Chicago Plastic Surgeon

How Can I Tell if My Implants Are Ruptured or Leaking?

2008-06-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

Breast implants are well-designed with thick silicone shells designed to prevent leaking and rupture, but sometimes they do rupture or leak, whether as a result of sudden trauma, as during an automobile accident, as a result of the expected degradation of the materials, or even as a result of manufacturing anomalies resulting in premature failure of the shell. The signs of rupture are different depending on whether you have silicone or saline implants.

Saline is salt water, and if your implant leaks or ruptures, the body will absorb it. This means that if your saline implant leaks, your breast will visibly deflate. The rate of deflation depends on the rate of leakage, but if your saline breast implant begins to shrink, see Dr. Placik immediately to have the implant evaluated.

The silicone gel that fills the implant is a different form of the same material that makes up the shell. It is a biocompatible material, meaning that there are no known health effects associated with your body's exposure to it. However, it is not absorbable, like saline, so if your silicone implant ruptures, your breast will not deflate. Instead, the silicone will accumulate in the scar capsule your body develops around the implant. Sometimes, either you or Dr. Placik will notice the difference, but in many cases the only way to detect a ruptured silicone implant is with the use of an MRI, which is why regular MRIs are recommended for women with silicone implants.

If you suspect your implants have ruptured, there is no reason for panic, but you should arrange an appointment with Dr. Placik to have your implants evaluated to maintain their appearance.

Nipple Reduction for Men

2008-06-26T14:21:00.001-05:00

Why do men have nipples? The basic reason is familiar to anyone who has seen or read Jurassic Park: all vertebrate embryos are female to begin with, requiring certain hormones at certain stages to transform them into males. In addition, nature is frugal, so it requires a good reason for men to not have nipples before natural selection would lead to their absence, even if the nipples are largely cosmetic and nonfunctional.

Although there is no evolutionarily-sufficient reason for men to not have nipples, there are rigid social standards about what is acceptable for men's nipples. Essentially, breasts are one of the main components of sexual dimorphism, and society has taken its cues from nature in this area. Men's breasts should not look like women's breasts, either in terms of size or shape or the presence of pronounced nipples with large, colored areolas. If your breasts are enlarged as a result of Gynecomastia, you can receive treatment, and the same is true if your nipples are enlarged.

If you are embarrassed to take your shirt off, either in front of women or other men as a result of your enlarged nipples, you need not worry any more. Whether your nipples are too long or too wide, or if you have large, pronounced areolas, nipple reduction can make your chest appear more masculine.

To learn more about nipple reduction, contact Dr. Placik today for a consultation.

Will breast implants interfere with annual mammograms?

2008-06-03T17:21:00.001-05:00

Many women are concerned that getting new breast implants will interfere with effective mammogram imaging. These concerns are not completely unfounded, as some types of breast implants can cause difficulties in imaging as they obstruct view of the natural breast tissue. Additionally, implants can sometimes cause scarring or other abnormalities that can be difficult to distinguish from cancerous growths. As such, your breast implants may increase your chances of receiving abnormal results that could require minor exploratory surgery.

In most cases, however, an experienced mammography technician can get accurate mammogram results in patients with breast implants.

The relative difficulty of mammography also depends on your specific type and placement of breast implant. Generally speaking, the deeper the implant is placed in the body, the easier it is for your mammographer to view the natural breast tissue for abnormalities. In many cases, your radiologist may take more images if you have breast implants, to ensure a clear, complete, unobstructed picture of your breast tissue.

In any case, we recommend that you receive a mammogram prior to any breast implantation procedure if recommended by recognized guidleines (generally after 35 years) to establish a baseline for your imaging; continue regular mammograms with an experienced radiologist who has experience with breast implants after your breast augmentation.

To learn more about your plastic surgery options if you live in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto J. Placik today to schedule your confidential consultation.

Do breast implants have an expiration date?

