Subtle Tweaks Can Make a Big Difference

Botox ChicagoWhen 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

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?

NonSurgical Treatment in ChicagoThe 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.

Give Mom an Incredible Gift this Mother’s Day

Mommy Makeover ChicagoIf 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.

Enter Your Golden Years with Confidence

As you enter your golden years, you may begin to feel a little bit less than golden. If you’ve started noticing some wrinkles that weren’t there a few years before or a little less perkiness in your skin, rest assured that you have great options for looking your best thanks to the numerous improvements in plastic surgery over the last 20 years. With the expertise of a board certified Chicago plastic surgeon, both surgical and noninvasive procedures can help you feel more confident and more like yourself as you enjoy the freedom and spontaneity of your golden years.

New Study Shows Older Patients Can Undergo Plastic Surgery with Confidence

A new study out of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that you can undergo plastic surgery just as safely as your younger friends. The study, which was completed late last year, found that people over the age of 65 are just as unlikely to suffer from plastic surgery complications as people under the age of 65. Specifically, the rate of complications in people over 65 was 1.94%. The rate among younger patients was 1.84%.

This is great news for both men and women who want to rejuvenate their appearance. Whether you’re looking for a Chicago plastic surgeon to banish crow’s feet, give your breasts a lift, or get rid of that little pooch in your belly, you can feel more like yourself by choosing to explore your cosmetic surgery options.

If you haven’t considered plastic surgery in Chicago because you’re worried about looking overdone or unnatural, take another look at what today’s board certified plastic surgeons have to offer. Advances in plastic surgery procedures over the last two decades have made the results of cosmetic surgery much more natural and appealing. Plus, there are a number of non-surgical treatment options including fillers such as Perlane and Juvederm, as well as wrinkle reducers such as Botox AND DYSPORT. Dr. Christopoulos can guide you through each of your options and help you choose the right procedure or combination of treatments for you.

Whether you want to explore non-surgical rejuvenation options to diminish signs of aging or are ready to get that body makeover you’ve always wanted, it’s a great idea to schedule a consultation with Dr. Niki Christopoulos. She will take the time to listen to your concerns, provide you with treatment options that are tailored to your desired look and address any questions that you may have.

Your Pre-Holiday Non-Surgical Rejuvenation Options

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.