Facial bone reduction in Los Angeles — including cheekbone (zygoma) reduction, mandible angle reduction, and jaw narrowing — refines a wide or angular lower face into softer, more harmonious proportions favored across contemporary East Asian aesthetics. Dr. K. Charles Kim brings rare US-based expertise to facial bone surgery, having refined these techniques at Seoul's Jelim and BK Clinics where they are most frequently performed. He is among the few American board-certified surgeons offering this depth of facial contouring without travel abroad.

Dr. Kim performs bone reduction through intraoral incisions, leaving no visible external scars. The zygomatic complex is repositioned through an in-fracture technique or selectively shaved to reduce projection, while mandible angles are recontoured with calibrated burrs and oscillating saws to narrow the lower face. Pre-operative 3D CT planning is used in every case to verify symmetry, protect the inferior alveolar nerve, and ensure the result matches the patient's facial proportions rather than a generic template.

Days 1–14: Significant swelling is expected; a soft-food diet is required and a chin compression strap is worn most of the day.

Weeks 3–6: Major swelling resolves and most patients return to normal work and social activity, though tightness is still felt.

Months 3–12: Final contour emerges as soft tissue settles fully over the new bony framework; results are permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Kim performs cheekbone (zygoma) reduction by precisely cutting and repositioning the cheekbone through hidden incisions, narrowing an overly wide or prominent midface for a softer, more balanced contour. The technique is customized to each patient's bone structure. His training at Seoul's leading clinics gives him rare command of this specialized procedure.

Recovery after facial bone reduction generally involves about 2 weeks of initial swelling and downtime, with most patients returning to work within 2 to 3 weeks and final contours settling over several months. A soft diet is advised early on. Dr. Kim provides detailed aftercare for a comfortable recovery.

Yes. Facial bone reduction results are permanent, as the reshaped bone heals into its new contour and maintains it for life. The refined facial shape remains stable as you age. Dr. Kim's precise technique supports durable, natural-looking results.

Facial bone reduction refines the underlying framework — cheekbones or jaw — to create a softer, more balanced, and feminine or harmonious facial shape that soft-tissue procedures cannot achieve. By addressing the bone, it improves proportion at the foundation. Dr. Kim plans each reduction with whole-face harmony in mind.

Jaw and mandible reduction reshapes a wide or square lower face by precisely shaving or repositioning the angle of the jawbone, typically through incisions inside the mouth to avoid visible scars. The technique is tailored to each patient's bone structure. Dr. Kim's Seoul-honed expertise makes him well suited to this advanced contouring.

As with any surgery, facial bone reduction carries risks such as swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and, rarely, asymmetry or nerve issues, all of which are minimized by an experienced surgeon. A thorough evaluation reduces risk. Dr. K. Charles Kim, ABPS board-certified with specialized bone-contouring training, discusses every consideration so you can decide with confidence.

Facial bone reduction results appear natural and harmonious, softening a wide or square face while keeping the features balanced and authentically yours. The bone is reshaped in proportion to the rest of the face. Dr. Kim's Seoul-refined expertise in facial bone contouring ensures a refined, natural outcome.

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