Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Otto J. Placik, M.D.

Injectables in Chicago, Illinois

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:34:00 +0000

Injectable fillers allow our Chicago, Illinois patients to regain the full, youthful appearance that could have been lost as a result of aging.

Injectable fillers use natural collagen injections or synthetic, hypoallergenic fillers like Restylane, Radiesse or Evolence to fill in creases, lines, and other wrinkles around the face. There are numerous advantages to injectable fillers, including:

Time – An injectable filler procedure is usually completed in about 30 minutes, some procedures can take up to an hour, but they are completed in much less time than other procedures
Recovery – After the injectable filler procedure is complete, there is basically no down time or recovery period, which means the procedure can be completed during lunch and you can return to work immediately afterward
Price – While the price of your injectable filler procedure depends on the number of injections and the amount of filler used, the overall price of an injectable filler procedure is much less than more invasive procedures like facelifts, forehead lifts, or neck surgery
Permanence – Unlike permanent facial surgeries, the results of injectable fillers will fade over time, allowing you to have the option of renewing your results any time you want

If you're looking to have a new, younger appearance, an injectable filler procedure might be the best option for you. Please contact Dr. Placik in Chicago, Illinois to schedule your injectable filler appointment today.

Brazilian Butt Lift

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:50:00 +0000

If you've ever wanted to get the full, prominent butt and sleek body contour you see in magazines or on television, a Brazilian butt lift might be a great option for you. At our Chicago, Illinois plastic surgery office, we combine modified liposuction and fat grafting to give patients a more prominent butt appearance.

Brazilian butt lifts are great for women who don't want to go through more serious procedures like abdominoplasty or buttock and thigh lifts but still want to improve the look of their butts.

During the Brazilian butt lift procedure at our plastic surgery office, Dr. Otto Placik will numb the areas of your body that are going to be liposuctioned. The liposuction must be performed so that there is enough fat to transfer to the butt area. Once enough fat cells have been removed, Dr. Placik will inject them into the buttock area.

This fat injection lifts the butt, making it look firmer and more prominent than before. Another benefit of this procedure is that patients can gain a slimmer overall body contour from the liposuction in the areas around the butt.

If you want to learn more about how a Brazilian butt lift can improve your body contour, and you live in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact Dr. Placik today to schedule your initial consultation.

G-Shot is Not a Myth

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Many people in many different fields and all walks of life believe that there is no such place as the fabled G-spot (Grafenburg spot), or female erogenous zone. Many others believe there is no way to prove it since all women are different.
Interestingly, I tell patients the same thing. There are few anatomic studies to support the presence of a G-spot; the vast majority are clinical reports. However, I liken the G-spot to a ticklish area and there are no scientific explanations for those. Some people are ticklish and some people are not.

The same goes for erogenous zones. Some people get turned on by people kissing their ears while for others it does nothing. The G-spot is one such erogenous zone. I can't anatomically explain why but patients who have a responsive G-spot report increased sensitivity after injection.

The G-shot, or G-spot augmentation, is non-surgical and minimally invasive. It works best on women who know the location of their G-spot. Under local anesthetic, a small amount of human-derived collagen is injected into the area of the patient’s erogenous zone. The G-shot procedure takes less than half an hour. In four hours, you should be back to normal.

Due to the differences in each woman's anatomy, the G-shot is by nature an individualized approach. In general, the area injected with collagen is about a quarter inch in thickness and about the size of a quarter. Nearly 90% of G-shot patients have reported enhanced sexual stimulation.

If you are interested in finding out more about the G-shot, please contact Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C. to schedule an appointment with Dr. Placik.

Eye Lifts Can Make Patients Appear More Alert, Healthier

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:07:00 +0000

You might think that having blepharoplasty, or an eyelift, is strictly reserved for older individuals. The fact is, anyone who is unsatisfied with looking in the mirror and always appearing tired, an eyelift can rejuvenate your face, making you look healthier, younger, and more awake.