2008-05-28T16:40:00.000-05:00

Breast implants currently in use do not have expiration dates after being surgically inserted. However, this doesn't mean that they last forever. In many cases, breast implants will have to be removed or replaced at some point. The average lifespan of a breast implant, according to the Institute of Medicine is 16 years, although many implants last significantly longer than that.

As with any device, over time, both saline and silicone breast implants wear down, which can cause leakage of the implant material. Depending on the specific type of implant you have, and other individual factors, this can occur sooner or later, but if left intact long enough, your implants will eventually degrade and have to be removed.

A very small percentage of breast implants—less than 3% in all categories—will have to be removed within three years of the breast augmentation procedure. This is usually a result of underfilling the implant, which can create greater friction inside the body and result in early degradation of the implant walls.

This does not mean that every woman with breast implants will have to have them removed, however. Many implants remain intact and safe long enough that they do not require removal. In the case of saline implants, even a degraded and leaking breast implant will not necessarily have to be removed unless the patient chooses to for cosmetic reasons, as saline leaks have not been shown to cause any serious health risks.

To learn more about your plastic surgery options if you live in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto J. Placik today to schedule your confidential consultation.

Can breast implants prevent or cause cancer?

2008-05-27T11:33:00.000-05:00

While rumors have been swirling about links between breast implants and cancer for years, extensive studies have failed to show any compelling evidence that modern breast implants play any role in either causing or preventing cancer.

Some recent studies have seemed to show correlation between some types of silicone breast implants and certain types of cancer. In particular, women with silicone breast implants were shown to have up to 21% greater risk of lung cancers than women without implants. These results, however, do not necessarily show a clear correlation between breast implants and cancer.

By the same token, there has been little medical evidence that breast implants prevent cancer, either. Some early studies that evaluated risks of breast cancer did show 50 to 60% lower rates of breast cancer in women who had breast implants. However, these studies were limited, and did not include enough detailed data or long-term follow-up to reach any reliable conclusions that implants actually prevent cancer.

We suggest that every woman considering breast implants carefully evaluate her situation and individual risk factors before reaching a decision. While we do not believe there is cause for excess alarm regarding links between breast implants and cancer, we cannot rule out a correlation without further studies.

To learn more about your plastic surgery options if you live in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto J. Placik today to schedule your confidential consultation.

How much surgery is too much surgery?

2008-05-23T10:31:00.001-05:00

We've all seen pictures of celebrities and others who have had so much plastic surgery that they've become almost unrecognizable, and many plastic surgery patients wonder how someone can do this to themselves.

Do people change their appearance so gradually that they don't notice when they've gone overboard? Is there some kind of real compulsion that causes people to undergo excessive plastic surgery?

Whatever the root cause is, most cases of excessive modification involve a distorted self image. An ethical plastic surgeon will always screen his or her patients for problems such as this before agreeing to a surgical procedure, as patients with self-image or other mental health problems often find that plastic surgery not only doesn't help their underlying problems, but often can make them worse.

It's important to remember, however, that most people who choose plastic surgery don't go overboard. We only notice the cases that do because they are, frankly, so noticeable. Most plastic surgery patrons undergo one or maybe two procedures to boost their self-confidence and make some subtle improvements on their appearance.

To learn more about your plastic surgery options if you live in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto J. Placik today to schedule your confidential consultation.

Is Giving Plastic Surgery an Appropriate Gift?

2008-04-30T17:10:00.000-05:00

More and more people today are gifting their spouses or children with plastic surgery. Teen girls who are teased unmercilessly about their breast size, women who just can’t lose that stubborn fat around their midsection, even children with oversized ears can all benefit from the services provided by an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon such as Illinois’ Dr. Otto J. Placik. What could be a better gift than the gift of self-esteem and renewed joy in life? Plastic surgery can be a great gift for those who want it and have reasonable expectations about the outcome. If your loved one has talked about or requested a cosmetic procedure to improve his or her appearance, please contact us to learn more about your options.

What Age is Too Young For Breast Surgery?

