Breast Augmentation Archives - Niki Christopoulos, MD FACS

Breast Augmentation– Things To Know

in Breast Augmentation by christopoulosmd October 5, 2015December 1, 2021 0 comments

Breast Augmentation is becoming more and more common with this type of cosmetic surgery becoming one of the fastest growing types of cosmetic surgery. There are two reasons why women would want to undergo this procedure. In 80 % of cases, it is for cosmetic reasons, 20 % are for breast reconstruction after surgery.

There are three questions you need to ask yourself if you’re considering undergoing a breast augmentation procedure.

Why do you want implants?
What do you expect to get from Breast Implant Surgery?
Are you prepared for long term follow up and possibly future surgery and the expense that this will entail should it be required?

You must remember that Breast Augmentation Surgery is a major invasive surgical procedure which is carried out under general anesthetic along with all the normal risks which are undertaken when invasive surgery is conducted.

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There are two types of implants, Natural tissue and Synthetic Implants which are both quite different.

Natural Tissue Implants are normally used for Breast Reconstruction surgery. They are very rarely done for cosmetic reasons. The patients own tissue is used to reconstruct the breast. The tissue comes from either the back or the abdomen. This tissue is then attached to the chest and moulded into a breast shape. The surgeon must carefully remove and re-direct muscles and blood supply in order to keep the new breast healthy. The procedure may also involve nipple re-construction. Ideally, the original nipple will be removed and re-attached to the new breast if it is healthy. If that is not possible, then there are synthetic replacements or nipples could be tattooed.

Synthetic Breast Implants are made of two types which are currently available. Those are either a silicone gel or a saline solution. There have been other types in the past, but they are not used anymore due to health risks. Both the silicone and saline implants are both encased in a silicone shell.

There are certain women who are not normally accepted for cosmetic breast implants. Those who are under 18, pregnant, those who are currently breastfeeding, or if you have only a partially treated cancer or an active infection.

There are some risks to Breast Augmentation Surgery which should be considered very carefully as there is no medical benefit to having Breast Augmentation surgery. The only benefits seem to be that women who have Breast Implants have an increase in confidence and self esteem.

One of those risks is Capsular Contracture. This is where scar tissue naturally forms around the implant this causes the implant to harden.

Another risk is infection. This is a normal risk after any major invasive surgery. This is normally caused by a collection of blood/fluid around the implant. The body can safely absorb a certain amount, but if there is too much, it can cause problems. The usual course of action is to prescribe a course of anti-biotics.

There is also the risk of a rupture although that risk is relatively negligible as modern manufacturing techniques and materials improve. Also, the solution inside the implant is non-toxic. The silicone gel will stay in its original shape, and the saline solution can be absorbed safely into the body.

Breast Augmentation is a more and more common procedure despite past negative publicity over the safety of breast implants. Those implants which were thought to be unsafe are not used anymore. There are studies being conducted to ensure that those women who have these old implants are safe.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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.

Chicago 312.445.9827

Orland Park 708.323.3376

Breast Augmentation