Dr. Ptak feels that judicious and appropriate use of cheek, chin, and jaw implants can greatly enhance the proportions, harmony, and balance of the facial features that are underdeveloped or have been altered by trauma or the aging process. The implants firmly adhere to the bone and truly become a "part of you," producing often subtle but remarkable changes in balance and proportion, self-image, and self-esteem. The best candidate is anyone who desires or has a need for a more prominent chin, jawline, or cheek contour, due to reduced tissue in the area as an inherited characteristic or as a result of aging. It is also beneficial for people who have facial asymmetry. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours and is done on an outpatient basis under attended local or general anesthesia. The incision for the chin implant is made in the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area. The incision for the cheek surgery is made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted. The incision for a jaw implant is made on either side of the lower lip to provide access for creating a pocket into which the lower-jaw implant can be inserted. Dissolving sutures are used to close the incisions. There are usually no dressings. Initial swelling is usually moderate and gradually disappears over a month or two. Discomfort is mild to moderate and is controlled with oral medications. Sutures in the mouth dissolve and do not need to be removed. Sutures under the eyelid are removed in 4-5 days. Additional procedures that would enhance the result are other facial cosmetic procedures such as Face Lift, Eyelid Lift, Brow Lift, or Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)