Dr. Niki Christopoulos' Plastic Surgery Blog

Breast Augmentation Decisions You’ll Need to Make

in Breast Augmentation by christopoulosmd February 1, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

Breast augmentation comes with its fair share of decisions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for breast surgery, so you will need to weigh a lot of different options as you plan your breast augmentation in Chicago. Generally speaking, there are five “S”s that you’ll need to consider: surgeon, silicone v. saline, size, surgical incision and surgical placement.

First and foremost, choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision that you will make. A board certified plastic surgeon can walk you through your options and help you choose the right size, placement, and type of breast implant for your frame and lifestyle. Dr. Niki Christopoulos has years of experience helping women figure out which implants will not only improve the shape of their physique, but also make them feel the most confident.

Once you’ve found a Chicago plastic surgeon that you feel comfortable with, you’ll need to decide whether to get silicone or saline implants. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that as of 2013, about 72% of women opted for silicone implants. This is because silicone tends to be lighter, softer, and more natural feeling. It also has a lesser chance of deflating or rippling. The latest “gummy bear” implants are ALSO made of silicone and tend to look very natural.

The next thing you’ll need to decide is what size implant is right for you. Every woman is going to think about this decision differently, and there aren’t any right or wrong answers. When you choose Dr. Christopoulos as your plastic surgeon, she will help you understand how different sizes will ultimately look on your frame and how they will affect your body. She will then help you decide on the right size to achieve your desired end result.

Next, you’ll need to decide what type of incision is appropriate for you. Generally speaking, there are three places where your surgeon can make the incision to insert your implant: under the fold of your breasts, around the areola, or along a skin crease in the armpit. Before you undergo breast augmentation, Dr. Christopoulos will help you decide which incision makes the most sense for your surgery based on the size of your implants, your activity levels, and your natural breast tissue.

Finally, Dr. Christopoulos will help you decide where the implant should be placed. In general, implants can be placed over or under the chest wall muscle. The best placement for you is determined by numerous factors including implant size, the thickness of your skin and breast tissue, as well as the final look you are hoping to achieve. Dr. Christopoulos will expertly guide you through this entire process.

After these decisions have been made, you’ll be ready for your breast surgery. You’ll also be ready to embrace your new physique with excitement!

Inside Tips from a Female Plastic Surgeon

in Plastic Surgery Tips / Uncategorized by christopoulosmd January 28, 2015November 10, 2023 0 comments

If you’re a woman that is thinking about undergoing plastic surgery, there are a number of factors you need to take into serious consideration. Chicago Board Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Niki Christopoulos, has taken the time to provide some inside tips and insights so you have the information you need to make an informed decision.

Consider Experience as Well as Patient Feedback

According to Dr. Christopoulos, first and foremost, you should consider the cosmetic surgeon’s experience and credentials. Go through their testimonials and find out how much experience they have with the procedure or procedures that you’re most interested in. Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a few finalists, the next most important thing is finding a surgeon that you feel comfortable with.

Female Plastic Surgeon vs. Male Plastic Surgeon

For most women, having a female plastic surgeon can make the entire process of undergoing a cosmetic procedure much more relaxing and confidence-inspiring. Many male surgeons do a great job of putting their female patients at ease, but a man is simply never going to understand your body, your mind and your physical goals the way that another woman will.

Remember, preparing for plastic surgery means a lot of time spent in very little clothing in front of your doctor. You’ll need to talk openly about the parts of your body that you are unhappy with and expose the parts of yourself that make you most uncomfortable. Doing this in front of a male surgeon can feel distressing and embarrassing, which may lead you to be less forthright about your concerns.

Additionally, studies have shown that female doctors tend to spend more time talking to their patients than male doctors. With all this in mind, you’ll want to take some time to think about whether or not you’ll be 100% comfortable and open with a male plastic surgeon. If not, you may find that you will be more at ease undergoing your surgical transformation with a female plastic surgeon in Chicago.

You Should Feel Confident and Supported

Making the choice to get plastic surgery should be an empowering decision. It should be about reclaiming your body, doing something for yourself, or achieving the look you’ve always wanted with a feeling of complete confidence.

The right plastic surgeon for you will be someone who understands exactly where you’re coming from, someone who you can talk to openly about your body without fear of judgment or embarrassment, and someone who you trust to support you before, during and after surgery.

Want a Mommy Makeover? You’re not Alone, Mom

in Mommy Makeover Surgery / Mommy Makeovers / Uncategorized by christopoulosmd January 21, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

Any stigma associated with cosmetic surgery is officially a thing of the past. The men and women of America have weighed in, and more people are opting for plastic surgery now than ever before. According to the American Society for Plastic Surgery, the number of people undergoing breast augmentations has risen 39% over the last ten years. Over the same period, breast lifts have gone up (no pun intended) 70%, and tummy tucks have gone up a whopping 85%.

