What Is Cheekbone Setback Surgery? A Complete Guide to the Procedure and Downtime

"My cheekbones protrude and make my face look large…"

One solution to this concern is "cheekbone setback" surgery.

However, because this procedure involves moving bone, many people have concerns such as "What if something goes wrong?" or "I'm worried about the downtime."

In this article, Kai Clinic Tokyo — dedicated to helping patients achieve the beauty they desire — explains in detail the contents of cheekbone setback surgery, what to expect during downtime, and key points for choosing a clinic to avoid regret.

What is Cheekbone Setback?

First, let us introduce the surgical details of cheekbone setback.

Surgical Details of Cheekbone Setback

Cheekbone setback is a procedure in which the cheekbone is cut using multiple approaches from the outer corner of the eye, the temple area, and the oral cavity, and the entire cheekbone is moved posteriorly.

Unlike conventional cheekbone surgery (partial bone cutting or shaving), this procedure allows a wide area from the side of the eye to the cheek to be repositioned posteriorly all at once.

【Differences Between Cheekbone Surgery (Bone Cutting/Shaving) and Cheekbone Setback】

Comparison Item	Cheekbone Bone Cutting	Cheekbone Setback
Main Indications / Recommended For	· Those concerned about facial "width" · Those who want to eliminate the diagonal protrusion (bony appearance) of the cheekbones	· Those with lateral and diagonal protrusion as well as a flat (featureless) facial appearance · Those concerned about bony protrusion around the eyes
How the Bone is Moved	The cut bone is moved inward	The cut bone is moved inward and further set back (deeper)

Concerns That Can Be Improved

The following are examples of concerns that can be improved with cheekbone setback.

Large face	Wide facial width	Prominent cheekbones
Flat, angular facial appearance	Sunken cheeks	—

Downtime Guidelines and Precautions for Cheekbone Setback

Since cheekbone setback involves moving bone, many people are concerned about the downtime involved.

Here we explain the estimated downtime for cheekbone setback and important post-operative precautions.

Downtime for Cheekbone Setback

The estimated downtime for cheekbone setback is as follows.

• 2–3 days after surgery: The period when swelling and bruising are most pronounced
• Up to 2 weeks: Symptoms gradually subside; you can appear in public
• Up to 3 months: Complete resolution

For desk work with minimal physical strain, where understanding from those around you can be obtained, returning to work within approximately 2 days to 1 week after surgery is a general guideline.

On the other hand, for those in sales or customer-facing roles who wish to return without others noticing, approximately 1 month is a general guideline.

※Even for desk work, if you do not want others to notice, the same timeframe as for sales or customer-facing roles applies.
※If you are in an environment where wearing a mask is possible, it will be less noticeable to those around you.

Learn more about "Cheekbone Setback" at Kai Clinic Tokyo

Precautions During Downtime

After cheekbone setback surgery, please observe the following precautions.

• Alcohol:
  Please refrain from drinking alcohol for 1 month after surgery. Alcohol can worsen pain and prolong swelling.
• Diet:
  Be sure to follow your doctor's dietary instructions and eat soft foods as much as possible.
• Oral care:
  Gently rinse and gargle after meals to keep the oral cavity clean. If there are wounds, brush gently using a toothbrush with a small head.
• Smoking:
  Smoking impairs wound healing, so please refrain for 3 months after surgery.

Side Effects and Risks of Cheekbone Setback

Cheekbone setback carries the following side effects and risks.

Swelling	Asymmetry	Bruising	Infection
Scarring	Hyperpigmentation	Foreign body reaction	Pain
Numbness	Sensory abnormality	Hair loss	Tissue necrosis
Vision impairment	Facial nerve damage	Allergic reaction	Complications such as shock reaction

※The way symptoms appear, their course, and the recovery process vary from person to person.

How to Choose a Clinic You Won't Regret for Cheekbone Setback

Because cheekbone setback moves the position of bone, it cannot be reversed.

Therefore, choosing the right clinic is extremely important to avoid regret after surgery.

