INTRODUCTION
What is the foundation of an attractive face? Study the photographs of the top models in any magazine and you'll see they all have one thing in common: Good bone structure. A pleasingly proportioned face most often has high, defined cheekbones and a chin line that is in balance with the rest of the face.

Not everyone is born with "good bones," the building blocks that give a face pleasing angles, good contours, and an attractive appearance. Facial implants can change the shape and balance of the face by building up a "weak" receding chin, reshaping a jaw line, or creating a pleasing prominence to the cheekbone. (Take this chin-plane test: Hold a ruler vertically against the side of your nose. The bottom edge of the ruler should touch your chin and the top edge should press against your forehead. If your chin doesn't touch the ruler, it may be weaker than ideal.)

Implants are made of either solid or semi-solid materials, which have been tested and used successfully for years. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes designed to fit the skeletal form so your surgeon can tailor-select what is best for your face. Though the results can be dramatic, the implants look very natural. Unless you tell your secret to your friends, they'll probably attribute your new look to a change in hairstyle or simply being well rested.

Cheek Implants
Cheek implants can have striking results, adding dimension to a sunken face and contour to a flat face. Augmentation with implants, or malarplasty, involves placing the implant over the cheekbone through an incision made inside the mouth (which is therefore hidden) or through an opening just beneath the lower eyelash (which is nearly invisible as it blends with the lash line). Stitches inside the mouth dissolve within a week or two.

Chin Implants
Chin augmentation, or mentoplasty, usually is done via an incision just under the chin. Mild bruising and swelling may last for several days after surgery, but scarring is minimal. Jaw implants are placed directly on the jawbone to create a stronger, more defined jaw line.

Sometimes the facial implants are performed in tandem with another cosmetic procedure such as facelift, eyelid or nose surgery.

Is it vain to consider a surgical procedure that can change your appearance? It is only natural to want to like what you see in the mirror and have an appearance that is inviting to others. Facial implants have helped thousands of men and women feel happier about the way they look.

Your plastic surgeon will give you recommendations and realistic expectations. Video imaging can help you get an idea of what your new profile would look like. Be honest and open about your desired appearance; since the results are permanent, the doctor's goal is to give you pleasing results that will make you happy for a long time.

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