The skin above and below the eyelids can be incredibly delicate, and for some people, this skin can sag, giving you large bags below the eyes or having down over the upper eyelid. An eyelift, or blepharoplasty, can reverse these effects by removing excess skin and fat.

During the eyelift procedure, small incisions are made in the crease above or below the eyelids. Skin and other excess tissue is then removed from the area and the incisions are closed. One of the great things about this procedure is that any resulting scars are naturally hidden in the creases of eyelids.

Eyelifts are great for older individuals who are suffering from severe sagging skin around the eyes. Younger people who have inherited large bags under the eyes can also have an eyelift performed.

If you want to give yourself a wonderful new look and stop looking like you’re tired all the time, an eyelift might be the right procedure for you. Please contact Dr. Placik in Chicago, Illinois to schedule your initial eyelift consultation today.

Breast Cancer Survivors Now Offered More Breast Implant Choices

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:20:00 +0000

For years, women who had survived breast cancer and wanted to regain their appearance after a mastectomy, had few choices. Today, women who have a portion of their breast removed after breast cancer have many more choices of how they want to regain their appearance, including the choice of using silicone or saline breast implants.

We have helped many women in the Chicago, Illinois area with breast reconstruction after their mastectomy. For these women, one of the more surprising factors in breast reconstruction is the timing of when you begin working with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Placik.

At our breast augmentation office in Chicago, Dr. Placik works with all his patients to determine exactly what their goals are. We have many different breast augmentation and breast reconstruction options for women who want to change their breast appearance or regain the appearance they’ve lost after breast cancer treatment.

Since the FDA re-approved silicone breast implants, women all over the country have found out how much they can improve their overall appearance with perky, healthy-looking breasts.

If you or anyone you know is considering breast augmentation, or if you know someone who has survived breast cancer and wants to regain their body contour, please contact Dr. Placik. During the initial breast augmentation consultation at our Chicago, Illinois office, Dr. Placik will listen to what you want to accomplish and help you develop a plan to changing your breast appearance.

More Women Choosing to Benefit From Tummy Tucks

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:16:00 +0000

Thanks to television and movie celebrities like Kate Gosselin choosing to have tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, procedures, women all over are discovering how they can change their bodies. We've been seeing many more women come to our Chicago plastic surgery office wanting to learn how they can change their body contour with tummy tucks.

Whether it's the effects of aging or the result of having children, over time women can lose the firm, toned appearance of their youth. A tummy tuck can transform your body contour by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying stomach muscles.

We speak with women all the time who are simply unhappy with the way their bodies look. The fact is, beneath the excess abdominal fat and extra skin, there is probably a fantastic body waiting for you to show it off.

During the tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Placik makes an incision along the waistline, removes excess skin, fat, and other tissue, repositions the belly button, and closes the incision site. For most women, the waist of pants or other bottoms usually hides resulting scars from the tummy tuck procedure.

If you live in the Chicago or Arlington Heights, Illinois area and have been considering tummy tuck, liposuction, or any other type of plastic surgery procedure, please contact Dr. Placik today to schedule your initial consultation.

G-Shot

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:29:00 +0000

Unlike our more common injection procedures like BOTOX®, Restylane, or other filler treatments, the G-Shot procedure is not nearly as well known or talked about. Dr. Placik performs G-shot procedures at his Chicago plastic surgery office so that sexually active women can increase their stimulation during vaginal intercourse.

The G-Shot procedure is very simple, non-invasive, and only requires local anesthetic to be performed. During the procedure, Dr. Placik will inject a sterile collagen into the area under the G-spot. The collagen will enhance the G-Spot, making it protrude a little more and providing women with more sexual gratification.

Like other injection treatments, the G-Shot is not a permanent procedure, and the effects will subside after about 4 months. If you are pleased with the results you can always have the procedure performed again.