2008-04-18T17:04:00.000-05:00

There is no minimum age for breast surgery when performed for reconstructive purposes to correct a congenital deformity such as Poland’s Syndrome. The FDA generally advises that cosmetic breast augmentation be deferred until 18 years of age. As of November 16, 2006, the FDA cautioned that silicone implants be reserved for use in patients 22 years and older.

Many teenagers nowadays are choosing breast augmentation, with the advice and approval of their parents, to stifle cruel teasing, “fill out” that bikini, and feel better about themselves. Of course, a teen’s decision to have breast surgery must be made in consultation with an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon such as Otto J. Placik, M.D.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 350,000 adolescents underwent plastic surgery or another type of cosmetic procedure in the past year. Breast augmentation was not only one of the most popular surgeries, but one that offered the most patient satisfaction.

To learn more about breast augmentation in teens, please contact Dr. Placik’s office today to schedule your initial appointment.

Is Breast Augmentation on Obese Patients Safe?

2008-04-10T17:02:00.000-05:00

All surgery poses some risks. However, in the hands of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, breast augmentation surgery on obese patients can be a safe and effective part of an overall body sculpting procedure, or even just as an individual procedure to provide a more pleasing body proportion. Dr. Otto J. Placik will discuss with you any risks your weight may pose to your surgery before deciding how best to proceed. Because your health is our top priority, we will tailor your breast augmentation to your needs and help you come up with an overall plan to achieve a healthier, more beautiful you. Don’t let anyone tell you don’t deserve it. Breast augmentation in obese patients can be that first, crucial step towards gaining self-esteem and developing a healthier lifestyle.

Does Breast Enhancement Surgery Make Bra Shopping Easier?

2008-03-31T16:08:00.001-05:00

The first thing most people want to do as soon as they’ve gotten breast enhancement surgery is go out and buy a new bra. But you must be patient. As your breasts heal, they will change and grow. You will probably wear a larger bra in the long run. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least three months until you go shopping for that perfect bra.

So, does breast enhancement surgery make bra shopping easier? Many people with breast implants would say no. While it is exciting to be able to shop for a bra that you would have never fit into before, breast implants are a different shape than natural breasts. They are higher and rounder and stick out more.

For this reason, some feel that traditional bras are uncomfortable if you’ve underwent breast enhancement surgery.

But there’s good news. In the summer of 2007, a new line of bras designed by American plastic surgeon, Dr. David Brothers, hit the British market. This bra – the Le Mystère No.9 — was inspired by Brothers’ patients who complained about not being able to find a bra after cosmetic surgery.

The “boob job” bra’s underwire is a full semi-circle shape to more comfortably fit the narrow base of the augmented breast, rather than the oval-shape underwire found in traditional bras. This new bra is good news for the 2 million-plus women in the United States who currently have breast implants.

Dr. Otto Placik performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. If you are thinking about enhancing your appearance and permanently improving your self-confidence, please contact our office today.

Do women reclaim their pre-pregnancy figures by getting breast augmentation?

2008-03-31T16:03:00.000-05:00

While every child is a little miracle, what they do to your body is miraculous in a different, more frustrating way. Because you breasts grew during pregnancy, after childbirth they begin to shrink and sag.

The female sex appeal lies in the curvy figure. When you start losing that curve, or when things start heading south, you may feel less attractive and self-confident.

You may want to regain your pride with appealing figure you had once. Dr. Placik offers several breast augmentation procedures to make this possible. He can help you reclaim your sexy shape through the body contouring procedure(s) that best meets your needs.

With a breast lift, he can raise and re-contour sagging breasts and restore the volume that was lost after childbirth

With breast enlargement surgery, Dr. Placik can increase the size of your breast while making them uniform, perky and voluptuous.

With breast reduction surgery, he can make large breasts smaller and fix sagging, drooping nipples for a firmer, tighter look and a more comfortable feel.

Serving residents of the Chicago area, Dr. Otto Placik performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. If you are thinking about enhancing your appearance and permanently improving your self-confidence, please contact our office today.

