Facial Contouring Surgery

Before Pin Removal in Contouring

State in which specially manufactured medical pins are attached

Contouring Pin Removal Surgery
(Pin and Plate Removal)

Facial contouring surgery is performed by osteotomizing
and repositioning the cheekbones or jaw, which are the causes of
irregular, protruding, and angular facial features.
To assist with proper bone fusion during the procedure,
specially manufactured medical pins are attached.

Some patients may wish to have the fixation pins
used during contouring surgery removed.
This procedure is called pin removal surgery.

Expertise
of Specialists

Minimal
Incision

Removal Only
of the Necessary Portions

345 Youtube Watch the Video on
Contouring Pin Removal Surgery

Check out the video to see how pin removal surgery is performed after facial contouring surgery.

345 Youtube

Simple Pin Removal
for the Desired Areas

After contouring surgery, pin removal can be performed on the areas desired by the patient, such as the cheekbones or jaw.

First, Enhanced Safety

Achieved through strict infection control and post-operative care, ensuring increased safety.

Second, Capability for Experienced Surgical Execution

Based on extensive experience in facial contouring surgery, the procedure is performed with expert skill.

Third, Minimal Incision

Through precise examination, we reduce the burden with minimal incisions.

Plates and screws removal

A facial contouring specialist directly performs the pin removal surgery

No other doctor performs the pin removal surgery.
The physician who performed the facial contouring surgery
directly conducts the pin removal surgery.

recommended timing for plates and screws removal

Approximately 12 months—before the bone becomes attached—and within 24 months, before the pins become embedded in the bone, is optimal.

If you are considering and planning for pin removal,
it is best to proceed around 12 months to 24 months post-surgery.

STEP 01

Minimal Incision

An incision is made minimally in the area where pin removal will be performed.

STEP 02

Dissection to the Target Area

Dissect up to the area where the pins and plates to be removed are located.

STEP 03

Removal of Pins and Plates

Carefully remove the pins and plates.

STEP 04

Suturing and Finishing

The incised area is neatly sutured to complete the procedure.

Plates and screws removal

Pin removal surgery performed with minimal incisions to minimize scarring.

Removal of fixation pins is achieved through an intraoral or nasolabial fold incision, reducing concerns and worries about scars. Since the dissection area is not extensive and only a localized area is operated on, recovery is rapid.

Contouring Pin Removal Surgery Info

A Quick Overview of
Contouring Pin Removal Surgery

Check out the information on pin removal surgery that minimizes scarring.

Surgery Time

30 minutes ~ 1 hour

Anesthesia

General Anesthesia or Sedation Anesthesia

Hospital Stay

Same-day discharge

Follow-Up Visits

1 ~ 2 visits
(suture removal 1 ~ 2 times)

Recovery

Daily activities possible after 1 day

Recommended target

Recommended for
these individuals

Are you concerned about surgery?
Feel free to inquire!

01

First, Radiation Imaging

If the exposure of pins during radiation imaging (X-ray, CT) is burdensome

02

Second, Removal of Foreign Material

If you dislike having foreign material remaining in your face

03

Third, Surgical Scars

If you want to erase the traces of facial contouring surgery

04

Fourth, Natural Results

If you wish to hide the fact that you underwent surgery
How, Why,

Frequently Asked Questions
About Facial Contouring

There is no fixed rule for removing the screws. However, after a long period post-surgery, bone may cover the screws or plates, making removal more difficult. It is best to remove the screws (plates) after the bone has fully healed, before any bone buildup or secondary changes occur. While removal is possible starting from 6 months post surgery, our clinic typically recommend waiting around 1 year post surgery for screw removal.

Generally, when undergoing bone surgery, the reduction in bone structure causes the surrounding tissue to shrink accordingly. The time (recovery period) and degree of this shrinkage can vary depending on the individual. If a significant amount of bone is removed due to highly developed cheekbones, or if there is already sagging skin, the outcome may differ. However, it cannot be said that cheek sagging will definitely occur just from cheekbone reduction surgery.


During consultations, it is possible to predict the extent of sagging, and it is advisable to plan the surgery based on the current condition. At our clinic, if sagging is expected, we often combine the surgery with a lifting procedure, referred to as “Cheek Lifting,” (Zygoma) to address this concern.

Orthodontic treatment can generally begin about 1 month after facial contouring surgery without any issues. During the first month post-surgery, you are in the recovery phase, and actions like opening your mouth or chewing may be uncomfortable and different from before the surgery, so caution is necessary.


Additionally, surgeries such as cortical bone removal or masseter muscle reduction may be performed simultaneously, causing the surgical areas to become tightly healed. As a result, opening the mouth may not feel as natural. If you are considering orthodontics, it’s recommended to first go through the recovery process for about a month. Since recovery times vary among individuals, it’s important to consult with an orthodontist to determine if you can proceed with treatment based on your current condition.

There is one important nerve to be cautious of during cheekbone surgery—the infraorbital nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the front cheekbones, lips, and gums. Depending on the dissection area, the nerve may be slightly stretched, which can lead to a temporary decrease in sensation in the affected area.


However, as long as the nerve is not cut or severely damaged during the surgery, sensation will gradually return over time, so there is no need to worry.