Facial Sculpting Surgeries

A Complete Guide to Facial Contouring and Sculpting Surgeries

Facial contouring, also known as facial sculpting, encompasses a range of surgical procedures designed to reshape or enhance the natural contours of the face. These surgeries are tailored to individual goals:

• For women: Achieving a smaller, more feminine face.

• For men: Creating a more chiseled, defined appearance.

Depending on the desired outcome, procedures may include bone reduction, fat reduction, implants, fat transfer, or a combination of these techniques.

Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Contouring?

The ideal candidates for facial contouring are healthy individuals with realistic expectations. If bone modification is part of the plan, a CT scan of the face is often required to guide surgical planning.

How Are Facial Contouring Surgeries Performed?

Facial contouring procedures are performed with precision and minimal visible scarring. Here’s an overview:

• Cheek, jaw, and chin contouring: Incisions are made inside the mouth for discreet results.

• Fat transfer and fat reduction: Small, hidden incisions on the face are used to enhance or reduce volume.

Recovery After Facial Contouring

Recovery times vary based on the complexity of the surgery. Here’s what to expect:

• Downtime: Typically 1-2 weeks.

• Swelling and Bruising: Moderate swelling and bruising are common for 7-10 days.

• Diet: A soft diet is recommended for 2 weeks.

• Pain Management: Discomfort is normal and can be managed with pain relief medication.

Popular Facial Contouring Procedures

1. Genioplasty (Chin Reshaping)

Genioplasty is one of the most common facial contouring procedures, focusing on reshaping the chin. It includes both augmentation and reduction techniques:

• Reasons for Genioplasty: Addressing a weak chin, overly wide chin, or a chin that projects too far forward.

• Reduction Genioplasty: Achieved through skeletal modification to reduce chin width, height, or thickness.

• Augmentation Genioplasty: Options include fillers, fat transfer, implants, or bone advancement.

• Sliding Advancement Genioplasty: For significant chin augmentation, the chin bone is cut, moved forward or downward, and secured with plates and screws. This technique can:

• Enhance facial balance.

• Reduce the appearance of a double chin.

• Potentially alleviate sleep apnea by tightening submental muscles.
  
  

2. Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is a safe and effective way to define the mid-face without implants. This procedure involves a small incision inside the mouth and can be performed under local anesthesia. It’s often combined with fat transfer to further enhance facial contours.

3. Mandibular Angle Reduction

Mandibular angle reduction, or jawbone angle reduction, is ideal for narrowing a wide lower face and softening a masculine appearance. This procedure involves shaving down the jawbone through small incisions inside the mouth, ensuring no visible scars.

4. Cheekbone Reduction

Cheekbone reduction narrows and defines a wide mid-face. While bone shaving can improve contour, cheekbone repositioning often provides optimal results. This involves:

• Cutting and repositioning the cheekbones.

• Securing the repositioned bone with plates and screws.

• Incisions are made inside the mouth, with an optional small incision near the ear.
  
  

5. Cheek and Jawline Augmentation

Cheek and jawline augmentation with implants is a popular option for enhancing facial definition. Key details include:

• Implants: Common materials include silicone and Medpor, secured with screws to the bone.

• Incisions: Made inside the mouth for a scar-free appearance.

• Potential Complications: Infection, implant malposition, delayed foreign body reactions, and capsular contracture (more common with silicone implants).

Combining Procedures for Optimal Results

Facial contouring often involves a combination of procedures to achieve balanced and harmonious facial proportions. Common combinations include:

• Buccal fat removal with fat transfer for mid-face definition.

• Cheekbone reduction with jawline contouring for a slimmer, more feminine face.

• Genioplasty with mandibular angle reduction for a refined lower face.
  
  

Facial contouring is a highly customizable process, designed to meet each patient’s unique aesthetic goals. With advanced surgical techniques and careful planning, these procedures can deliver transformative and natural-looking results.

If you’re ready to explore your options, consult with Dr. Han Hoang, a board-certified, UCLA-trained craniofacial surgeon, to create a customized plan tailored to your unique needs.

📞 Call us at 714-584-3507
📧 Email us at hanhoangmd@gmail.com