Looking Great, Feeling Great: The Effect of Plastic Surgery

2008-03-26T14:44:00.001-05:00

Throughout the past several years, plastic surgery has seen an unprecedented increase in popularity. Modern technological advancements have led to:

Quicker surgeries
Reduced complications and side effects
Speedier recoveries
A higher level of patient satisfaction

For these reasons, more and more people are feeling confident with moving forward and changing things about their bodies that have always bothered them.

Plastic surgery procedures have both physical and emotional benefits. Whether you choose to have surgery on your face, breasts, hips or thighs, the goal is contour your body in an attractive, natural way. The first thing you’ll notice after plastic surgery is that your body seems more proportional or balanced. This elevates your sex appeal and consequently, your self-esteem.

You may find that people are more interested in listening to what you have to say. Members of the opposite sex pay your more attention. You may notice that your personal and professional lives improve dramatically.

Aging and sun-exposure can also take it toll on both men and women. Facial rejuvenation procedures can restore youthful looking skin, replenish your vitality and give you confidence you need to succeed in today’s ultra-competitive world.

Dr. Otto Placik in Chicago, Illinois performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. If you are thinking about enhancing your appearance and permanently improving your self-confidence, please contact our office today.

Breast Implant Surgery Triples Among Teens

2008-03-24T17:52:00.003-05:00

Breast implants are replacing convertibles as popular high school graduation gifts.

From 2002 to 2003, the amount of girls ages 18 and younger who receive breast enhancement surgery nearly tripled; from 3,872 to 11,326, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Some industry experts speculate that reality TV shows are driving the demand for “boob jobs” and other cosmetic surgical procedures.

Shows like, “I Want a Famous Face,” and “Extreme Makeover,” have piques the interest and curiosity of teenage girls across the nation. As these young ladies realize that it’s not only acceptable but encouraged to alter their bodies, more and more are anxious to forever change their appearances. Today’s teenagers watch in admiration as their famous celebrities undergo surgery with the same ease as they changeover their wardrobes.

As it stands today, there is no law prohibiting surgeons from performing breast implant surgery on anyone younger than age 18. Some surgeons, however, are unwilling to perform the procedure because not all women are fully developed at this age.

Critics argue that today’s young ladies too young to understand the permanent affects of surgery, including the risks associated and long-term maintenance.

Dr. Otto Placik in Chicago performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. If you are thinking about enhancing your appearance and permanently improving your self-confidence, please contact our office today.

Will Breast Implants Interfere with Mammograms?

2008-01-31T16:29:00.000-06:00

Yes, that potential is there. The implant may obscure a tumor so that it won’t be visible on the mammogram. But there are some ways around this problem.

Some mammogram facilities have radiologists experienced in giving mammograms to women with breast implants. The procedure may be changed slightly, pushing the implant back out of the way, to make accurate reading of the images more certain. Extra views are taken also, to make it more likely any early cancer will be detected.

Many studies have been done on implants and mammograms, and so far it seems that:

There is no evidence that implants cause breast cancer
There is no evidence that any delays in diagnosing cancer because of a breast implant have significantly increased deaths
If there is capsular contracture (tightening of the capsule around the implant), it is very difficult to do a mammogram, as the breast can’t be compressed

Implant placement
If the implant is placed entirely below the muscle, mammograms are more effective. If it is entirely above the muscle, it will interfere more with mammograms. Placement partially under the muscle falls in between these two scenarios.

Is Giving Cosmetic Surgery an Appropriate Gift?

2008-01-29T16:27:00.000-06:00

Why not? We give Starbucks cards, spa procedures like pedicures and manicures, massages and store coupons. There’s a nice open-endedness to such gifts. They can be used at the recipient’s convenience, and are often things that the person would not get around to giving to themselves.

However, one factor would be: who are you giving the cosmetic surgery to? It would have to be a person with a positive view of cosmetic surgery, and someone who would not be offended at the implication that their appearance needs improvement.