What do breast augmentations, breast lifts, and tummy tucks all have in common? They’re all procedures that fall under the umbrella of the “mommy makeover.” These procedures have become more advanced over the last ten years, which contributes to their growing popularity, but the biggest contributor to the rise of these surgeries is the idea of the mommy makeover.

A mommy makeover isn’t one particular surgery. It refers to a set of cosmetic surgeries that a woman undergoes after having children. Mommy makeover surgery can include breast surgeries, tummy tucks, liposuction, and other procedures that help women feel like themselves again after giving birth.

It’s no secret that having children wreaks havoc on your body. Yes, your body is designed to give birth, and it’s a beautiful thing. But if having children leaves you with a body that makes you feel less than beautiful, a mommy makeover can help reverse some of the lasting effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

We believe that the mommy makeover in Chicago is so popular because it’s a way for women to reclaim their bodies after having children. Becoming a mom shouldn’t mean that you have to give up feeling like a sexy confident woman. Choosing to get a mommy makeover is a very personal decision, and one that every woman should feel empowered to make for herself.

If you’re interested in a mommy makeover, be sure to choose a plastic surgeon in Chicago who is board certified in plastic surgery, who has excellent testimonials, and who makes you feel comfortable, like Dr. Niki Christopoulos. With a mommy makeover, you may have two or three procedures done all at the same time. That can mean a lot of change, so you’ll want to be sure that you’re in the most capable hands possible.

Beat the Belly Bulge with Liposuction for Men

in Liposuction / Plastic Surgery for Men by christopoulosmd January 14, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

Curious about liposuction for men? You’re not alone. Liposuction is the most popular plastic surgery amongst both men and women, and it’s only getting more popular.

However, there are a lot of misconceptions about liposuction. People tend to think liposuction is meant for severely overweight people and that it’s only something women do. That’s simply not the case. Liposuction is actually intended for fit people who are having trouble getting rid of lingering pockets of fat by means of diet and exercise alone.

As we get older, fat gets harder to banish from our hips, bottoms, and stomachs. Men tend to have the hardest time doing away with small pockets of fat on their stomachs and sides. This is where liposuction can help.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, men underwent more than one million cosmetic procedures last year, and the largest portion of those procedures were liposuction. The number of men opting for any sort of plastic surgery has increased 237% since 1997. What more and more men are realizing is that liposuction is a safe, simple way to achieve the body they deserve.

When you decide to undergo liposuction, you’ll begin with a consultation with Chicago plastic surgeon, Dr. Niki Christopoulos. During your private consultation, Dr. Christopoulos will discuss your goals and help you decide on a course of action. If you determine that liposuction is the right choice for you, you’ll set your surgery date. The procedure itself is done as an outpatient procedure under either IV sedation or general anesthesia. You’ll be able to go back to work within a day or two and should feel completely healed two weeks after your procedure. Once you’ve healed, you’ll be able to enjoy and show off your new slimmer, trimmer physique.

If you’re a fit person, but you’re starting to have trouble keeping your beer belly or love handles in check, liposuction might be the right choice for you. The procedure can be completely customized to target the specific areas where your body holds onto fat. Liposuction won’t keep you from putting on weight, but if you do put weight on after your procedure, it shouldn’t concentrate in the places where you had your procedure. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopoulos today to learn more.

What to Expect from Your Breast Augmentation Recovery

in Breast Augmentation / Breast Surgery by christopoulosmd January 7, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

One of the many reasons that breast augmentation is so popular is that the recovery period is relatively short and simple. Though breast surgery is indeed surgery, the whole process can be completed within one to two hours under general anesthesia. A few hours after you’re done with the procedure, you’ll be able to go home and sleep in your own bed. Here’s what you can expect during your recovery from a breast augmentation in Chicago:

Right after surgery…

Your breasts will be wrapped in gauze, and you’ll be given pain killers to help reduce the pain. The amount of discomfort that you’ll feel will depend on your tolerance for pain and the type of procedure you opt for. Women who have their implants placed “under the muscle” tend to experience slightly more discomfort immediately following the surgery. Expect to be sore and to go home and relax – no work for you.

In the week following surgery…

Take it easy as your body heals and your breasts begin settling into place. Avoid lifting anything heavier than a milk jug for a few days. Your plastic surgeon will likely provide you with a supportive bra to wear day and night for a few weeks. If you have small children, arrange for some extra help for a few days after your surgery. And if you have a demanding job, consider getting your surgery on a Wednesday or Thursday and taking the rest of the week off. That way you’ll have plenty of time to rest. Don’t go shopping for new bras just yet because your breasts will continue to change shape and size as your post-surgery swelling goes down and your implants settle into place.

