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Jaw Surgery and Facial Contouring: Avoiding Excessive Expectations

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  When considering jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) or facial contouring procedures, it is crucial to refrain from having unrealistic expectations. The lower jaw (mandible) contains sensory nerves responsible for the sensation of the lower lip and chin. Individuals contemplating jaw reduction surgery (square jaw surgery) often express the following request: "Please cut everything below the jaw nerve!" Similarly, those considering jaw surgery or facial contouring procedures such as cheekbone reduction, jaw reduction, or chin surgery frequently request: "Make my face as small as possible!" Procedures that alter facial bone structure, like jaw surgery and facial contouring (cheekbone reduction, jaw reduction, chin surgery), are complex and not minor surgeries. They typically require general anesthesia, making the decision to undergo them more challenging. Most individuals deciding on facial bone surgery carefully consider their options before making a difficult dec...

Eyelid Surgery for Middle-aged Individuals: Diverse Options and Natural Results

  The interest in eyelid surgery among middle-aged individuals is increasing as the year-end approaches. Aging typically begins in the late 30s, leading to the onset of sagging eyelids. This is attributed to the decreased elasticity of the skin and the downward migration of structures like the forehead and eyebrows. Rather than the entire eyelid sagging uniformly, the outer portion tends to droop first. The muscles between the eyebrows, which contribute to furrowing, somewhat support the inner part of the eyelid, causing it to sag less. In contrast, the outer skin is more vulnerable, leading to its downward displacement. When the outer skin descends, it disrupts the balance of the double eyelid line, resulting in an aged appearance starting from the middle. Even individuals with initially thin eyelids can observe them becoming thicker and more uneven once sagging occurs. In such cases, various options are available based on individual preferences and conditions. For mild saggin...

Correcting Jaw Surgery and Protrusion Surgery: It Must Be Considered with Orthodontics

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  Nowadays, the obligation to wear masks indoors has almost disappeared. Consequently, there is a growing interest in facial shapes that were previously hidden by masks. Particularly, there has been increased interest in the mouth area, which was entirely covered by masks. Surgical procedures for improving the face can be broadly categorized into two types. First is surgery that refines the outer contour of the face, known as facial contouring surgery. This includes surgeries such as cheekbone reduction, jaw reduction (square jaw surgery), and chin surgery (V-line surgery). The second type involves surgeries performed on the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible), including orthognathic surgery and protrusion surgery. Especially these days, there is significant interest in surgeries related to the mouth, such as orthognathic surgery and protrusion surgery. For those considering orthognathic or protrusion surgery to address dissatisfaction with their mouth, there are essential...

Things to Know Before Considering Orthognathic Surgery

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  Orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgery, involves correcting the relationship between the upper and lower jaw, known as occlusion. Occlusion is crucial for effective chewing, as the upper and lower teeth need to fit together properly. A well-aligned occlusion is referred to as a normal occlusion, while an improper fit is termed malocclusion. Malocclusion can result from two main factors: issues with the teeth themselves or misalignment of the jawbone to which the teeth are attached. When the problem is primarily related to the teeth, orthodontic treatments are used to correct malocclusion. However, in cases where there are abnormalities in the position of the jawbone, such as an underbite or facial asymmetry, orthognathic surgery is necessary to change the functional position of the jawbone and correct malocclusion. A common misconception is that undergoing orthognathic surgery alone can fully correct malocclusion associated with jawbone misalignment. Orthognathic surgery...

Dual Benefits with Forehead Reduction and Forehead Augmentation

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The forehead occupies a significant area of the face, and when it is broader than average, it can create an imbalance and make the face appear larger than its actual size. Aging can lead to forehead widening due to hair loss, giving the impression of aging. Moreover, individuals with a broad forehead face restrictions in various hairstyles. As people age, eyebrows may sag, making an already wide forehead appear even broader. A common surgical solution for sagging eyebrows is Endoscopic Forehead Augmentation. Although a more extensive incision using the scalp lifting method yields superior results, many opt for smaller incisions with endoscopic procedures due to concerns about visible scars on the scalp. For those considering both forehead reduction and forehead augmentation, an effective approach involves performing forehead augmentation using the incision made during forehead reduction. This method provides excellent results in lifting both the eyebrows and forehead without additional...

Dr. Lee Jin-soo's Plastic Surgery Essay 34 - Reflections on Masks

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  The coronavirus is persisting for an extended period. Now, masks have become an integral part of our daily lives. Observing almost everyone on the streets wearing masks, I am reminded of the painter Richard Prince. RichardPrince Masquerade nurse ink jet and acrylic on canvas 203.2 × 116.8 cm 2004 This piece is one I saw at last year's 'LETTER Exhibition' held by Seoul Auction. Richard Prince gained fame with his 'Cowboy' series, a direct parody of the 'Marlboro' cigarette advertisements. His practice of rephotographing other people's photos has given rise to the genre in the art world known as 'Rephotograph.' When I mentioned this artist's rephotograph to an acquaintance, they immediately exclaimed, "That's so cheeky!" Indeed, Prince has faced legal challenges, including a trial for photo appropriation (initially acquitted in the first trial, but the decision was overturned in the second and third trials). In the 2000s, ...

Can facial contouring surgery make the face more defined?

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When people think of the face shape or facial contour, they often envision the facial skeleton composed of facial bones. However, the actual face shape is a combination of the facial skeleton and the surrounding soft tissues, including skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscles. While the facial skeleton is not directly visible, the surrounding soft tissues, especially the skin, play a crucial role in determining the perceived face shape. This is precisely why considerations of both bones and the surrounding soft tissues are essential when planning facial contouring surgeries such as cheekbone reduction, square jaw surgery, or chin surgery. If only the bones are focused on, without considering the surrounding soft tissues, there is a higher likelihood of a discrepancy between the expected and actual results after surgery. A common desire expressed during consultations for facial contouring surgery is to have a more defined jawline when viewed from the side. However, it's crucial t...