Malar reduction procedure is one of the most frequently solicited facial bone contouring procedures,
and at the same time it would appear to be the least understood among surgeons and
people. There have always been debates about the surgical techniques, including approaches,
osteotomies, ostectomies, fixations and the outcomes such as cheek droop, symmetry, and visible
scars. Many authors have described various ways of malar bone reductions, and surgical techniques
have continuously developed, but not the philosophy for the procedures. From the beginning, the
most important parts have relatively been ignored. Is the malar reduction really necessary for
Orientals, while Western people desire their cheek bones augmented? What are the indications and
contraindications of the malar reduction procedures? What are the real benefits of these procedures?
I present herein my personal concepts about the malar reduction procedures, so as to move on from
the debates of detailed techniques to a new paradigm, which best explains the cons and pros of
reduction malarplasty.