In the months following your surgery…

You should be able to resume a normal workout schedule a few weeks after your procedure. You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your cosmetic surgeon, and he or she will give you specific advice for your recovery. Remember to avoid sun exposure to your scars for at least six weeks following surgery, because sun exposure will make your incision scars more pronounced. Don’t wear underwire bras for at least a month and if you have any pain that persists, let your plastic surgeon know immediately.

New Year, New You with a Mommy Makeover

in Mommy Makeover Surgery / Mommy Makeovers by christopoulosmd December 29, 2014August 24, 2021 0 comments

If you’re a new mom, you’ve probably heard the term “mommy makeover.” You may have even Googled it to get a sense of what’s possible. The fact of the matter is that more and more moms are choosing to get mommy makeovers to reverse some of the effects that giving birth and breastfeeding can have on their body.

After having a baby, your body will never be exactly the same – that’s just part of the process of becoming a mom (and growing older). That said, if you’re uncomfortable with your post-baby body, you can take steps to reclaim it.

“Mommy makeover surgery” isn’t a technical term. Most women who want a mommy makeover in Chicago usually mean that they want to restore their waistline and enhance their breasts. No two mommy makeovers are the same. That’s why it’s important to consult a Board Certified plastic surgeon to figure out a course of action that you’re comfortable with and that will leave you with the results you want.

Dr. Niki Christopoulos is a Chicago Board Certified plastic surgeon who has tailored countless mommy makeover procedures for her patients. According to Dr. Christopoulos, a mommy makeover can include one or all of the following procedures:

A breast lift – to restore the shape and firmness of the breasts after pregnancy and/or breast feeding.
A breast augmentation – to replace lost breast volume.
A tummy tuck – to remove excess skin that won’t go away on its own after giving birth.
Liposuction – to do away with stubborn fat that is getting harder and harder to burn with diet and exercise alone.
Stretch mark elimination – to minimize those dark scars on your abdomen that can be quite unsightly.

If you’re considering a mommy makeover, it’s important to remember that you should wait until it is safe to do so. Wait until you have finished breast feeding, and then give yourself at least a few more months to ensure that your body has finished changing. If you’re planning on having more kids, the time for your mommy makeover is after you’ve had your last child.

Dr. Christopoulos says that mommy makeovers are one of her favorite procedures to perform as it not only gives women back their bodies, but also empowers them and makes them feel more confident with how they look. If you’d like to speak with Dr. Christopoulos about mommy makeover surgery, contact her office today to arrange a private consultation. This New Year there really can be a new you!

Your Pre-Holiday Non-Surgical Rejuvenation Options

in Botox / Dermal Fillers / Non-Surgical Rejuvenation / Non-Surgical Treatments / Xeomin by christopoulosmd December 17, 2014August 24, 2021 0 comments

The holidays are upon us, and that means office parties, family gatherings, and meeting up with old friends. It’s a time of year when we all want to look our best, and doing so has never been easier with non-surgical rejuvenation options.

Rejuvenating your face used to mean a facelift. While facelifts have come a long way and can be a great choice under the right circumstances, many men and women find the commitment of a face lift just plain scary. Thankfully, that’s where non-surgical treatments like Botox® , Xeomin and dermal fillers come in.

Botox® and Xeomin are purified proteins that are injected into the skin in order to prevent muscles from contracting. A Botox® treatment can be done over a lunch break and is extremely customizable. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your crow’s feet, a single Botox® treatment can make the wrinkles around your eyes appear significantly less noticeable. You’ll see the effects within a few days.

And the best part is, if you’re not entirely happy with the results, they’re only temporary. Botox® and Xeomin both wear off in about four months, so you can adjust your treatment plan however you like to keep laugh lines, neck wrinkles, crow’s feet, and deep forehead wrinkles in check. The procedure is like a spa treatment that will leave you feeling more confident and relaxed the moment you walk out of the office.

Dermal fillers are another great non-surgical option for making your skin feel fuller, more hydrated, and more firm. Everyone at the holiday party will be jealous of the way your cheeks glow and how full your lips look in that new shade of lipstick. Little will they know that dermal fillers are the real hero. Like Botox®, the effects of dermal fillers are temporary but can last anywhere from 9 months to two years. Also like Botox®, you can completely customize your treatment, focusing only on the areas of your face that you think need attention. As a result, you’ll be left with skin that looks naturally radiant and youthful.

