Abstract
The malar mound defines the contour of the lateral face between the inferior orbital rim and the mandible, and hypoplasia or asymmetry of this region is readily noticeable. A flat, hypoplastic malar eminence can make the face blunt and wearisome, which contributes to a premature aged appearance. Patients with congenital or traumatic flattening of the malar eminence can obtain esthetic improvement with implants. Indications for placement of malar implants to improve the appearance of subtle flattening or to enhance the esthetic harmony of a patient's face have been suggested in several studies. Many augmentation materials, such as silicone, proplast, polyamide, and porous polyethylene implants have been used. Many methods of localization have been described, the key to proper placement of the implants lies in a through understanding of the esthetics of the malar mound. From August 2001 to June 2007, 12 patients with malar depression who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chonnam National University Hospital were treated by augmentation malarplasty with Porous polyethylene. The location and amount of augmentation are determined by preoperative interview, physical examinations, facial models and radiographic findings. 12 patients were satisfied with the results of augmentation malarplasty and severe complications were not occurred.
