2026-06-04
Myths and Truths of Facial Contouring Surgery: A Specialist Answers About 3-Point Contouring and Cheek Sagging
For those considering facial contouring surgery, a specialist at 345 Plastic Surgery explains in detail based on medical evidence the most frequently asked questions: the necessity of 3-point contouring, concerns about skin sagging after cheekbone surgery, and changes in the philtrum after surgery.
Facial Contouring Surgery: Does Doing More Yield Better Results?
Many patients tend to think that performing '3-point contouring' (cheekbones, square jaw, and chin) all at once will make the face the smallest and maximize the effect. However, the core of the surgery lies in the individual shape of the jaw and the overall proportions of the face.
As a rule, those with a developed jaw should choose jaw surgery, and those concerned about their cheekbones should opt for cheekbone reduction. Of course, additional surgeries may be recommended for overall harmony, but simply shaving down a lot of bone does not guarantee ideal results. A customized plan tailored to each individual's skeletal structure must come first.
Skin Sagging After Cheekbone Reduction: Is It an Inevitable Side Effect?
Although cheekbone surgery is often synonymous with cheek sagging, in reality, cheekbone reduction does not cause more severe sagging than square jaw surgery. When the volume of the bone is reduced, the overlying soft tissue (flesh) needs time to adapt, and during this process, it may temporarily look like sagging.
The reason we often say a period of 'endurance' is needed is because the flesh requires time to adhere closely to the reduced bone structure. Most cases show gradual improvement over time, but if necessary, combining procedures that supplement elasticity can lead to even better outcomes.
Are You Free from Skin Sagging if You Only Get Jaw Surgery?
Even if you only undergo square jaw or chin surgery without touching the cheekbones, sagging can still occur. If the width of the bone is excessively narrowed or the length is significantly reduced, the harmonious relationship between the bone and the skin changes, resulting in excess skin.
In other words, rather than whether a specific area was operated on, 'how excessively the bone is resected' and 'the patient's own skin elasticity' are the key factors that determine the degree of sagging.
Why the Philtrum Looks Longer After Facial Contouring
It is rare for the philtrum itself to physically lengthen after surgery. However, when the chin is made smaller and more slender by reducing its length or width through chin surgery (Genioplasty), an optical illusion may occur where the philtrum appears longer than before due to the relative difference in proportions.
Aftercare Tips for a Successful Recovery
For highly satisfying results after facial contouring surgery, systematic aftercare must be accompanied.
- Light Walking: Helps with blood circulation in the early stages of surgery, aiding in swelling reduction.
- Wearing a Compression Band: Consistently wearing a facial compression garment for about 2 to 3 months post-surgery is effective in maintaining skin elasticity and subsiding swelling.
- Patient Waiting: It takes at least 6 months for the tissues to settle into place, so it is important to let go of impatience and observe the recovery process.