Also, much like other injection procedures, there is little to no downtime after the procedure has been performed. Once completed, Dr. Placik recommends allowing the area to recover for at least four hours, but after that you are welcome to continue with your schedule or resume sexual activity.

The best candidate for a G-Shot procedure is a woman who is sexually active and wants to explore their options with enhancing their erogenous zones. If you would like to learn more about having a G-Shot performed in Chicago, please contact Dr. Placik today to schedule an initial consultation.

Blepharoplasty Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:26:00 +0000

Blepharoplasty may sound like a complicated plastic surgery, but it is actually one of the simpler procedures Dr. Placik performs at his Chicago, Illinois cosmetic surgery office. Blepharoplasty is simply another name for eyelid surgery, a facial procedure many older people have to correct sagging skin above and below the eyes.

If you're like many of our blepharoplasty patients, then you probably have some questions about the procedure. Some of the more common questions about blepharoplasty we get asked include:

How is a blepharoplasty performed?: Blepharoplasty is performed by making very small incisions above or below the eyelids. From this incision, excess skin and fat is removed and the incision is then closed. The result is firmer, younger looking eyelids that no longer have bags or sagging skin.
What does blepharoplasty correct?: As you age, the delicate skin around the eyes can begin to sag and droop. Over time, this sagging can become so severe that it looks like there are large bags under your eyes, or the skin above the eyes can impair your vision. Blepharoplasty removes this excess tissue so you appear younger, healthier, and so that you can see clearly again.
Does blepharoplasty leave scars?: The incisions made during the blepharoplasty procedure are concealed by the natural creases of the eyelids. In addition to this, scarring from this procedure is usually very light.

If you want to regain the appearance you had years ago, blepharoplasty may be a great option for you to consider. Please contact Dr. Placik today to schedule your initial blepharoplasty consultation and learn more about how we can rejuvenate your eyes.

Lip Lift Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:20:00 +0000

Many patients that come to our office are surprised to learn about the great benefits and changes our lip lift surgery can provide them. Dr. Placik is always happy to answer questions and inform people about the great lip lift results he provides at our Chicago, Illinois plastic surgery office.

Some of the most common lip lift questions we get asked are:

Are lip lifts painful?: Like almost all cosmetic surgery procedures, there may be some discomfort involved with the recovery process. During the procedure, however, Dr. Placik will make sure that you don’t feel any discomfort whatsoever and he will make sure you recover as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Are lip lifts permanent?: Unlike other lip procedures like injectable fillers or collagen injections, lip lifts are permanent. Once the lip lift procedure is complete, your results will last for many years to come. If you want, Dr. Placik can combine your lip lift with an injection treatment to give you even fuller, more pouty lips.
Is a lip lift right for me?: This is a very personal question and it depends on what results you want to achieve with your lip surgery. A lip lift is ideal for someone who is tired with their thin lips or is unhappy with the length of their upper lip. If you are suffering from other problems with your lips or smile, another facial surgery may be better for you.

As always, if you are considering a lip lift surgery in the Chicago, Illinois are, the best thing you can do is contact Dr. Placik today to schedule an initial consultation.

Lip Lift Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:43:00 +0000

If you've ever watched television or looked at magazines and wanted the pouty, full lips that many celebrities have, Dr. Placik may have the perfect solution for you. We perform lip lifts at our Chicago, Illinois plastic surgery office to improve our patients’ mouth appearance and their lips.

A lip lift is a great option for anyone who is dissatisfied with the way their lips look and wants to get fuller, younger looking lips. Many of our lip lift patients are in their twenties and thirties and are unhappy with an upper lip that appears too long, covering too much of their smile. Other lip lift patients are older individuals who have lost the natural plumpness in their skin as they’ve aged.

The lip lift procedures we perform in our Chicago plastic surgery office begin with numbing the upper lip. Once you cannot feel any part of the area, Dr. Placik will make a small incision just below the nose. Dr. Placik will then remove a small portion of skin from the upper lip and close the incision with sutures.

