Minimally invasive zygoma reduction.

[BACKGROUND] It is universally accepted that zygoma reduction is one of the best strategies for facial contouring for Asian patients, and many studies have been conducted regarding this subject. However, these studies have continued to perform the zygoma reduction by sectioning the complete malar eminence to fix it into a new location, which requires a wide range of periosteum dissection to expose the bone sufficiently for correct osteotomy.

[METHODS] In this study, with the help of a new instrument, the authors have applied a new minimally invasive, blind technique to zygoma reduction with multiple scoring and molding. The minimally invasive zygoma reduction was performed through a 5-mm intraoral stab incision, and the authors have operated on over 271 male and female patients.

[RESULTS] As a result, the authors could reduce the operation time and the postoperative swelling and have achieved greater cosmetic effects and enlarged indications compared with those of conventional methods. The well-known complications of cheek drooping, facial nerve injury, temporomandibular joint injury, and malunion were absent. In particular, because of the relatively reduced swelling, most of the patients could resume activities of daily life within 3 days after the operation.

[CONCLUSION] Therefore, the authors recommend this new minimally invasive zygoma reduction as another option for zygoma reduction.