News Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Niki Christopoulos, MD FACS

Quitting Smoking Before Plastic Surgery

in News / Quitting Smoking by christopoulosmd May 1, 2015January 20, 2025 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 News / Nose Job / Rhinoplasty by christopoulosmd April 27, 2015January 20, 2025 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.

Real Answers from Dr. Niki: April 2015 Edition

in Brazilian Butt Lift / Butt Lift / Buttocks Reshaping / News / Real Answers from Dr. Niki by christopoulosmd April 18, 2015January 20, 2025 0 comments

“My butt just isn’t shapely or womanly. It appears kind of flat and disproportionate to my body. Can a butt lift help me”

Brazilian Butt Lift Chicago Do you want a curvier backside? Do you wish you fit better in your clothing, particularly pants and skirts? If you’ve dieted and exercised and still have not achieved the backside that you want, a Brazilian butt lift may just be the solution for you.

As a plastic surgeon in Chicago practicing for numerous years, I’ve witnessed the growing trend of Brazilian butt lifts. This is largely due to the fact that curves are making a big comeback thanks to callipygian celebrities such as the Kardashian sisters and J. Lo.

When we talk about a Brazilian butt lift, we’re generally referring to a surgical procedure known as buttocks reshaping. During a Brazilian butt lift in Chicago, liposuction is performed to remove excess fat from other locations in the body such as the stomach, thighs, flanks, and back and then this fat is carefully purified and re-injected into the buttocks to create a full and voluptuous shape.

Of course, the Brazilian butt lift isn’t right for everyone. However, the great thing about modern plastic surgery is that your surgeon can tailor your procedure specifically to your wishes.

If you’d like to learn more about what this procedure entails, I recommend reading an entry from my blog archive, “What’s Involved with a Brazilian Butt Lift”. If you’re seriously considering this type of procedure, know that you’re not alone. According to NBC, 10,000 butt augmentation surgeries were performed in 2013 which is a staggering number.

To discuss this procedure further and receive answers to any additional questions that you may have, you can schedule an initial consultation. My staff and I will provide you with a fuller understanding of your options and start you down the path toward achieving your personal goals.

Patients Say Plastic Surgery Really is “Worth It”

in News / Plastic Surgery Statistics by christopoulosmd April 10, 2015January 20, 2025 0 comments

Plastic Surgery in Chicago The website RealSelf is full of information about different cosmetic surgery treatments and plastic surgeons. On the site, people have the opportunity to review procedures that they have had and rate whether or not the procedure was “worth it,” in their opinion.

It’s an important question that everyone considering plastic surgery in Chicago should consider. While you may feel like plastic surgery is the right choice for you now, how will you feel once the procedure is done? Many people worry that they will end up regretting the decision or that the cost won’t be worth the results that they are left with.

You may be surprised to discover that of the top three procedures reviewed on RealSelf, all of them received a rating of 93% “worth it” or above. The number one most reviewed procedure is the tummy tuck, which has been rated 97% “worth it.” Next on the list is the Brazilian butt lift, coming in at 93% “worth it.” Finally, breast augmentations are rated as 95% “worth it.” A little further down the list, the mommy makeover is rated as 97% “worth it,” as is breast reduction surgery.

As you continue down the list, the reviews are consistently positive for the most common plastic surgery procedures. Take a few minutes to delve a little deeper into the reviews, and you’ll find that the people who are most satisfied with their procedures are those who found plastic surgeons that paid significant attention to detail, listened carefully to their patients, and helped their patients feel comfortable and at ease.

If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure and wondering if the results will be worth it, talk to a few board certified plastic surgeons in your area and their patients. Look for a plastic surgeon in Chicago who will help you make decisions that are appropriate for your budget and personal goals. You should also look for someone who you feel comfortable talking to openly about your body so that you can achieve the results you truly want.

Do you want to learn more about the most popular cosmetic procedures or about a specific treatment? If so, contact the office of Dr. Christopoulos to arrange your initial consultation. When you speak with Dr. Christopoulos, you’ll have the chance to ask questions that you may have and also receive feedback on what surgical options may be right for you.

Why Do You Need a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Chicago?

in Board Certification / Chicago Plastic Surgeon / News by christopoulosmd April 2, 2015January 20, 2025 0 comments

If you’re looking for a Chicago board certified plastic surgeon, you may be wondering what it actually means for a surgeon to be “board certified.” Is it that important? Does it make much difference whether you go to a plastic surgeon who is or isn’t certified?