After the lip lift procedure is complete, your upper lip will appear healthier, younger, and plumper because more of the pink part of the lip will show. One of the great benefits of this procedure is that it can be combined with collagen injections or other lip injectables to completely renew the look of your lips.

If you're tired of your lips looking thin or old, or if you don't like how long your upper lip appears, you can change the appearance of your lips with a lip lift. Please contact Dr. Placik today to schedule an initial consultation at our Chicago plastic surgery office.

Facial Surgery Candidacy

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:27:00 +0000

One of the questions we hear most often at our Chicago, Illinois plastic surgery office is "Am I good candidate for facial surgery?" Fortunately, the answer for almost all of our patients is: Yes!

If you're considering having a facelift, forehead lift, neck surgery, blepharoplasty, or any other facial surgery, there are a few things that need to be taken into account to determine if you’re a good candidate for facial surgery:

Overall Health – Not only will being in good health help you recover as quickly as possible, making sure you don’t suffer from any preexisting conditions will help you avoid risks and side effects.
Skin – This might sound like a pretty subjective quality, you should have good skin elasticity so that you heal correctly after your facial procedure has been performed.
Expectations – Having realistic expectations might be one of the most important things to think about before having your facial surgery. The goal of a facial surgery at our Chicago, Illinois office is to improve the way you look, but retain your unique features that make you, you.
Bone Structure – Depending on your bone structure and the shape of your face, some facial surgeries will provide you with better results than other procedures.
Age – While advances in plastic surgery allow doctors like Dr. Placik to perform procedures on people of all ages, depending on how old you are, some facial surgeries may be better suited for you than others.

If you're wondering if you’re a good candidate for a facial surgery in Chicago, Illinois, please contact Dr. Placik to schedule an initial consultation. During your initial consultation, you’ll be able to discuss all aspects of your facial surgery procedure with Dr. Placik so that you’re completely comfortable.

Facelift Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:15:00 +0000

If you are mulling over the idea of getting a facelift, maybe the popularity of the procedure will sway you. Since the first facelift over one hundred years ago, the procedure has become one of the most popularly performed procedures, along with breast augmentation, in the world. The benefits are numerous, but don’t just take our word for it. Hundreds of thousands of men and women have taken the leap and look years younger.

Improved Skin and Tighter Muscles

A facelift surgery is best known for eliminating saggy, loose skin on the face and smoothing it out along the cheeks, neck, and under the eyes. The procedure tightens the skin, and trims any excess skin that may have been the result of gravity pulling your skin down over the years.

Dr. Placik also focuses on the muscular structure of your face, not just the skin. The rearrangement of the muscles, fat and tissue under the skin work together in tandem to relieve tension that causes stretching of the skin. Tighter muscles give your face a smoother and younger look.

Improved Shape

A facelift also helps to shape your face creating a softer, younger appearance. This is achieved through a variety of facial procedures that aim to create a complete face improvement.

Because the facelift is performed through a small incision near the hairline, there is virtually no visible scarring that can be easily detected by others, creating a natural, younger appearance.

Facelifts last years, even decades in some cases. They don’t make you younger, however they can stop the clock and even turn it back in some cases, helping you to reclaim the way your face once looked.

If you live in the Chicago, Illinois area and are interested in learning more about the benefits of a facelift procedure, please contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Otto Placik for a consultation today.

Implant Revision and Replacement

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:37:00 +0000

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular and frequently requested of all plastic surgery procedures. However, like all medical procedures, the longevity of results must be considered. Breast augmentation surgery has advanced in the last years creating implants that are more natural looking and longer lasting, however that does not mean that they still don’t need some revision or replacing in the future.

Removal and Replacement

Despite all preparation, sometimes your body just won’t adjust to its new implants, causing some complications. While this is rare, it can occur. If it does, removal of the implants may have to be done. Removal is also an option if you decide that you are no longer satisfied with your implants. Removal is done under anesthesia and usually involves a breast lift or scar revision to recreate the natural look of your breasts.

