individuals with severe systemic diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or coagulation disorders, are not suitable for surgical cheek contouring procedures. If there are facial infections or inflammation, such as acne or boils, cosmetic surgery should only be considered after the inflammation has fully resolved. Women should not undergo cheek contouring surgery during menstruation, pregnancy, or lactation. Additionally, individuals with unrealistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes or unstable psychological states are not suitable candidates for surgery.

Side effects

Side Effects

In addition to the side effects and complications mentioned above, cheek contouring may present other potential side effects. For instance, swelling, pain, and bruising may occur after surgery; these are typically normal post-operative reactions that gradually subside over time. Non-surgical injectable treatments may result in mild bruising, which usually resolves on its own within a few days. Furthermore, some individuals may experience psychological discomfort following the procedure, such as dissatisfaction with the surgical outcomes or excessive preoccupation with facial changes, necessitating psychological adjustment.

Self-Symptom Check

Symptom Self-Assessment

Before undergoing cheek contouring surgery, you can perform a simple self-assessment of your symptoms. Observe whether your face exhibits issues such as fat accumulation, developed masseter muscles, or hollows, and assess the degree of skin laxity. You can touch your face with your hands to feel the thickness and distribution of fat, and to judge the size of the masseter muscles. Additionally, pay attention to any abnormalities such as inflammation or infection on the face. If you notice symptoms like facial asymmetry, localized pain, or numbness, seek medical attention promptly to rule out other potential conditions.

Select treatment plan

Selecting a Treatment Plan

Choosing a treatment plan requires guidance from a professional doctor. Based on your facial condition, physical health, and aesthetic goals, the doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan. During consultations, clearly communicate your expectations and concerns to help the doctor better understand your needs. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the advantages, disadvantages, risks, and recovery times associated with different treatment options to make an informed decision. For instance, individuals with excess facial fat may be advised to undergo facial liposuction or buccal fat pad removal, while those with prominent masseter muscles might be recommended Botox injections.