Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Giving birth often results in body changes that may adversely affect the body image
of the new mother. Unlike decades ago, when women had to deal with post-partum
figure changes, today there are several exciting options in cosmetic surgery to help
you get back your pre-pregnancy body. For today's busy new mother anxious to be at
home with her baby, many plastic surgery procedures can be done on an outpatient
basis, which means less time away from the family.

Many new mothers worry that breastfeeding may alter the shape of their breasts. Milk
glands in the breasts swell and replace fatty tissue, and after childbirth, the milk
glands shrink causing the breasts to sag. Plastic surgery offers natural-looking
implants that give your breasts a youthful contour, and breast augmentation can be
done on an outpatient basis; stitches are typically absorbable in most instances.
A breast lift (mastopexy) can reduce breast sagging by removing excess skin. Using
local or general anesthesia, Dr. Placik will tighten the skin on the lower half of
the breasts, lifting and firming them.

Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are popular post-childbirth. Pregnancy can result in
laxity of the abdominal muscles causing an unsightly bulge as well as undesirable
collections of fatty tissue, and loose skin. This is made worse by stretch marks and
C-section scars which usually linger long after childbirth, so stomach tightening
procedures may be what you are looking for to remove the excess skin below your
navel.

Liposuction is the most commonly-requested cosmetic procedure after pregnancy. Many new mothers complain that they just cannot lose the fat in areas such as the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. Your plastic surgeon can remove fat deposits that contribute to the flabbiness in those troublesome areas.

A labiaplasty can repair the damage done to the labia that often occurs during a
normal vaginal delivery. Your plastic surgeon may perform this procedure as
outpatient and will use either local or general anesthesia. Recovery only takes a
few days, typically.

There are many options available now to new mothers who want to regain or even
improve their pre-pregnancy figure. We will discuss these options with you, and
together we can decide which options are best for you.

To learn more about the cosmetic surgery options available to you after pregnancy,
please call or email the office of Chicago Plastic Surgeon Otto J. Placik, M.D.

Rhinoplasty, surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the nose, change the shape of the tip or bridge of the nose, narrow the nostril span, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. Rhinoplasty can also correct birth defects and help relieve breathing problems.

Many men and women seek nose surgery to enhance their appearance and self-confidence. Before having any kind of plastic surgery, all of your options will be explained and discussed thoroughly with you. We will help you decide which option may be right for you.

When rhinoplasty is performed by a competent and experienced cosmetic surgeon, complications are rare and usually minor. But, as with any surgery, there is always the chance for a complication to occur. With nose surgery, complications may include bleeding, infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. Following our instructions to the letter both before and after surgery will greatly reduce your chances of developing complications.

After rhinoplasty, tiny burst blood vessels may appear as red spots on the surface of your skin. They can be permanent but are very tiny. When rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring at all. In very rare instances, a second procedure may be necessary to correct a minor deformity; the second corrective procedure is usually minor.

Typically, during your first visit to our office to discuss rhinoplasty, Dr. Placik will look at your nose and evaluate the structure of your nose and face. He will listen to your description of what changes you'd like to make and then explain to you the factors that can influence both the procedure and the results of the procedure. These factors include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, face shape, skin thickness, and your age.

Once a decision regarding rhinoplasty is made, we will explain the procedure to you including what type of anesthesia will be necessary. The risks and costs will also be explained to you before any decision is made.
If you would like to learn more about your cosmetic surgery options in Chicago and surrounding areas, please call or email to schedule your initial consultation with Cosmetic Surgeon Otto J. Placik, M.D.

Botox is the shortened name given to Botulinum Toxin Injections used in conditions of excessive and inappropriate muscle contraction, musclespasticity, eye-movement disorders, tics and tremors, and to cosmetically treat facial lines and wrinkles. Botox has also been explored in the treatment of chronic muscle tension and migraine headaches. Botox has been approved for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in people age 18-65.

Botox can also be utilized to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of the palms, soles, armpits, and other problem areas.

Botulinum toxin is produced from the bacterium that causes food poisoning so high doses of it can be fatal; however, doses administered by a physician therapeutically are so small that harmful effects are highly uncommon.

Botox injections are the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in the industry,according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Botox is more popular than breast enhancement surgery and is regarded by some as the key to eliminating wrinkles on the face.

The Procedure

A solution of Botox is injected into the muscle by Dr. Placik. The toxin is taken up by nerve endings at the junction between nerve and muscle. Once inside the cell, the toxin delivers a protein; the job of this protein is to help the nerve release a neurotransmitter which stimulates the muscle to contract. When Botox divides the protein, the nerve cannot release the neurotransmitter, and the muscle cannot contract as forcefully. Botox effects are typically felt several days after the injection and reach their peak within two weeks usually. The effects gradually fade over the next 2-3months. Re-injection is usually necessary for continued muscle relaxationafter the effects fade.

Botox injections can cause mild flu-like symptoms for several days after your injection, and injection of too much Botox can cause extreme weakness.Some patients have reported blurred vision and dry mouth following injections.

If you would like to learn more about how Botox can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles or to have a Botox Cosmetic treatment, please call or email Otto J. Placik, M.D. serving patients in Chicago and surrounding areas. Click here for more information about other non-surgical procedures.