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Did she or didn’t she? That has been the question circulating around Marilyn Monroe’s possible dabble in plastic surgery, at least until recently when it was announced that her surgical records would be up for auction in November by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills. A set of six X-rays and a series of doctor’s notes reveal that she did indeed undergo cosmetic surgery.
Norman Leaf, a Southern California plastic surgeon who provided the auction house with the documents, states that Monroe had a chin implant placed that was carved out of bovine cartilage in 1950, before silicone chin implants were available. In 1958 she complained of a chin deformity, which indicates the implant may have absorbed. X-rays also show images of her nose, for which she underwent a procedure on the tip, as well as her chest.
Marilyn Monroe is considered one of the great American icons, making it difficult for some to come to terms with the fact that her undeniable beauty may not have been as natural as was previously thought. However, this emergence of Monroe’s medical history is a testimony to the incredible effects cosmetic surgery can have on enhancing a person’s natural appearance. Marilyn Monroe was by no means unattractive prior to her chin implant procedure in 1950, and that there was so much doubt about whether she did have surgery or not only supports the fact that her surgeries were natural looking – even in the mid-1900’s before advanced plastic surgery techniques had been developed.
Chin Augmentation Today
Today’s leading plastic surgeons strive to maintain a person’s natural beauty while offering improvements for truly stunning results. Chin augmentation is more popular today than in Monroe’s time and helps to enhance a person’s facial balance through minimally invasive techniques. Individuals who believe the size of their nose is the problem are often surprised when they learn a chin augmentation could significantly improve the aesthetic appearance and proportion of their face.
There are several implant options available that can add prominence to a receding or small chin. Dr. Williams often uses the Gore-Tex chin implant. Implants are chosen based on the size and shape that best complements the patient’s other facial features.
Men and women who have realistic expectations and are physically healthy may be eligible for chin augmentation. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete with local or general anesthesia. A small incision will be made just under the chin, through which a pocket is created over the front of the jawbone. Once the implant is inserted and positioned, the incision is closed with sutures.
Dr. Williams specializes in surgical facial rejuvenation procedures and is experienced in chin augmentation. View before and after pictures of some of his chin augmentation patients. If you are interested in consulting with Dr. Williams, call 800-742-2797 to schedule an appointment with him at his Albany or Manhattan office.
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About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.