Dr. Niki Christopoulos' Plastic Surgery Blog

Unexpected Benefits of Breast Augmentation

in Breast Augmentation by christopoulosmd July 23, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

When people decide to get breast augmentation surgery, they plan on certain benefits such as larger (or smaller) breasts and an overall better feeling about themselves. However, there are several unexpected benefits of breast augmentation surgery as well.

HIGHER SELF ESTEEM
Overall, the majority of people are surprised by a large increase in their self esteem. While people expect to feel better about themselves and their body image, the surprising part comes with the effects on their quality of life. When you feel better about yourself, as a whole, you become more confident and happy with your life. You may even become more outgoing and do more things as a result. Many people expect to change one part of their body and be happy with that one change but overall, there is a potential to change so much more in a positive way.

A BETTER SEX LIFE
Along with the increased self esteem comes a better sex life. In fact, there are a lot of women in Beverly Hills that get the surgery for this reason alone but the people who do not get it for this reason are pleasantly surprised when it occurs. Because you feel better as a whole with your body, you feel better in the bedroom. When you feel more confident and comfortable under the sheets, your sex life becomes more enjoyable and it leads to an overall better sex life.

IMPROVEMENT IN PROFESSIONAL LIFE
By now, you understand that there is a confidence boost that comes with breast augmentation. Because of that, many people experience a higher professional confidence which can lead to applying for better jobs and living a higher quality of life. You can visibly tell when people have a higher confidence level at work and those people tend to get the raises and promotions.

Men, Don’t Be Embarrassed to take Your Shirt Off this Summer

in Uncategorized by christopoulosmd June 26, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

Gynecomastia is something that you don’t hear a lot about, but it actually affects quite a few men. About one in four men will deal with gynecomastia at some point in their life. This condition is characterized by fatty deposits in the chest, which may or may not be accompanied by excess fat elsewhere in the body. Gynecomastia is particularly common in puberty and again starting in men’s early sixties. Often men who have this condition will be perfectly fit and have minimal fat elsewhere in their body. Diet and exercise are often ineffective at dealing with gynecomastia, because its causes are related to the release of hormones in the body, not physical fitness.

Many men rely on bulky clothing and loose shirts to cover up this condition, but these makeshift solutions don’t work during the summer. Avoiding the beach and turning down invitations to pool parties won’t help you feel any better about yourself, and when it gets too hot outside, those bulky clothes will make you feel even more uncomfortable than you already do.

This Swimsuit Season, Don’t Run Away from the Problem

There are simple options for male breast reduction in Chicago. You don’t have to feel ashamed of your body. Quite often, gynecomastia is caused by genetics and it simply can’t be controlled without the assistance of a Chicago board certified plastic surgeon. Rather than covering up the problem, take the time to resolve it. You will feel more confident and more comfortable as a result.

Gynecomastia can be treated with liposuction, surgical removal of the excess tissue, or a combination of both. A board certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Niki Christopoulos, can tailor a procedure to your specific body type and needs, providing you with results that are natural looking and proportionate to your physique.

Male breast reduction can be performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime. Contact our office to set up your initial consultation so you can learn more about your options for addressing gynecomastia and getting your body ready for the summer sun. During your consultation, Dr. Christopoulos will take the time to answer all of your questions and help you find the best solutions for achieving your goals.

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Checklist

in Breast Augmentation / Breast Surgery / Plastic Surgery Tips by christopoulosmd June 17, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

If you’re considering a breast augmentation in Chicago, you’re probably looking for the right surgeon to do the job. It’s smart to shop around when considering such a procedure. You want to make sure that you have a surgeon who is willing to take the time to get to know your wants and needs and also has the necessary experience to do the procedure well. Chances are, you’ve been thinking about this change for quite some time, so make sure that your procedure is everything you hope it will be by getting all of your questions answered in advance of your breast surgery.

Many women go in for a breast augmentation consultation with a lot of questions in their head, but when the time comes to voice their questions, they draw a blank. This is very common during a consultation when you are likely to be nervous, excited, and a bit out of your element. One simple way to help ensure that you get all of your questions answered is by writing them down and bring them with you to your consultation.

Be sure to ask questions about your plastic surgeon. Be friendly, of course, but don’t worry about hurting their feelings. You need to get your serious questions about their experience answered, so don’t be scared to ask. It’s also important to ask questions about the surgery itself and make sure that you understand how it will work.

Take some time to make your own list of questions before your consultation. Here’s a list of questions that we recommend going over with your plastic surgeon. Use this list as a starting point, and tailor it to your own needs.

