Do Chin and Cheek Reductions Come with Any Dangers?

Hello Ms. Yi,We do this all the time - but you are right that there are potential risks.  Both areas have nerves around them that we need to watch for.  I've not injured the nerves when doing cheek or jaw surgery but one must be careful!

Chin and cheek reduction is a very uncommon operation.  However, even though I don't perform this surgery routinely, I do know that there are risks.  Most of the risks are cosmetic, specifically how the soft tissue will respond to the decrease in bone volume.   Infection is possible but highly unlikely.  Since the surgery is done intraorally, there is no external incision.

Chin and cheek reductions both involve several risks which can include an infection of the surrounding bones, nerve damage, collapse of facial bones, muscular damage and anesthetic complication to name a few.  Chin reduction is more commonly requested and can be done through an intraoral approach quite successfully in cases where the bone is the most projecting element.  In cases where the soft tissue of the chin is excessive, a submental crease may be more advantageous to deal with the extra tissue of the chin pad.

Cheek reduction is not as commonly performed here and can be done through an intraoral approach as well.  Caution should be exerted near the surrounding nerves here.