The answer to both of these questions is a resounding YES.

When you decide to undergo plastic surgery, the most important decision you will make is who you choose as your plastic surgeon. There seems to be a misconception that cosmetic surgery isn’t actually “real” surgery. Though cosmetic surgery is elective, it still has risks and requires the careful training of a surgeon. Just as you would be selective choosing a heart surgeon, you should also be selective about choosing your plastic surgeon.

To be a board certified plastic surgeon in Chicago, your doctor must meet certain requirements, training, ethical standards, and measures of experience laid out by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A surgeon who isn’t board certified could give you any number of excuses as to why they haven’t received their certification, but none of those excuses really matter. What does matter when you choose a plastic surgeon is finding someone that you can be sure is experienced and has your best interests at heart.

Female Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Helping Patients in Chicago

Dr. Niki Christopoulos is actually double board certified, holding certificates from both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Christopoulos is trained in all aspects of cosmetic surgery, but her expertise lies in helping people achieve the aesthetic results that they want for their face, breasts, and body.

Dr. Christopoulos recognizes that every person is unique. She believes that the goal of cosmetic surgery should be to help people enhance their natural beauty while preserving their individuality.

As one of her patients said, “Dr. Christopoulos was fantastic. She was immediately relaxed and relatable. I was very nervous and she put me at ease and instilled confidence right away. She told me what to expect every step of the way. I am very pleased with the results. She dealt so well with my doctor neurosis that I have gone back to her for several other procedures. She’s the best!” (verified review pulled from realself.com)

Remember, the decision to have plastic surgery is a serious one. Be sure to look for a Chicago plastic surgeon who takes the time to understand what you really want. Look for a surgeon with experience, a great reputation, and most importantly, board certification.

If you have questions about a plastic surgery procedure or would like to meet one-on-one with Dr. Christopoulos to discuss her offerings, schedule your initial consultation today.

The U.S. Isn’t the Only Country Where Plastic Surgery is Popular

in News / Plastic Surgery Statistics by christopoulosmd March 26, 2015January 20, 2025 0 comments

The United States tops the charts when it comes to the popularity of plastic surgery. More procedures are done here than anywhere else in the world, but keep in mind that we’re also one of the biggest, wealthiest countries, and we’re hardly the only country where plastic surgery is popular.

The Independent recently released a list of the ten countries worldwide where plastic surgery is most popular. The list relies on statistics from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). According to ISAPS, more than 23 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in 2013. Plastic surgery is only becoming more popular around the world as procedures improve and results become more and more natural. According to ISAPS, the ten countries performing the most plastic surgery procedures are:

The United States
Brazil
Mexico
Germany
Spain
Columbia
Italy
Venezuela
Argentina
Iran

The most popular cosmetic surgeries worldwide are still breast augmentations. Next on the list are liposuction, eyelid surgery, lipostructure, and rhinoplasty, in that order. According to the article by The Independent, women currently make up 90% of all plastic surgery patients, but the numbers of men showing interest – particularly in nonsurgical procedures – is on the rise. Interestingly, penis enlargement surgery is most popular in Germany. About 3,000 men received the operation in 2013. Venezuela, Spain, and Mexico are next on that list.

Start Feeling More Comfortable with Your Body Today

Of course, America still leads the way when it comes to refining and perfecting plastic surgeries, and some of the very best plastic surgeons are right here in the state of Illinois. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon in Chicago, make sure that they have years of experience, are double board certified, and are willing to take the time and effort to fully understand your cosmetic surgery goals.

Dr. Niki Christopoulos is a Chicago Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has helped countless men and women feel more comfortable in their own bodies. She has a knack for putting anyone interested in plastic surgery at ease and helping them determine the right course of action for their unique physiques. If you’d like to discuss your surgical options, contact Dr. Christopoulos to schedule your one-on-one consultation. You’ll receive information related to procedures that are of interest to you and also have the opportunity to have your questions and concerns addressed by a female plastic surgeon with years of experience.