Extensive Surgical Experience in Osteotomy and Diversity of Cases

The degree of cheekbone protrusion differs from patient to patient.

Therefore, please make sure to confirm whether the clinic has the technical capability to comprehensively address not only forward protrusion (cheekbone body), but also approaches to the "zygomatic arch" that determines facial width, as well as total facial contouring with jaw and chin (e.g., 3-point or 4-point contouring).

When reviewing before-and-after photos, also check whether the following three points are thoroughly assessed.

• Smooth contour lines (45-degree and profile views):
  Check whether the area where the cheekbone was lowered connects naturally with the temple and cheek lines. Confirm there are no unnatural steps (secondary angles) or "sunken cheeks" caused by over-resection of bone.
• Change in "width" seen from the front:
  Check whether the facial width is reduced in a well-balanced manner when viewed from the front, and whether the result is symmetrical without left-right differences.
• Consideration for post-operative "sagging":
  Check whether excess skin or fat is drooping after the bone has been moved inward. It is important to review post-operative progress photos (3 months to 6 months after surgery) to confirm that nasolabial folds or sagging around the mouth are not accentuated.

Reliable Technique by a Plastic Surgery Specialist and 3D Simulation

When considering cheekbone setback, the qualifications of the operating surgeon and the clinic's equipment are also important checkpoints.

A clinic where a "plastic surgery specialist" with thorough anatomical knowledge of facial bone structure, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels performs the surgery can be expected to carry out careful procedures that minimize physical burden and post-operative complications.

Additionally, if the clinic is equipped with 3D simulation using CT imaging, it becomes easier to predict and plan three-dimensionally "how your face will change," making it easier to share the expected result with your surgeon.

Does the Clinic Explain Risks and Limitations Without Concealment?

Please also make sure to confirm whether the surgeon thoroughly explains the disadvantages, such as the limitations of each patient's bone structure, risks of nerve palsy, and the difficulties of the downtime period.

By resolving any doubts or concerns during the pre-operative consultation and choosing a clinic where you can discuss until you are fully satisfied, you can prevent post-operative regret such as "this is not what I expected."

Cheekbone Setback Surgery at KAI Clinic Tokyo

【4-Point Contouring (Cheekbone Osteotomy + Cheekbone Setback + V-Line Formation)】

【Surgeon】
Mitsunori Harima
【Treatment Details & Price】
4-Point Contouring (Cheekbone Setback + V-Line Formation): ¥2,970,000
※A monitor program is also available, so please feel free to inquire.
【Risks & Side Effects】
Swelling, asymmetry, bruising, infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation, pain, numbness, sensory abnormality, bone displacement, intraoral tightness, facial nerve palsy, sagging, allergic reactions, etc.

Learn more about 4-Point Contouring (Cheekbone Osteotomy + Cheekbone Setback + V-Line Formation)

If You Are Considering Cheekbone Setback Surgery, Please Consult KAI Clinic Tokyo

At KAI Clinic Tokyo, we have helped many patients achieve their ideal beauty.

In addition to thorough consultations, we make full use of our knowledge and technical expertise backed by extensive case experience to propose treatments including cheekbone setback.

"I want to change my face that looks large because of my cheekbones."
"I want to resolve my complex and achieve my ideal facial contour."

If you have such concerns, please feel free to visit our clinic for a consultation.

Summary

Cheekbone setback is a major surgery that moves bone. Therefore, to achieve your ideal facial contour, it is important to choose a clinic that offers thorough pre-operative consultations, extensive knowledge and advanced technical skills, and a careful post-operative aftercare system.

At KAI Clinic Tokyo, we propose solutions to each patient's individual concerns through a variety of treatments including cheekbone setback.

Furthermore, we not only perform surgery but also have a thorough aftercare system in place, allowing patients to consult us at any time about post-operative concerns.

If you are considering reshaping a bothersome facial contour and wish to get closer to the beauty you seek, please feel free to contact our clinic.