More commonly, however, is a replacement of the implant either for implants of a different size or of different quality. You might switch from saline to silicone implants, or you may want a larger size. In this case, prior to the replacement surgery, Dr. Placik and you will discuss your options and have the new implants selected so that upon removal of the old implants the new ones can be inserted immediately.

In the case of replacement, Dr. Placik may have to change the pocket that was created for the breast implant.

Other Revisions

If you have had breast implants but have experienced other life events such as nursing or menopause, chances are that your body has changed. Your breasts may look different, even if you have had implants already. Surgical procedures such as a breast lift may be necessary to revise and restore the look that you desire.

If you live in the Chicago, Illinois area and are interested in learning more about implant revision and replacement, please contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Otto Placik to set up a consultation.

Mommy Makeover and Labiaplasty

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:15:00 +0000

Have you recently given birth? If so, you know that pregnancy is not easy on the body. You went through intense physical and emotional changes during nine months; however, they were rewarded upon seeing your baby for the first time. Unfortunately, the hardship doesn’t stop when the baby is delivered. Being a mother is demanding and exhausting. Your child becomes the focus of all your attention and often your well-being is sacrificed for that of your child.

Here at Dr. Placik’s Chicago cosmetic surgery office, we want to help you get a Mommy Makeover that you deserve. Your body may still be suffering from some of the physical changes that took place during your pregnancy and we offer several procedures that can help restore your beautiful, younger self.

Childbirth

Childbirth has many effects on your body that you may find less than appealing:

Stretch marks
Loose skin
Weight gain
Torn birth canal
Stretched labia

You should know that you are not alone in these conditions. During childbirth, the vagina is the most affected organ. There can be tearing and stretching of the vaginal canal and the labia. Many women today, those who are recent mothers and those who are not, are looking into labiaplasty. Labiaplasty helps to minimize the length and outward appearance of the labia minora. Some women, due to genes or childbirth, have labia minora that extend out beyond the labia majora, which can cause physical discomfort as well as emotional insecurity. A labiaplasty is a procedure that helps correct misshapen and stretched labial skin and is uniquely tailored to each patient depending on her needs.

If you are in the Chicago, Illinois area and are interested in learning about Mommy Makeovers and labiaplasties, please contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Otto Placik for a consultation.

Dysport™ Alternative to BOTOX® Cosmetic

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:09:00 +0000

The Food and Drug Administration approved Dysport™ in April in the U.S., but it has been in use in Europe for the past ten years. During this time, the Americans were using BOTOX® Cosmetic, and millions of BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments make this the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure to date. However, with the FDA approval of Dysport, will BOTOX® Cosmetic fall to second place? The data is obviously too new to make any sort of judgment call.

Differences between Dysport and BOTOX® Cosmetic are so slight that some have called them twins or first cousins. They both treat wrinkles effectively and use an injectable form of the botulinum toxin A. But there are differences.

Some reports of the initial studies show Dysport to be faster acting and lasting longer than BOTOX® Cosmetic. It can take three to five days for BOTOX® Cosmetic to work, but only a couple for Dysport. Some users have even reported wrinkle reduction in 24 hours. It may also last as longer compared to BOTOX® Cosmetic.

During one study, it was noted that Dysport is most effective in females, more effective in African-American patients, longer-lasting in African-American patients, and less effective for patients who are 65-years-old or older.

Some studies have shown greater diffusion (spread) of Dysport™ when compared to BOTOX®. This may have advantages and disadvantages. For large areas such as the forehead this may be an advantage. Some physicians have expressed concerns with the eyelid and potential increase in eyelid sagging (blepharoptosis) due to inadvertent spread. Interestingly, the FDA approved package inserts show a LOWER rate of upper eyelid sagging (blepharoptosis) for Dysport™ when compared to BOTOX®.

It will be interesting to see how patients respond to these differences in the near future.