Are you board certified in plastic surgery?
How many years of experience do you have as a plastic surgeon?
Will my breast augmentation be performed in your office or at a hospital? If it will be performed in the office, is your facility accredited by a recognized agency? If it will be performed in a hospital, which hospital?
Am I good candidate for breast augmentation? What factors in my life might make me a better or worse candidate than other women?
How will you place the breast implants?
Have you performed breast augmentations on women with my body type? May I see before and after photos?
What are the possible complications during and after the procedure? How will you deal with complications?
What will my recovery be like? Will I need help during the recovery period? How long will it take for my breasts to fully heal and settle into place?
What type of implants do you recommend? Why?
Will I be able to breastfeed after my procedure? How will my implants be affected if I become pregnant?
How long will my results last? How often will I need to get the implants replaced or revised?

If you’d like to receive a consultation for your Chicago breast surgery, contact our office to arrange a time to speak with Dr. Niki Christopoulos. During your consultation, you’ll have the chance to ask all of your questions and receive treatment from a double board certified plastic surgeon.

Subtle Tweaks Can Make a Big Difference

in Botox / Dermal Fillers / Juvederm / Non-Surgical Rejuvenation / Non-Surgical Treatments by christopoulosmd June 9, 2015September 25, 2023 0 comments

When you think of a Chicago plastic surgeon, you probably think of surgical procedures like liposuction and breast augmentations. However, plastic surgeons do a lot more than surgery for patients who do not want to visit the operating table. In fact, there are a number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that can have wonderful effects. Most nonsurgical procedures are performed on the face to create subtle lifts, contours, and fullness that, while only changing your face slightly, have a dramatic effect on your appearance.

Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures have only grown in popularity over recent years. In fact, a new report out of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that the top five most popular minimally invasive procedures all increased in popularity from 2013 to 2014. Altogether, more than 13.9 million nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were performed in 2014.

The most popular nonsurgical procedure is Botox. Chicago plastic surgeons performed some of the 6.7 million Botox treatments received in the United States last year. The effects of Botox last for about three months and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is also used to help reduce chronic headaches and migraines.

Next on the list are dermal fillers like Juvederm, Perlane, Restylane, and Voluma. Like Botox, dermal fillers are also temporary, and usually last anywhere from 6 to 24 months depending on the product used. A board certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Niki Christopoulos, can use fillers to help skin look more supple and youthful. Men sometimes use fillers to make their chins and jaw lines look more pronounced, and women often use fillers in their cheeks and lips to create a subtle, youthful glow.

Many people considering cosmetic surgery love that procedures like Botox and dermal fillers are not permanent. This allows men and women who might be worried about their results to try out new procedures without fear. And as the numbers show, most people end up coming back for more treatments down the line.

As with any medical procedure, the most important choice is selecting a plastic surgeon who will provide you with the customized results you’re looking for. No two people are like, so your plastic surgeon should treat you like an individual and take the time to get to know your goals and wishes.

Dr. Niki Christopoulos takes the time to get to know each of her patients. Schedule an initial consultation today to meet with Dr. Christopoulos and discover your options for nonsurgical rejuvenation.

Real Answers from Dr. Niki: June 2015 Edition

in Botox / Dermal Fillers / Non-Surgical Rejuvenation / Non-Surgical Treatments by christopoulosmd June 1, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

I want to address my crow’s feet once and for all. What’s my best option? How often will I need to get treatments?

The first thing to do if you’ve started to notice deepening crow’s feet is to look for the causes. Crow’s feet are most commonly caused by too much sun exposure. Whenever you’re out in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen, and maybe invest in a few hats to protect your delicate facial skin from the sun’s harsh rays.

Crow’s feet are also commonly caused by squinting. The easiest way to keep yourself from squinting is to make sure that your glasses or contact prescription is up-to-date and that you wear sunglasses whenever you are outside on a bright day. Smoking can also contribute to crow’s feet.

Of course, treating your skin right won’t take away the damage that’s already been done. If your crow’s feet make you self-conscious, the easiest way to address the problem is with Botox. Chicago plastic surgeons skilled in Botox injections can help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles around your eyes without taking any surgical steps. Just be sure to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has a lot of experience administering Botox. Every person’s wrinkles are different, so it’s important to choose someone who has a lot of experience providing patients with careful, finely-tuned results.

Botox works by relaxing the muscles underneath the skin. The effects last for about three months, so you’ll need to come back three or four times a year to maintain your results.

Other nonsurgical treatments in Chicago for crow’s feet include laser resurfacing and chemical peels. These can be good options if your crow’s feet are deeply set. Botox will go a long way toward reducing crow’s feet, but sometimes an extra step is needed to provide the results that patients are hoping for.

You may choose to combine crow’s feet treatments with an eye lift in order to obtain the most dramatic results. Our eyes tend to reveal our age more than any other part of our body, so treatments directed at the eye area usually have very beneficial results.

Learn more about the surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for crow’s feet and other cosmetic issues by scheduling a consultation with my office today. I’ll take the time to answer questions you may have about your crow’s feet treatment options and also address any concerns.