What’s Involved with a Brazilian Butt Lift?

in Brazilian Butt Lift / Butt Lift / Buttocks Reshaping / News by christopoulosmd March 18, 2015January 20, 2025 0 comments

Brazilian Butt Lift Chicago Curves are back in a big way. Back in the 90s and early 2000s, the only thing that most women wanted to have increased by a plastic surgeon in Chicago was the size of their breasts. But now, people around America are realizing that there is no single way to be beautiful. Women are finally starting to appreciate their unique bodies and aren’t trying to adhere to a single stereotype of beauty. Because of this, plastic surgeons are seeing that some women prefer to stay as trim as possible, whereas others are looking for new ways to enhance their curves.

As a result, we’re seeing a big increase in the Brazilian Butt lift in Chicago. According to NBC, nearly 10,000 buttocks augmentations were performed in 2013. That’s a 16% increase from 2012, and we’d be willing to guess that the numbers went up significantly again last year.

How is a Brazilian Butt Lift Different?

A Brazilian Butt lift is a relatively new method of buttocks reshaping. During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will use liposuction to remove unwanted fat from elsewhere in your body, usually the abdomen. The surgeon will then purify this fat and re-inject into the buttocks, creating a look that is more full and perky. The reinjection is done by hand, which is why it’s so important to have a Chicago Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a lot of experience performing this procedure. The right plastic surgeon will help you achieve results that are both long-lasting and beautiful.

Brazilian butt lifts can take anywhere from 90 minutes to several hours to complete, and following the procedure you won’t be allowed to sit directly on your buttocks for three weeks in order to achieve maximum results. You’ll also need to wear a special compression garment for two weeks following the procedure. Once you’re fully healed, your results should be long-lasting and stay in place even if you lose a bit of weight. Brazilian butt lifts have lower risks and tend to have better results than other buttocks reshaping procedures like butt implants.

Speak with a Chicago Female Plastic Surgeon

Women who are interested in having a Brazilian Butt Lift are encouraged to contact Dr. Niki Christopoulos to arrange an initial consultation. As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopoulos is innately aware of the emphasis women place on their back sides. She understands that you not only want to look your best, but also believes you deserve to look your best, and will serve as your trusted advocate both before surgery and after.

Explore the Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting

in Dermal Fillers / Facial Fat Grafting / News by christopoulosmd March 10, 2015January 20, 2025 0 comments

Facial Fat Grafting Chicago While facial fat grafting doesn’t sound like a very pretty procedure due to its name, the results of this type of non-surgical treatment can be quite beautiful. Facial fat grafting, also referred to as facial fat transfer, is a more permanent method than dermal fillers to restore lost volume in the face, particularly in the cheeks, eye area, lips and jawline.

The small amount of fat in your face makes a big difference in how young and vibrant your facial features look. As we grow older, the natural fat in our faces slowly begins to decrease in volume, causing our features to look more sallow. The loss in volume also makes room for loosening skin to wrinkle and sag.

What facial fat grafting does is take small fat deposits from elsewhere in your body, usually the outer thighs or abdomen, and use that fat to restore the lost volume in your face. The results are suppler skin, rounder cheeks, and more youthful eyes. While fat grafting does not reduce fine lines, it can help improve their look and reduce wrinkles. Think of fat transfer as an alternative to dermal fillers, which can achieve similar results, but for a shorter period of time.

Finding the Right Chicago Plastic Surgeon for You

The shape of your face can change rather significantly over the course of your life. Many women find that they like the shape of their face the best in their early 30s. Whether you want to get your facial features back to where they once were or give yourself the supple features you never quite had, the most important choice to make when undergoing a facial fat transfer is choosing the right plastic surgeon.

Facial fat grafting is a procedure that is done by hand and requires the artful eye of a Chicago Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can help you achieve results that look natural and beautiful. Dr. Niki Christopoulos has been helping men and women enjoy the benefits of facial fat transfer for numerous years. If you’d like to learn more about this nonsurgical rejuvenation option, contact Dr. Christopoulos’ office to arrange your initial consultation. During your time with Dr. Christopoulos, she’ll tell you more about the procedure and answer any questions that you may have.