Another factor would be the financial amount of the gift. Some cosmetic surgery can be quite expensive. Giving a great deal of money to someone needs to be done carefully, so as not to embarrass the person.

It would be important not to make inappropriate decisions for the recipient. In other words, it’s nicer to give choice as part of the gift. You could give a check or debit card to be used towards the cost of whichever cosmetic surgery the recipient would like to have. If you specified that the check or debit card was to be used for a tummy tuck, for example, you might make the person even more embarrassed about their body shape and be putting them under an obligation rather than giving them a gift.

With careful thought and tactfulness, cosmetic surgery could be an exciting and gratifying gift.

Risks of Smoking and Cosmetic Surgery

2008-01-21T16:25:00.000-06:00

Smoking causes premature aging and impairs healing:

It uses up a lot of vitamin C, about 35 mg for each cigarette. Vitamin C, among other things it does for us, helps preserve the skin’s collagen. Collagen supports the skin, keeping it smooth and plump-looking. It slowly breaks down as we age, but cigarette smoking speeds that break-down, giving us wrinkles and fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth.
With each drag on a cigarette, a person typically screws the eyes shut to some extent, and purses the mouth. This contracts the muscles in these areas, encouraging earlier wrinkles.
The carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke displaces oxygen because the blood absorbs it about 200 times faster than it absorbs oxygen. This starves the entire body of the refreshment that oxygen brings. The skin becomes yellowish-gray and the lips lose their color. Recovery from wounds is impaired.

The good effects of any facial enhancements procedures, such as facelifts, laser skin resurfacing, or dermabrasion would be undone by the negative effects of smoking. There would be no benefit to having them done.

If you have cosmetic surgery done and continue to smoke, you will be retarding your own recovery. Smoking constricts blood vessels as well as adding toxins to the blood. The body needs all the oxygen it can get for a successful recovery from surgery. The skin will not heal well, and perhaps not even heal at all, if you continue to dose it up with toxins. Good incision healing is especially important in procedures that involve skin flaps, such as a tummy tuck.

This is why any experienced and reputable cosmetic surgeon will ask you to stop smoking several weeks before your surgery, and refrain from smoking for several weeks afterwards. This will allow the blood to carry more oxygen to all the organs and give your body a better chance to recover well.

Going to Mexico for Plastic Surgery? THINK AGAIN!

2008-01-06T12:15:00.000-06:00

In this brief report, the potential adverse consequences of traveling to Mexico for cheap plastic surgery are brought to light.

Many of the promoted facilities, use unlicensed or inexperienced individuals who may not even be physicians to deliver the services. In this report, one "physician" was really a STRIPPER and another was an ACCOUNTANT!

If you are seeking, affordable plastic surgery in a foreign land, beware!

Please read on:
http://www.psp-interactive.com/eReport/2008-01-04_03.asp

Out with the Old, In with the New!

2008-01-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

As we start a New Year, we have an opportunity to review our experiences over the past year and look back on trends and make proposals for the future. Data from our society, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), indicates that minimally invasive cosmetic procedures jumped 8 percent to more than 9.1 million procedures in 2006. The top five minimally invasive procedures were Botulinum Toxin Type A (4.1 million), chemical peel (1.1 million) and hyaluronic acid fillers (778,000).

Body shaping procedures are among the fastest-growing procedures and are predicted to grow at an annual rate of 17.6 percent to almost 32 million by 2010, according to a 2006 report by Medical Insight. In 2005, 69 percent of these procedures were attributed to liposuction treatments.

Please contact Dr. Placik’s office to schedule your initial consultation and get started on the road to your new and improved look!

What should I know about my surgery?