What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of My Lower Belly Pooch?

in Liposuction / Tummy Tucks by christopoulosmd May 27, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

What’s the best way to get rid of my lower belly pooch? Ever since I gave birth to my children, I’ve struggled with this area of my body. My abs are flat save for this pooch. Help!

Unfortunately, the problem that you are facing is a very common one. After giving birth, many women find that most of their body rebounds, but the skin around their stomach does not. Particularly after a second or third child, women who had no trouble getting their bodies back after the first few pregnancies often find that their bodies have stopped responding the way they once did.

This is perfectly natural and, again, very common. But if your little pooch is making you feel less confident or less beautiful, there are a number of options that can help you feel like yourself again.

The first option is a mini tummy tuck. In my office in Chicago, tummy tuck procedures have helped quite a few mothers feel rejuvenated following pregnancy. The mini tummy tuck is great because it gets rid of excess skin and leaves you with a tighter abdomen without leaving a significant scar. The mini tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction if necessary to help give you the flat belly you’ve been missing.
If the skin has become quite loose, you may need a full tummy tuck in order to get back your pre-pregnancy body. The main difference between full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck is that a larger incision is needed in order to address the area of concern. The incision is made from the inside of one hip to the inside of the other hip below your panty line so that the scar will not show when you wear a bikini. Over time and with the right care, your scar should fade substantially. For more information on your tummy tuck options and what might be entailed, read our blog Tummy Tucks: Traditional vs. Extended vs. Mini.
If, on the other hand, your skin is actually tight, but you’re dealing with a pooch of hard to get rid of fat underneath your skin, you might want to consider liposuction. With the latest advances in liposuction technology, you can achieve highly customized results that are in line with your particular wishes. Liposuction doesn’t require any major incisions, and the downtime is quite short, which is a big part of why liposuction is so popular in the United States.

If you’re interested in tummy tucks or liposuction in Chicago, contact my office schedule a consultation. I’d be happy to talk to you about all of your options for restoring your body to its pre-mommy peak.

Treating Lesser Known Areas of the Body with Liposuction

in Liposuction by christopoulosmd May 19, 2015December 1, 2021 0 comments

Liposuction in Chicago is one of the most common procedures performed on both men and women. Over the last decade, advances in liposuction have made it possible to contour the body with precision and artful detail. While many people tend to think of liposuction as a way to remove troublesome fat deposits from the stomach, buttocks, or hips, the procedure can actually be used to address a much wider variety of trouble areas which are outlined below.

Liposuction for Men’s Chests

For example, a large number of men utilize liposuction to reduce unwanted fat deposits in their chests. This is a condition known as gynecomastia, and it is particularly common in men over the age of 50, but can develop at any age. The condition can be very disheartening and cause embarrassment in certain types of clothes and in intimate situations. With targeted liposuction, male patients can reshape their chests to match the proportions of the rest of their bodies, creating a more overall toned appearance.

Chin Liposuction

Many men and women also find that a small amount of liposuction under the chin can help them feel more confident and youthful. We all tend to get a bit saggy under the chin as the years go by, but some of us also develop fat deposits in this area which can make us look less fit and healthy than we actually are. In such cases, liposuction is a simple remedy with minimal downtime that can create subtle yet fabulous results.

Liposuction to Treat Cankles

Another problem area that women in particular tend to notice is unwanted fat deposits around the ankles. Commonly referred to as “cankles,” some women find that their calves don’t taper down to their feet in a particularly flattering way, and diet and exercise tend to have little or no affect. Targeted liposuction can help fix this problem and give you legs that look and feel longer and leaner.

If you’re interested in liposuction in Chicago, IL, contact Dr. Christopoulos today to schedule a private consultation. Liposuction is an incredibly effective way for healthy people to take care of troublesome areas that have stopped responding to diet and exercise and the results can not only improve your physical appearance, but also boost your confidence.

Give Mom an Incredible Gift this Mother’s Day

in Botox / Mommy Makeover Surgery / Mommy Makeovers / Non-Surgical Rejuvenation / Non-Surgical Treatments by christopoulosmd May 8, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

If you’re looking for a fun new way to pamper your mom this Mother’s Day, think about giving her the makeover she’s always wanted. Sure, she loved those homemade cards and art projects you gave her when you were a kid, but now that you’re all grown up, you’ve got a better sense of what your mother would really like. Help her feel young and vibrant this Mother’s Day by treating her to the rejuvenating treatments she’s always talked about but never had the guts to get on her own.

A trip to the spa is always a wonderful Mother’s Day gift. You and your mother can get side-by-side facials and massages, or you can step it up a notch with nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments. If you’ve heard your mom talk about Botox or dermal fillers before, chances are she’s just a little too self-conscious or nervous to take the plunge herself. Get her the gift you know she wants by treating her to these wonderful options for looking and feeling more youthful.