Droopy Eyes? Eyelid Surgery May Be the Answer for You

in Blepharoplasty / Eyelid Surgery / News by christopoulosmd March 2, 2015January 20, 2025 0 comments

Eyelid Surgery Chicago As we get older, the eyes are usually first to show signs of aging. Extra saggy skin can appear and fatty deposits can develop in our eyelids, causing our eyes to look puffy or droopy. In some cases, droopy eyelids can even impair your vision. If your eyelids have begun to sag and are making you feel and look not quite like yourself, eyelid surgery in Chicago may be the right choice for you. Blepharoplasty is the clinical name for eyelid surgery. It can be done on either the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid or both to help rejuvenate your appearance in a number of different ways.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Cosmetic surgery on the upper eyelids can help make your eyes look brighter, wider, and more youthful. It can be used to treat loose or sagging skin that disrupts the natural contour of your upper eyelid. In some cases, upper eyelid skin can become so loose that it impairs your vision, and eyelid surgery can correct that problem. Upper eyelid surgery can also be used to remove excess fatty deposits that give the appearance of puffiness from the upper lids.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery can be performed in tandem with upper eyelid surgery or on its own. It is usually used to treat bags under the eyes and/or the excess skin and fine wrinkles that can develop on the lower eyelid. Lower eyelid surgery can also help correct drooping lower eyelids that reveal the whites of your eyes below your irises. (Note: Lower eyelid surgery does not diminish dark circles under the eyes.)

What to Expect From Your Eyelid Surgery

No two eyelid surgeries are exactly the same. Your Chicago plastic surgeon, Dr. Niki Christopoulos, will do a careful evaluation of your bone structure, muscle structure, and your skin. She will check the symmetry of your eyebrows, the tautness of your forehead, and will carefully determine how best to proceed. During upper eyelid surgery, your Dr. Christopoulos will use an incision hidden in the natural fold of your upper eyelid to remove unwanted skin or fat. In lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Christopoulos expertly hides the incision inside the lower eyelid, or alternatively a small incision is made just below the lower lashes.

You’ll need some time to recover from your eyelid surgery, and you may experience some bruising and swelling following the procedure. Once your face has time to heal, you will be left with a more youthful expression to greet the world with.

Time Committed to Your Mommy Makeover Surgery

in Mommy Makeover Surgery / Mommy Makeovers / News by christopoulosmd February 25, 2015January 20, 2025 0 comments

You love your kids more than anything in the world, but you’re not a big fan of what bringing them into this world has done to your body. If you’re like most women, you’ve probably toyed with the idea of getting a mommy makeover. Mommy makeover surgery can be completed in a matter of hours, but it’s going to take a lot longer for you to recover completely. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the time you can expect to commit:

Choosing a Chicago Board Certified Plastic Surgeon – Roughly One Week

Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make with regard to your mommy makeover. Take the time to read reviews and talk to friends who have already gone through the procedure. Make sure that your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), then schedule a consultation to get to know them better. You want to not only feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon that you choose, but also have full confidence in his or her experience.

Initial Consultation – One to Two Hours

During your initial consultation you’ll discuss the issues you’re having with your body and what you would like to achieve with your mommy makeover. Generally, a mommy makeover can include a breast augmentation or breast lift, a tummy tuck, liposuction, minimizing your stretch marks, or a combination of treatments. This appointment will last for as long as it takes to figure out exactly what you want from your mommy makeover.

Final Consultation – One Hour

You may also schedule a follow-up consultation before your surgery to make sure that you and your surgeon are on the same page. In some cases, this happens immediately before your scheduled procedure.

The Actual Surgery – 4 to 6 Hours

The length of your surgery itself will depend on the treatment options you and your plastic surgeon have decided upon. In most cases, all of your mommy makeover procedures can be completed at one time, which helps minimize your recovery period. Remember that you’ll need to find someone to drive you home post-surgery because you won’t be able to drive yourself.

Waking Up from your Anesthesia – 2 to 3 Hours

Once your procedure is done, it will take about 2 to 3 hours for your anesthetic to wear off. Your plastic surgeon may keep you in the recovery room for one or two extra hours to make sure that you are recovering well and ready to go home.

Initial Recovery – 2 to 3 days

The first few days after your surgery, you’re going to be taking medication every few hours to help minimize your pain. Physically, you’ll be limited, so you’ll need to find someone who can look after your kids for you during these first few days.

Continuing Recovery – 2 to 3 weeks

For the next few weeks, you’ll be weaning yourself off of your medication and slowly starting to feel like yourself again. It’s definitely a good idea to have some extra help with your kids during this time, and if you can, take time off from work.

Long Term Recovery and Follow-Up Appointments – 2 to 3 Months

Over the next few months, your scars will begin to heal and you will start to feel better and better. Remember to take it easy over this time if you can and ease back into your workout and daily life routines. You’ll also need to schedule a few follow-up appointments with your Chicago plastic surgeon to make sure that you’re healing properly.