Dysport injections are available at the Chicago, Illinois office of Dr. Otto Placik. Please contact him for an initial consultation.

Get Fuller Lips with the Lip Lift

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:13:00 +0000

If you've wanted a fuller upper lip, but weren't sure if injectable fillers were right for you, perhaps the lip lift is the procedure you should consider. The lip lift fixes the thin upper lip you were either born with or have due to the aging process. One nice thing about the lip lift is its permanence. Injectable fillers must be repeated every few months, but a lip lift will last.

The permanent nature of the lip lift is due to the procedure of actually moving the upper lip to a higher elevation. This is done by removing a small portion of skin and tissue just beneath your nose. This allows the lip to pout a bit more as it does in younger people, as well as shows a bit more of the pink part. It also increases the visibility of your teeth when you smile giving you a brighter and happier appearance.

There are several options depending on the individual, the anatomy and the goals:

Gull wing lip lift
Bull’s horn lip lift
Non-excisional or suture suspension lip lift
Corner lift (commisure lift)
Vermillion Advancement

The gull wing lift lip places an incision directly where lipstick liner is applied. The patient draws out the desired lip outline and the tissue is excised and elevated. The disadvantage is potential distortion of the lip border (white roll) and a potentially more visible scar.

The bull's horn lift removes tissue directly beneath the nose and nostrils. The scar tends to be more concealed and the anatomy of the lip border (white roll) is preserved but it is more difficult to precisely define the resulting lip border.

A non-excisional or suture suspensionl lift is one in which no skin is excised. Instead a suture (stitch) typically made of a permanent material such as PTFE (Gortex®) is passed from the nostrils down to the peaks of the lip and back up to the nostrils and tied with a square path. This had been popular in the past but is not commonly performed for several reasons.

Any of the preceding lifts tend to lift or elevate the central portion of the upper lip. This may create a pouting central lip with downturned corners. In these patients, who tend to be more advanced in years, a corner lift may be beneficial. A small triangle or heart shaped piece of skin is excised above the corner of the mouth allowing it to shift upwards.

Occasionally patients report a thin red lip in association with lack of fullness of the border. A few elect to proceed with a vermillion advancement in which incisions are placed inside the upper lip and the red portions are rolled outwards and sewn in place. This will have the effect of making the red portion more prominent and pushing the lip forwards and upwards. This involves substantially more healing and recovery.

If you have undergone the lip lift procedure, you may still augment this with injectable fillers or even lip implants. Discuss each of these options with Dr. Placik.

A lip lift can make you look younger, or it can give you what Nature did not. If you are unhappy with the way your mouth looks due to the thinness of the upper lip, the lip lift might be for you.

If you are in the Chicago, Illinois area and are interested in finding out more about the lip lift, please contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Otto Placik for an initial consultation.

Brazilian Butt Lift

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Many women today put a premium on the size of their buttocks. The more shapely and well-developed, the better they are. Women whose buttocks are flat or under developed may wish to discuss the Brazilian butt lift procedure with Dr. Placik.

The Brazilian butt lift is performed using the patient's own fat cells from another part of the body. These fat cells are taken from two or more sites, giving the patient a modified liposuction procedure in the process. This is seen as an advantage by most of the patients who have undergone the Brazilian butt lift procedure. Candidates for the Brazilian butt lift must have enough donor cells, and these are usually taken from the area of the abdomen or lower back.

The Brazilian butt lift has some other advantages over buttock implants, including:

Avoiding use of implants or foreign material.
Treatment of multiple areas to enhance overall result.
Overall lower complication rates.

Many women who have undergone breast augmentation want to continue filling out their figure so they do not look so "top heavy." The fullness of the buttocks after the procedure for women who have also had breast augmentation gives an aesthetically pleasing figure, which has helped to boost the self-confidence of many women.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Brazilian butt lift in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact board-certified plastic surgeon Otto Placik today.