2007-12-14T11:52:00.000-06:00

Plastic surgery, like any other surgical procedure, is an invasive treatment. This means incisions in the body are involved. Anyone considering this type of treatment must above all else be in good general health. Also, a well-informed patient is a safe and happy patient. You are considering making permanent changes to your body's physical appearance. Shouldn't you put forth every effort to research your potential surgeon's history as well as the types of procedures you are considering? At bodysculptor.com, we pride ourselves on a well-informed and satisfied client base. I meet with each potential patient personally to be sure they have a full understanding of the risks, requirements and processes involved in any surgical procedure they are considering. I will answer any question you have honestly and to the best of my ability, to ensure that you fully understand every procedure you are considering, from preparation through recovery. I also feel it is imperative that my patients have confidence and trust in my skill and service to them.

TV Doctors Are Not Always Board Certified

2007-11-18T21:03:00.000-06:00

The recent tragic demise of Donda West has focused attention on the credentials of her surgeon, Jan Adams. Many had thought that Dr. Jan Adams' qualifications as a plastic surgeon were impeccable because of his appearances on Oprah and the Discovery Channel. However, being on these popular TV shows does not necessarily indicate that the physicians are the most qualified or have earned the highest degrees. Although both Dr. Robert Rey and Dr. Adams are featured on TV, neither are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

REALITY CHECK: All surgery (regardless of any preventions taken) involves risk

While seeking the services of a board certified plastic surgeon, does not guarantee the patient of a safe procedure, a board certified plastic surgeon and their practice must answer to a higher authority and a greater degree of scrutiny. For example, board certified plastic surgeons must operate on patients under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility whereas other physicians are not obligated to do so.

A SIMPLE ANALOGY: Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon is similar to buying a piece of electrical equipment with the UL or CE seal of approval. It does not warranty a perfect outcome but it does offer a measure of reassurance.

Learn more from the links below:

Fox News Channel Video

TMZ.com Video

Mommy Makeovers

2007-11-12T14:58:00.000-06:00

Women tend to devote so much of their time and energy to their families that you may lose yourself along the way. With the hustle and bustle of everyday running around, going to practices, sports events, and school functions, mommies tend to not pay much attention to their own medical and aesthetic well being. In the rush of your day, how much time do you actually spend taking care of your own needs?

Few things in life are as rewarding as creating a family. For mothers, however, having children takes a toll on their bodies. Women can take comfort in knowing that it is now possible to turn back the clock on these physical changes through cosmetic surgery. Increasing numbers of women are seeking what is called a Mommy Makeover from their plastic surgeons when they are finished having children.

Very few women come away from pregnancy and childbirth to have their bodies bounce right back to their pre-baby figures. It is much more common that different areas of your body have reshaped themselves or shifted their locations. There is help available through the wonder of cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Otto J. Placik, Chicago cosmetic surgeon, offers a Mommy Makeover to his female patients.

What is Involved In a Mommy Makeover?

Breast augmentation restore shape and contour to your breasts.
Breast lifts can lift your breasts back to their original position before you became pregnant.
A tummy tuck removes excess belly fat, tightens those abdominal muscles, and restores the overall contour of your abdomen and waist.
Liposuction will remove excess fat from arms, tummy, and thighs that won’t go away with regular exercise.

There are many options available to you if you want to get rid of unsightly extra skin and fat now that your child is born and you have finished breast feeding. Consult Dr. Placik to decide which procedure or procedures will be best for your individual needs.

For many women, cosmetic surgery is a well-deserved reward after the physical and emotional challenges of motherhood. Mommy makeovers restore a woman’s body to its former glory, but it is important to choose a surgeon carefully. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Otto Placik can give you the top-to-bottom makeover you deserve.

Please contact Dr. Placik’s office to schedule your initial consultation and get started on the road to your new and improved body today.

Plastic Surgery Options After Pregnancy

2007-11-07T11:06:00.000-06:00

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.

The "Non-Surgical" Rhinoplasty (Nosejob)

2007-11-07T10:11:00.000-06:00

There has been alot of media attention to the non-surgical nose job (rhinoplasty) or eye lift (blepharoplasty). This is nothing really new but just a novel way of marketing a long understood concept or procedure.

