How Much Cheekbone Width Reduction Is Possible?

Q: Dr. Eppley,I am considering facial contouring procedures and wanted to ask specifically about reducing the width of my face. Would it be possible for you to let me know if decreasing my face width is feasible in my case, and if so, by approximately how many millimeters it can realistically be reduced? I am planning to do around 5mm on each side, and I would like both bitemporal and bizygomatic length be reduced. Also, I would like to ask if buccal fat removal, alarplasty, epicanthoplasty+lateral canthoplasty, and lip lift/philtrum reduction can be done altogether in one surgery

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures to which I can make the following comments:

1) in terms of bony facial width reduction, otherwise known as cheekbone reduction osteotomies, you certainly can get 5 mm per side of bizygomatic width reduction. When it comes to bitemporal width reduction that answer depends on whether you are referring to anterior or posterior temporal reductions. Most likely based on your desire for a facial with reduction you are referring to the anterior muscle compartment. Of that you cannot really reduce that area particularly above the zygomatic arch. There is no good method of anterior temporal muscle reduction particularly closer down to the level of the bony zygomatic arch we’re the greatest thickness of the muscle exists.

2) it is common for buccal lipectomies, nostril narrowing, lateral canthoplasties/epicanthoplasties and subnasal lip lifts to be performed in a single surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon