Jaw Angle, Cheekbone, and Chin Osteotomies for Facial Slimming and Contouring
Jaw angle, cheekbone, and chin osteotomies for facial slimming and contouring are collectively known as the “Three-Point Contour.” This procedure is performed while you sleep, trimming the jaw angle, cheekbones, and chin to sculpt a compact facial line. Because all cuts are made inside the mouth, external scars are minimal and downtime is shorter than with other bone surgeries—one reason more patients choose this procedure every year.
More bone removal does not automatically mean a smaller, prettier face.
Over-resection can leave skin and fat unsupported, leading to sagging and a blurred jawline. Careful calculation of the resection volume is therefore essential.
Our surgeons analyse each patient’s skeletal shape and asymmetry, design the optimal cut pattern, and aim for a natural finish while keeping sag risk low. If laxity remains an issue—due to age or skin quality—we can add options ranging from HIFU and liposuction to facelifts. We offer personalized treatment options tailored to each individual’s condition.
Zygomatic Setback
Zygomatic setback is a procedure in which the cheekbone is cut from multiple approaches—the outer corner of the eye, the hairline near the temples, and inside the mouth—and the entire zygomatic bone is moved backward. Unlike conventional cheekbone surgery, which involves partial bone cutting or shaving, this technique allows a wide area from the side of the eye to the cheek to be repositioned backward all at once.
As a result, the protruding cheekbone can be naturally reduced to create a smooth, streamlined contour. Additionally, moving the bone beside the eye (the zygomaticofrontal process) backward can make the eyes appear larger and may improve sunken or hollow-looking eyes.
Because it creates a more three-dimensional, refined appearance and reduces the width of the face, this procedure is suitable for those who are concerned about prominent cheekbones or feel that their eyes appear buried or less defined.
Ideal for anyone who feels they have…
- A large face
- A wide face
- A square face
- Prominent cheekbones
- Flared jaw angles
- An overly long chin
- A small chin
Procedure Details
Mandibular-Angle Reduction (“angle shave”)
Mandibular angle reduction is a surgical procedure suited for individuals whose prominent jaw angles (mandibular angles) give their face a square or “home-plate” appearance. While there are methods that involve simply cutting off a diagonal portion of the mandibular angle, such approaches not only fail to produce a sufficient slimming effect, but may also create uneven steps along the jawline, resulting in an unnatural appearance.
To achieve a smoother and more natural contour, it is important to shave the jawline in a gradual, continuous slope extending all the way to the chin tip.
In cases where the flare of the jaw is noticeable from the side profile, it is also necessary to appropriately trim the lower border of the mandible to achieve a well-balanced jawline when viewed from the side.
Furthermore, combining this with outer cortical bone removal can enhance the overall contour, producing a more refined and slender facial shape.
Zygomatic Osteotomy
When the cheekbones protrude laterally, creating a rugged or broad facial impression when viewed from the front or at an angle, zygomatic osteotomy is indicated.
At our clinic, we perform a procedure that combines both osteotomy and shaving of the zygomatic bone.
The surgery begins with small incisions made in the upper gums on both sides to remove a central portion of the zygomatic body. Next, a small incision is made behind the sideburn to perform osteotomy of the zygomatic arch.
The body and arch segments are then drawn inward toward the center of the face to reduce the overall width of the cheekbones. Since this process may create slight steps in the zygomatic body, a surgical rasp is used to smooth and flatten the bone surface. Finally, the repositioned bone fragments are securely fixed with titanium plates.
This procedure—referred to as zygomatic setback—involves shifting the cheekbones posteriorly to reduce their lateral prominence and create a more refined facial contour. While facial contouring surgery typically involves adjusting three key areas—the jaw angle, cheekbones, and chin—adding zygomatic setback enables a more harmonious “four-point contouring” approach.
Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)
Even if there are no issues with occlusion, genioplasty may be indicated in cases where the size or length of the mandible causes the chin to appear too long or too small. There are two types of genioplasty procedures: bone shaving and bone-cutting. Depending on the patient’s skeletal structure and desired outcome, either one or both methods may be used.
The surgery is performed through an intraoral incision, and the shape is adjusted by shaving the tip and both edges of the mandibular bone.
Three-Point Contour
Cheekbone + Angle + Chin osteotomies together maximize the small-face effect.
Recovery, Downtime & Precautions
Swelling & Bruising
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first 2 to 3 days after surgery but gradually subside over the course of about two weeks, allowing patients to resume social activities. Complete resolution typically takes around three months.
Daily Life
To reduce strain on the jaw, patients are advised to consume soft foods for approximately one month following the surgery.
At our clinic, we provide comprehensive aftercare to minimize postoperative discomfort and downtime, including intravenous drips to control swelling and relieve pain. In addition, to reduce the risk of complications, we may administer Botox injections after the procedure, depending on the individual case.
Possible Risks and Side-Effects
Swelling, asymmetry, bruising, infection, scarring, pigment change, foreign-body reaction, pain, numbness/tingling, altered sensation, hair loss, tissue necrosis, visual problems, facial-nerve injury, allergy, or shock reactions may occur.
*Individual experiences and recovery times vary.