To schedule a non-surgical rejuvenation appointment before your next holiday party or family gathering, contact the office of Dr. Niki Christopoulos to discuss what treatment options may be appropriate for your individual needs.

Which Type of Breast Surgery is Right for You?

in Breast Augmentation / Breast Lift / Breast Reduction / Breast Surgery / Uncategorized by christopoulosmd December 9, 2014August 24, 2021 0 comments

As a woman, your breasts take center stage every day. They affect the shape of your body in virtually any outfit you put on. So, given their prominent position, doesn’t it make sense that you should be both comfortable and happy with not only how they look, but also how they feel?

Dr. Niki Christopoulos performs a variety of Chicago breast augmentation surgeries that help women feel better about the shape of their physique. Below are the three main types of breast surgery that Dr. Christopoulos performs for her patients:

Breast Augmentation

A breast augmentation is any procedure that uses an implant to improve the shape and size of the breast. Women choose this procedure for a wide host of reasons. Perhaps breastfeeding has left your breasts less full than they once were. Maybe you’ve always longed for a more feminine silhouette. Or perhaps one of your breasts is larger than the other, and you’d simply like to even them out. Whatever your reason, a breast augmentation can help you feel more at peace with your body and also give you a boost of confidence.

Breast Lift

A breast lift is a simple way to reverse time. Mothers and mature women in particular may notice that their breasts aren’t as perky or firm as they used to be. With a breast lift, also known as mastopexy, you can remove excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissue to give your breasts an improved shape and feel without adding implants. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, since 2000, the number of breast lifts performed in America has gone up by 70%. It’s a popular option because it allows women to reclaim the bodies they once had.

Breast Reduction

Excessively large breasts can cause neck and back problems that result in persistent pain, and some women with large breasts may feel like their chest size attracts unwanted attention. If, for whatever reason, you’d like to reduce the size of your breasts, that can be done through breast reduction surgery. This surgery sometimes involves liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue from the breast. During this procedure, Dr. Christopoulos will remove excess fat and breast tissue while reducing the size of your areola and repositioning it to give you a smaller, more shapely and uplifted breast.

If you’d like to receive more information on Chicago breast surgery, contact the office of Dr. Niki Christopoulos to arrange your consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon.

Tummy Tucks: Traditional vs. Extended vs. Mini

in Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tucks by christopoulosmd December 1, 2014August 24, 2021 0 comments

When most men and women talk about “problem areas,” the first item on the list is the tummy. Even extremely fit people can have a tough time getting rid of that little pouch that falls directly under the belly button. The internet abounds with tricks and tips to get rid of those last few pounds, but we’ve yet to find one that works. Likewise, many people who have conquered the long battle of getting fit are often disappointed to find that, once the fat is gone, a lot of excess skin remains.

This is where a tummy tuck can help. A tummy tuck is the colloquial term for abdominoplasty, an elective surgery that can be used to remove excess fat and skin from the midsection… but you probably already knew that. What you may not know is that there are actually three different kinds of tummy tucks.

If you’re not sure which type may be right for you and your body, the best thing for you to do is to visit Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Niki Christopoulos and discuss your wishes during a private consultation. However, if you’d like to start exploring the different type of tummy tucks before you meet with Dr. Christopoulos, here’s a quick run-down to get you started:

The Mini

A mini tummy tuck is the least invasive tuck, as the name implies. With this tuck, you’ll have the smallest incision, usually just a few inches long across your lower abdomen. Dr. Christopoulos will use this incision to remove small amounts of excess fat and skin from the area of your stomach that falls below your belly button. This is usually the area of the stomach that fit people have the hardest time defeating with diet and exercise alone.

The Traditional

A traditional tummy tuck requires a larger incision, usually across the lower belly from the inside of each hip. With this procedure, Dr. Christopoulos can remove excess fat and skin from the entire abdomen, from the ribs below your chest down to your pubic bone. Additionally, during this type of tummy tuck, Dr. Christopoulos often chooses to combine liposuction for even better results.

A traditional tummy tuck has a slightly longer recovery time than the mini, but the results are also more dramatic. A traditional tummy tuck is a great way for people who have recently lost a fair amount of weight (or given birth) to remove the poochy excess skin that can keep you from looking and feeling your best.

The Extended

The extended tummy tuck is for people who have lost a great deal of weight and want their figure to match the way they feel. With an incision that extends beyond the hips, this procedure can remove excess fat and skin from the entire abdomen, the upper hips, and the lower back. This procedure generally involves liposuction to help shape the torso and leave you with a silhouette you’ll love.

If you’d like to learn more about a tummy tuck in Chicago, please set up your consultation by contacting the office of Dr. Niki Christopoulos today.