Procedures

Chin Correction Surgery (Augmentation)

A chin augmentation procedure is performed to correct a "weak" chin which lacks adequate projection. Like nose reshaping surgery, chin corrections can cause dramatic changes in the overall appearance of the face by creating better definition and balance of features. During a chin augmentation procedure, an implant is placed in front of the lower jawbone.
During your complimentary consultation with Dr. Levens, he will discuss your personal concerns, carefully explain your options, and recommend the approach he feels will give you the best result.

GOOD CANDIDATES FOR CHIN CORRECTION SURGERY:

Healthy men and women who are dissatisfied with the projection of the chin are good candidates for this procedure. Often, this procedure is performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty to improve overall facial balance.

THE PROCEDURE:

Incisions for chin surgery are placed either inside the mouth, or on the outside in a skin crease beneath the chin to minimize visibility. The choice of incision depends on several factors which Dr. Levens will discuss with you during your consultation.

During a chin augmentation procedure, the skin and soft tissues over the chin area are elevated and a pocket is created where an implant can be placed and secured.

When the problem is the vertical height of the chin (either excessive or inadequate), a genioplasty procedure is performed. The skin and soft tissues are elevated, and the lower border of the mandible or lower jawbone is exposed. Appropriate refinements are then made in both the prominence and, if necessary, the vertical height of the jawbone to achieve desired shape and projection. After the corrections have been made, incisions are carefully closed. You may need to wear a special support garment for about a week after surgery.

CONSIDERATIONS:

The degree of chin prominence that can be achieved and is desirable depends to some degree on the overlying skin and soft tissues. Dr. Levens will discuss specific limitations with you during your consultation.

Increasing chin prominence puts stretch on the tissues overlying the chin, including nerves to the skin. A feeling of tightness and temporary numbness is sometimes present for weeks following surgery, depending on the degree of stretch necessary for optimal correction. In very rare instances, loss of sensation can occur, but usually only with very severe deformities.

Risks common to all surgical procedures such as bleeding, infection and scar tissue formation occur in a very small number of patients. We will give you more detailed information about these and other rare risks in our written information, and encourage you to discuss any that concern you during your consultation.


RECOVERY:

Most patients report very little pain after chin correction procedures. Most describe a feeling of tightness or fullness in the chin area. Dr. Levens will prescribe medication for any discomfort following your surgery, but you will likely only need it for 1-2 days. You may have to wear a compressive garment placed on the chin area to minimize swelling for about 1 week.

The more your chin has to be advanced, the greater the stretch on skin nerves, and the more time required for your chin and lip to feel completely "normal." In most cases, swelling fades in about two weeks.


Chin correction procedures are performed as out-patient surgery. The typical schedule of recovery is: Bruising and swelling, 3-10 days; return to work & social activity, 3-7 days; aerobic or strenuous activity, 14-21 days. Any aerobic activity that increases your pulse over 100 also increases your blood pressure, and could make you bleed if this activity is resumed too soon after surgery.

FIND OUT MORE:

Dr. Levens will review every aspect of chin correction surgery with you during your complimentary consultation. Patient Coordinator Diana Doria will discuss fees, financing plans and scheduling, and answer any additional questions. There is absolutely no obligation to schedule a procedure. To arrange your consultation, please call 954-752-1020.

Dr. Levens has been providing chin correction surgery (augmentation) procedures for patients in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Davie, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Margate, Miami, North Lauderdale, Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Weston and throughout South Florida since 1989.