Plastic surgeons use facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours. Frequently, these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look.

A typical patient may want his or her chin brought forward so that these traits are better proportioned. Other patients may choose to have an implant placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure. For example, during a face lift, a patient may wish to have implants placed over the cheekbones to help restore a more youthful appearance. Implants may also be selected to fill out a face that appears "sunken" or tired.

Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, Dr. Ratliff selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance and inserts it into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area.

Usually, the chin is taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days. If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.

A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation my be necessary to replace it in its proper position. Infection can occur with any operation. If infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time. Other, less-frequent risks may be associated with certain implants. Be sure to ask Dr. Ratliff for a description of the risks associated with the procedure in which you are interested.

You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days. It's normal to experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking. Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck. Dr. Ratliff will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to your activities after surgery.

Remember, with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better in a short period of time. However, it may not be advisable to participate in certain activities -- especially activity that may result in the face being jarred or bumped -- for several weeks. It's best to check with Dr. Ratliff about such matters.

You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks, or perhaps even months. Give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new look.

You may be surprised to find that most people won't recognize that you've had facial implant surgery -- only that you look better.