(Dr. Levens’ monthly column is carried by the Coral
Springs Forum newspaper.) Dear Dr. Levens: I’ve read that
implants can be used to make a weak chin look more prominent but my problem
is just the opposite...my chin is way too prominent. Is there a way to
reduce its size so my profile isn’t so weird? --JK
Dear JK: Definitely. Your profile could
be improved by reduction of the mandible (jaw) bone. During a genioplasty
procedure, the skin and soft tissue of the chin are elevated and the
lower border of the mandible is exposed. Appropriate refinement
can then be made in both the prominence and, if necessary, the vertical
height of the jawbone to achieve the desired shape and projection. Once
corrections are made, incisions are closed. You may need to
wear a special support garment for about a week after surgery.
Dear Dr. Levens: I think I need a browlift
but a friend who had one said the incisions were hidden in his thick
hair. In my case, that ship has sailed. Can someone with
a very receding hairline have a browlift? --MB
Dear MB: Not to worry. Incisions for
a browlift can be made within the eyebrow itself or within deep creases
in the forehead. If properly placed and closed, incisions
for browlift surgery should be relatively inconspicuous once you have
completely healed from the procedure.
Dear Dr. Levens: Double chins run in our family,
even though most of us aren’t overweight. Would removing
it require major surgery? ---CG
Dear CG: If your extra chin is simply a concentration
of localized fatty tissue, liposuction may well solve the problem. However,
if you are older and there is loose skin in the area as well, you
would also need a neck lift to redrape and possible excise sagging
skin and muscles. You didn’t mention your age but I do not advise
liposuction until a patient is at least 18.
Dear Dr. Levens: At what age can facial birthmarks
be safely removed?--TP
Dear TP: The minimum age would be 6 months,
unless there is some medical urgency such as related bleeding, visual
obstruction or airway compromise.
Dear Dr. Levens: Our 19-year-old daughter
suffered terribly with acne during her early teens. It has cleared
up now but many scars remain. What options do you recommend?
--RK
Dear RK: At least three options come to mind,
including resurfacing as with dermabrasion, filling of depressions
as with Restylane or Radiesse and excision of deep scars. After
examining your daughter, a plastic surgeon can advise you on which
option is most appropriate in her case.
Dr. Levens is a Board-certified plastic surgeon. He has served
as Vice Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at Coral
SpringsMedicalCenter.His
column appears monthly. Send questions to Cosmetic Surgery
Today, 1725 University Dr., Suite 440, Coral
Springs, 33071 or email info@DrLevens.com
Interested in seeing past questions? Please
see our archived Q
& A section.
Dr. Levens has been providing plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive
surgery 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.
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Dr. Levens has been providing plastic, cosmetic
and reconstructive surgery 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.