What can it achieve:

Correction of natural depressions of the nasal bridge giving the illusion of eliminating or minimizing a hump from the side view
Correction of depressions along one side of the nose correcting the appearance of a curved nose to a more straight contour from the front view.
Elevation of irregularities caused by trauma, surgery, or other causes.

What it can't achieve:

Dramatic changes in nasal contour such as reducing the size of the nasal tip or a prominent hump
Correction o f sagging tip
Correction of functional breathing problems or a "deviated septum"

How is it done? This is a simple office procedure typically using a local anesthetic followed by injection of one of several filler materials. The choice of material may depend on several factors and will be discussed in the course of your consultation. Fees typically run from as little as $350 up to $2000. Results do vary.

If you would like to learn more or to find out if you are a good candidate for a non-surgical rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty please call or email Otto J. Placik, M.D. serving patients in Chicago and the surrounding areas of Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, or Northwest Indiana.

Silicone Implants Do Not Cause Cancer: New Study Suggests.

2007-11-04T10:10:00.000-06:00

In a recent issue of the Annals of Plastic Surgery, a study supports no link between silicone gel-filled implants and breast cancer or other cancers.

This is one more report supporting the safety of silicone gel-filled breast augmentation and will put to rest one of the many fears that had been inappropriately raised by silicone gel opponents. Women who have and are contemplating breast augmentation should feel re-assured that the procedure will not place them at higher risk for breast cancer.

In the past their has been numerous concerns raised that silicone gel implants interfered with breast cancer screening exams. However, this latest study determined that while the sensitivity of mammography may indeed be somewhat compromised by gel implants, overall, women with implants do not present with more advanced cases of breast cancer or suffer from lower survival rates after diagnosis with breast cancer. Critically, the researchers concluded that there is no evidence of the implants actually causing higher rates of cancer.

However, this does not mean that women with breast implants should forego traditional screening and evaluation methods such as self-breast evaluation, mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Women with any suspicious breast masses should pursue routine examination protocols.

This is the first comprehensive study of the health effects of cosmetic breast enhancement performed in about 10 years. The lead investigators are Joseph McLaughlin, a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and a member of the International Epidemiology Institute (IEI), Rockville, MD, as well as Loren Lipworth, associate professor of medicine at Vanderbilt-Ingram and a member of IEI.

Their report also reviewed numerous noncancer diseases and found no causal relationship between silicone breast surgery and conditions such as connective tissue disease, neurological disease, or birth defects in children born to women with implants.

McLaughlin states, "Few implantable medical devices have been investigated for safety hazards more extensively than silicone gel-filled breast implants. For almost 3 decades, researchers around the world have been conducting in-depth studies on the health of women with implants to determine if there are significant health risks. The evidence is clear that implants are not linked to serious disease."

If you have been contemplating silicone breast augmentation, consider a consultation with Dr. Placik or to learn more about other procedures available, contact our office via email or call us at 847-398-1660.

Wear Your Clothes Like A Celebrity

2007-11-02T14:48:00.000-05:00

When is the last time you went clothes shopping? Did you stand looking at yourself in the 3-way mirror, picking out every tiny flaw? Did you wince over those love handles, critique your skin, or even shed a tear over your sagging breasts? Perhaps you remember how you once had the confidence to walk down the red carpet alongside the most beautiful celebrities. Now you aren’t sure you even want to walk down the grocery aisle.
It’s time to stop criticizing yourself and find out what you can do to get back that spark! Cosmetic surgery, once a behind-closed-doors privilege of the rich and famous, is now readily available to anyone who wants to regain a more attractive, more youthful appearance. Of all the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, liposuction and breast implants are the most effective in creating a ‘Hollywood’ celebrity body. Over 1000 liposuction procedures are performed every week in the U.S., while 329,000 women opted for breast augmentation in 2006.

Stop wishing the "outside you" looked how the "inside you" feels! For a consultation with Dr. Placik or to learn more about other procedures available, contact our office via email or call us at 847-398-1660.