The facial profile can be dramatically improved through facial contour surgery by either augmenting the deficient areas or reducing the over prominent areas. Reduction is usually done by reducing the bony areas that are prominent, whereas augmentation is done by filling in areas with one's own tissue or with bio compatible implants.

Chin augmentation will improve a weak and receding chin. It is usually done with a rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) to enhance the results. It is important to realize that an apparent oversize nose may be the optical illusion of an underdeveloping chin. Cheek augmentation improves the prominence of a flat upper face and enhances the contrast of the facial silhouette. It is imperative to have a balanced proportion of the nose, cheek and chin to have an aesthetically pleasing facial profile.

Augmentation of the temples are often used by Asians to soften up the harsh look of a sunken temple and oversized cheek bones. This is usually done in conjunction with malar (cheek bone) reduction. Forehead and midfacial augmentations are also common to improve one's facial contour.

Reduction of the Angle of the Mandible

Reduction of the angle of the mandible is particularly effective in changing a round or angular face into a more oval shaped or heart shaped face. This sometimes is done in conjunction with a chin augmentation. This is a common request among Asian patients. Whereas among Caucasian patients, augmentation of the angle of the mandible can be achieved with the use of implants to change a oval or round face into a more angular one.

The surgery is done through an incision inside the mouth, with no external conspicuous scars. The prominent angle of the mandibles are pre-operatively measured and excised under an endoscopic magnification and visualization, ensuring safety of the procedure. The often bulky masseter muscle is thinned out. A small drain is used through a tiny exit underneath the chin to ensure drainage of the wound and thus, minimizes bleeding and infection. The tiny exit will leave a mosquitos bite-sized scar which will normally not be noticeable, underneath the chin. Computer imaging is often done pre-operatively to estimate the result of the surgery.

Reduction Malarplasty

It is also very popular for those who desire feminization of the face as prominent cheek bone (malar) is considered to create a musculine and harsh appearance of the face. Reduction malarplasty is perfomed on patients with large cheek-bones. This is a very popular procedure among Asian females since an oval or heart-shaped face is considered to be more aesthetically pleasing and more desirable. The procedure is performed through an incision inside the ear in front of the ear canal, and from inside of the mouth, thus leaving no visible scars. The arch of the zygoma (cheeckbone) is separated from its bases, and rotated inward and downward. This is then secured by stainless steel wires. The cheekbone heals very rapidly. In a week's time, it will be firm and stable. There will be some swelling post-operatively. The swelling itself may be a blessing. As the swelling dissipates, the result of the malar reduction gradually appears allowing for a very smooth transitional post-operative period.

Combined Procedures

It is pivotal to understand the importance of facial proportion in facial aesthetic analysis. The nose, cheek and chin form a golden triangle in the middle of the face. A balanced proportion of the nose, cheek and chin will create a very photogenic appearance. For instance, the result of a rhinoplasty for an individual with an underdeveloped chin will be improved if chin augmentation is done at the same time. Patients who worry about oversized cheek bones, will find that the cheekbone will appear to be less prominent after an augmentation rhinoplasty. Likewise, oversized cheekbone or jaw angle can be reduced to match an already good looking nose and chin.

Facial contour surgeries are usually done through inconspicuous incisions either from inside the mouth or within the hairline, skin creases etc. Patients should be cognizant of the dramatic results of improvement from these surgeries and be psychologically ready for the changes. Computer imaging is recommended to have some ideas of the postoperative improvement.