Sculptra: A Unique Injectable Filler Option

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Sculptra is an injectable filler that is unlike any others, because it is not really a filler. Instead, Sculptra is an injectable treatment that causes your body to produce its own filler. Sculptra was first approved for correcting loss of facial fat in patients who have HIV, but on July 29, 2009, the FDA approved Sculptra®Aesthetic to help patients who are experiencing a loss of facial fat due to aging.

Sculptra injections do not generally give immediate results. There may be some initial swelling, but when this fades, patients often believe they have gotten no results from the treatment. However, the Sculptra injection causes the body to produce collagen, and it continues producing collagen for a prolonged period. Patients should see results beginning at about 3 weeks and lasting for up to 2 years.

Although Sculptra's results last longer than those of other fillers, they can be less predictable. Many people continue to be happy with hyaluronic-acid based fillers like Restylane for the treatment of nasolabial folds (smile lines or parentheses).

If you would like to learn more about Sculptra and whether it is right for you, please schedule a consultation with Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Otto J. Placik today.

Labiaplasty

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Labiaplasty, the name under which many types of female genital surgery are grouped, is a misunderstood procedure. When people first hear about labiaplasty, they often have two immediate responses, both of which are overstated. First, people think, I bet that hurts. Next, people think, How vain are people that they would want that?

Labiaplasty patients do experience some discomfort from the procedure, but no more than most other plastic surgery patients. Most labiaplasty procedures are performed with local anesthesia accompanied by oral sedation, and patients do not feel discomfort during the procedure. General anesthesia can be used at a patient's request. After the procedure, the amount of discomfort experienced can normally be controlled with prescription medications.

Partly because of the sense that it might be painful and partly because they are self-conscious, most women do not seek labiaplasty unless they experience serious physical or psychological discomfort. Women sometimes feel physical discomfort when exercising or during sexual activity. Other times, women are very self-conscious about their appearance, either when undressed or when wearing tight clothing, and the psychological discomfort they feel is no less significant.

If you are a woman who is considering labiaplasty, do not let either of these exaggerated concerns stand in your way. Instead, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Otto J. Placik, who can listen to your concerns and help you understand the truth about the procedure.

Now Offering Dysport™

noreply@blogger.com (LesaH) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:35:00 +0000

Dysport™ is an alternative to BOTOX® that received FDA approval in April, 2009. Dr. Placik has been one of the first cosmetic surgeons in Chicago’s northwest suburbs to offer it. It is made by Ipsen, a company in the U.K., and has been used for over ten years in other countries with excellent results.

How Dysport Works
Dysport is made from the same Clostridium botulinim toxin type A as BOTOX® (made by Allergan). It works the same way, by temporarily paralyzing the particular muscle where it is injected. If you have frown lines that give your face a worried or tired look when you are not feeling worried or tired, Dysport could be an excellent choice for you. It also works very well for horizontal wrinkles on the forehead, giving you a smoother, more youthful facial appearance.

Injections are done with a very fine needle that does not cause a lot of discomfort. Treatment periods are short and can be done on your lunch hour. Results tend to appear a little sooner and last a little longer than they do with BOTOX®.

Dysport and the FDA
Dysport was previously called Reloxin for release in the U.S. but the FDA decided it should keep its European name, Dysport. The FDA trials were conducted at 80 different sites and involved nearly 3,000 participants.

The FDA is requiring that both Ipsen and Allergan provide more labeling information to doctors and patients and develop risk-to-benefit strategies to better inform the public about neurotoxin drugs. Several reports have been sent to the FDA about negative effects, but they have mostly been cases where BOTOX® was used off-label in higher doses for medical rather than cosmetic purposes.

Dysport was originally developed for treating muscle spasticity – uncontrollable muscle movements – in conditions such as cerebral palsy and cervical dystonia. It is currently marketed in 76 countries for medical use and 27 countries for cosmetic use. It has a very fine safety record.

To learn more about Dysport and whether it might be a good option for you, please call or email our Chicago cosmetic surgery office today.

