By Dr Barry Eppley

The facial features most associated with masculinity is the chin and jawline. A stronger chin and jawline conveys increased masculinity, smaller chins and ill-defined jawlines convey timidity and weakness. While this perceptions may not always be true (and often aren't), they certainly help create a first impression by their appearance. In today's plastic surgery, newer generation implants make this look possible more than ever before.

The evolution of chin implants has really evolved over the past decade with many different styles and size options. The most important change has been that they have been extended in their shape rather than small 'buttons'. Having an enhanced chin that flows better into the surrounding jawline is a newer implant concept. To have a smooth transition from the chin implant to the back of the jaw, the implant must extend back further to blend into the jawline. These newer implants are longer and more tapered at the ends, although they can still be placed through a small incision right under the chin. Because they extend back further they give an enhanced but natural appearance to the chin. Slightly widening the anterior jawline by filling in this area between the chin and the back of the jaw creates a more balanced look. In addition to jawline width, chin and jawline height can also be lengthened by having a 'wrap-around' implant that extends lower than the existing edge of the bone. Prior to these type of implants, only cutting the bone or bone grafting could have achieved this look. This increases the height of the lower third of the face, a very male-enhancing effect.

New implant options also exist for bolder cheekbones and more square jaw angles. Small cheekbones generally are not as obvious as a smaller chin but the effect on the appearance of the face is just as real. Small cheek bones create a flatter facial appearance or even a longer thin face look. The cheek area has several differnt styles of implants to fill in the front, back, or even below the cheekbone area. Cheek implants are placed through an incision in the mouth so there is no scarring. Sharp, welldefined jaw angles is a very maculine look that can only be achieved through the use of surgical implants. Jaw angle implants can eitehr widen the back of the jaw, make it more longer and more square, or both. Like cheek implants they are placed inside the mouth so scarring is never any issue.

It would not be uncommon to perform several areas of facial enhancement in the male to get the overall look that they want. Computer-imaging must be done in each and everyone of these cases to get an appreciation of facial shape and how the different implants can effect that shape. I find it usually takes at least two consultations to thoroughly cover all the options and make sure the patient has complete understanding of the facial look that they desire.

Dr Barry Eppley runs a private plastic surgery practice through his hospital-based medspa locations at Clarian Health in Indianapolis. To learn more about the latest trends in plastic surgery, spa therapies, or skin care, go to his daily blog, http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com .