Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and facial features, proportions and balance often determine our perception of facial beauty. We are attuned to the shape and dimension of the face and when the balance is pleasing, beauty is perceived. Most people are not blessed with this "beauty," naturally but new technologies in surgical implantation are making many facial modifications possible.

Surgical implants are medical-grade, soft yet solid silastic or Goretex^® forms that are inserted through a small incisions. These man-made products have been used by surgeons in a variety of surgical applications for more than 30 years. There is no evidence that either of these products has any deleterious effects on the human body and they are considered completely safe for implantation.

More than any other facial feature, a small or "weak" chin can exaggerate the nose and undermine facial balance and harmony. Chin augmentation reshapes and/or increases the size of the chin for better projection and appearance. It can balance the profile by extending the chin in relationship to the nose. Chin augmentation is frequently performed along with other cosmetic procedures and patients may wish to discuss this option with Dr. Alford, especially when considering rhinoplasty surgery, as nasal surgery alone may not significantly improve facial appearance if the chin is underdeveloped.

Cheek augmentation is performed when a patient desires to improve his or her cheekbone structure or wishes to correct symptoms of midfacial hollows, depressions and folds caused by aging. Cheek augmentation can be performed as a single procedure or in combination with other facial procedures.

Recovery from these relatively minor procedures is usually painless and most normal activities can be resumed within one week.