What Is a Prominent Cheekbone?

A prominent cheekbone, also known as malar prominence or zygoma protrusion, is when the cheekbone extends outward more than the surrounding facial structures. This creates a wide, angular facial appearance that may feel unbalanced, harsh, or overly sharp—especially from the front or side views.

Key features of prominent cheekbones include:

• A wide face shape when viewed from the front
• Protruding cheekbones that cast shadows in photos
• A boxy or square facial contour
• Hollow areas under the cheekbones, making the midface look sunken
• A profile that appears angular rather than smooth

For individuals seeking a softer, more balanced facial shape, malarplasty is the surgical solution.

What Is Malarplasty (Cheekbone Reduction Surgery)?

Malarplasty, or cheekbone reduction surgery, is a bone contouring procedure that repositions and reshapes the cheekbones to create a slimmer, more feminine, and harmonious facial contour.

At Seoul Cheil Plastic Surgery, the procedure involves:

• Making incisions inside the mouth and sometimes near the sideburns (hidden in the hairline)
• Performing an osteotomy (bone cut) on the zygomatic body and arch
• Rotating and sliding the cheekbone inward and backward for a natural, proportional shape
• Securing the repositioned bones with microplates and screws for long-lasting results
• Surgery time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours under general anesthesia
• Minimal visible scarring for a seamless, natural appearance

Why Combine With Other Procedures?

Cheekbone prominence often affects overall facial balance. For optimal results, malarplasty is commonly combined with:

• Square jaw reduction for a more tapered V-line
• Chin surgery (genioplasty) for lower face balance
• Fat grafting to restore natural volume after bone contouring
• Buccal fat removal for slimmer cheeks

This comprehensive approach ensures a harmonious, natural result that enhances the entire face.

Key Characteristics of Prominent Cheekbones

• Wide or angular face shape
• Cheekbones that extend beyond the natural facial plane
• Hollowed midface due to excessive projection
• A harsh, masculine, or bony appearance
• Difficulty achieving a soft, feminine look with makeup or contouring

Can Fillers or Botox Fix Prominent Cheekbones?

Fillers can temporarily add volume to hollow areas, but they cannot reduce bone projection.
Botox may slim the masseter muscles but has no effect on cheekbone width.

For a permanent, structural solution, malarplasty is the only option.

Malarplasty at Seoul Cheil Plastic Surgery

Seoul Cheil Plastic Surgery is a leader in facial bone contouring, offering:

• Over 20 years of expertise in cheekbone surgery
• Customized facial analysis for each patient’s ideal proportions
• Advanced techniques for safe, scar-free results
• Comprehensive post-op care, including swelling management and recovery support
• Multilingual staff for international patients



If you’re ready to achieve a softer, more balanced facial shape, Malarplasty at Seoul Cheil Plastic Surgery can help you create the look you’ve always wanted.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a beautifully refined profile!