One of the best things about nonsurgical treatments like Botox and fillers such as Perlane, Voluma, and Juvederm is that the treatments are highly customizable and nonpermanent. In the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon such as Dr. Niki Christopoulos, you can use Botox to reduce those wrinkles that make you look tired, sad or even angry, while fillers will fill in lost volume that can give a sagging and hollowed look. The right board certified plastic surgeon can create a customized experience that leaves you looking and feeling years younger in minutes.

And don’t forget to treat yourself this Mother’s Day. If you’ve been thinking about a mommy makeover in Chicago, stop thinking and take the time to explore your options. By taking an hour out of your day to talk to a board certified plastic surgeon, you can get all of your questions answered and find out what you can achieve for yourself with a mommy makeover.

If you live in Chicago, mommy makeover surgery or nonsurgical facial treatments might be your ticket to the best Mother’s Day ever. Learn more by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Christopoulos today.

Quitting Smoking Before Plastic Surgery

in Quitting Smoking by christopoulosmd May 1, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

If you’re a smoker, you may have heard that quitting smoking before plastic surgery is important. What you may not realize is that many plastic surgeons, Dr. Christopoulos included, will not perform certain cosmetic surgeries on people who currently smoke or use other nicotine-based products. Beyond the well-known risks to your health, nicotine can actually cause serious complications during plastic surgeries, especially facelifts.

In every type of facelift procedure, your facial tissue is surgically cut, lifted, and repositioned. During this process, blood flow to your facial tissue decreases. This is a standard part of the facelift procedure, and the risks are minimal for healthy patients. However, if you are a smoker, the nicotine in your blood supply constricts your blood vessels even further. This can create a dangerous situation in which your blood vessels tighten so much that your facial tissue dies or becomes seriously scarred.

This complication is related to nicotine, so people who use e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or nicotine patches or gum are also subject to this problem. That’s why it is so important for anyone considering plastic surgery in Chicago to quit their use of nicotine for at least four weeks before and four weeks after any cosmetic surgery.

You may be able to find a Chicago plastic surgeon who is willing to perform a facelift without asking you to quit smoking, but this would be a terrible choice. Any surgeon willing to overlook this possible complication does not have your best interests at heart.

Beyond the risk of surgical complications, it is also important to quit smoking for your overall health and appearance. Many smokers feel like smoking keeps them thin, but it also creates fine lines around the mouth, prematurely aged skin, and can lead to major medical problems, all of which will have a negative effect on your body, mind, and spirit.

If you’re interested in plastic surgery in Chicago and have recently quit smoking, contact Dr. Christopoulos to learn more about how to proceed safely. Dr. Christopoulos can answer all of your questions during a thorough evaluation and help you determine the best path for moving forward with your cosmetic surgery goals in a responsible manner.

What Improvements and Corrections can Rhinoplasty Chicago Really Make?

in Nose Job / Rhinoplasty by christopoulosmd April 27, 2015August 24, 2021 0 comments

Rhinoplasty Chicago Rhinoplasty in Chicago can be used to get your nose back to the way it once looked before an accident or break, or it can be used to correct minor imperfections in your profile. These are the most common reasons for undergoing a rhinoplasty. However, what you may not have realized is that rhinoplasty can also be used to lessen or correct certain medical problems.

Your nose helps define the structure of your face and is an essential component of your appearance. It’s also very important for proper breathing, smelling, and even taste. When choosing a Chicago rhinoplasty surgeon, it’s important to find someone who understands not just the aesthetic issues of your nose but also its intricate internal structure.

A poorly done rhinoplasty procedure can damage the internal structures of the nose, leading to worsened allergies, sinus infections, or trouble breathing. On the other hand, rhinoplasty performed by a Chicago board certified plastic surgeon could help reduce all of these problems in addition to creating a more aesthetically pleasing profile.

The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone structure between your nostrils. In as many as 80% of all people, nasal septums are a bit off center. When the septum gets too far off center or is deviated, it can cause breathing problems or make allergies harder to deal with. In many rhinoplasty procedures, the septum and other internal structures of the nose must be adjusted in order to help the nose function better.

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, can also be used to fix purely aesthetic issues such as a bump in the nose, a nose that is too wide, a nose with a bulbous tip, or a severe nose-lip angle.

Whatever changes you would like to make to your nose, we can’t overemphasize the importance of choosing an experienced and board certified plastic surgeon for the procedure. Even subtle changes to the nose can cause a drastic shift in the overall appearance of your face, so it’s important to understand exactly how your rhinoplasty procedure will affect your sense of self.

It’s also very important to make sure that your procedure turns out exactly the way you want it to. In order to achieve the results you’re hoping for, be sure to choose a Chicago plastic surgeon who will take the time to understand your wishes before beginning your procedure.