Dr. Placik Featured in ABC News Story about BOTOX® Cosmetic Alternative

noreply@blogger.com (LesaH) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:31:00 +0000

When ABC News ran its feature on Reloxin, an alternative treatment to Allergan Inc.'s BOTOX® Cosmetic, it focused on Dr. Otto Placik and one of his patients. The story began by considering the patient who has considered BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments with Dr. Placik for the past seven years to be her "essential luxury," then interviewed Dr. Placik for his opinion on the alternative botulinum toxin treatment that received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in late April.

Reloxin (also known as Dysport) has approximately the same effectiveness as BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, but behaves differently, according to current research. With Allergan's product having the advantage of brand familiarity, loyalty, and a long track record of safety and effectiveness, it will be difficult for Reloxin to penetrate the US market.

Reloxin has a slightly lower price than BOTOX® Cosmetic, although Allergan is offering incentives to attempt to maintain price parity. As owner of the only FDA-approved botulinum toxin cosmetic treatment, Dr. Placik said, "Allergan has taken advantage of their monopoly. Botox [sic] has gone up in price every year, [which in turn] has decreased physician profit margin." Allergan has also used its monopoly to try and promote its facial filler product Juvéderm against established rival Restylane. And it has acted in a generally unfriendly manner, writing threatening letters to practices that fail to appropriately acknowledge its trademark by always using the full name of the product, "BOTOX® Cosmetic," at every usage. As a result of these practices, Placik said, "There is antipathy toward Allergan from the physician's standpoint."

The patient featured in the story said, "The only way I would consider it would be if Dr. Placik recommended it." Dr. Placik, said his consideration would be "What is the patient going to ask for?"

If you would like to learn more about current or developing facial rejuvenation options in the Chicago area, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Placik today.

Goal of Breast Augmentation Is Better, not just Bigger

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:05:00 +0000

In its early history, many women seeking breast augmentation were not what would be considered average. A significant percentage of them were exotic entertainers of one kind or another. It was not until more mainstream figures like Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra put breast augmentation front and center that the procedure became really popular. At first, the growth of breast augmentation was fueled by women who wanted to be like Anderson or Electra, either large or very large. Women often wanted "D" cup or larger breasts, and shape was often a secondary concern. The majority wanted the size to get attention, not the shape.

But the profile of women seeking breast augmentation has changed. In 2008, over 300,000 women received breast augmentations. Putting that against US Census Bureau data, about one in every 330 women between the ages of 15 and 70 has a breast augmentation in any given year. For women aged 20 to 39, the figure is about one in every 200. This includes more and more women from all walks of life, and the majority of them now report wanting breast augmentation to "look normal," or to "look the way I did when I was younger." One effect of this is that the desired size of augmented breasts has decreased slightly, with 80% or more of women looking for a "C" cup breast size. Shape has also become more important.

The majority of women want a breast augmentation result that looks natural, proportionate. Some say they want the result to look like them, but more. These results can be more challenging to achieve, and depend on you finding a breast augmentation doctor who first will listen to your goals and second has the experience and talent to give natural-looking results.

Dr. Otto J. Placik has extensive experience with breast augmentation, and his work helping women with breast asymmetries and other shape irregularities has given him a deep understanding of the underlying elements that determine the shape of a woman's breasts. Please schedule a consultation today to discuss your breast augmentation goals.

Breast Ptosis

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:33:00 +0000

Gravity and the aging process will inevitably stretch breast skin, resulting in sagging breasts, or breast ptosis. Other factors can catalyze the process, including:

• Dramatic weight loss, which shrinks tissues that once suspended breasts
• Genetics
• Pregnancy

If your self-esteem is being dragged down with your breast skin, both can be uplifted through a breast lift or mastopexy. Common breast ptosis conditions that can be corrected through mastopexy include:

• Reduction in breast firmness
• Unaesthetic stretch marks
• Breasts that require bra support to prevent sagging
• Downward pointing nipples
• Breasts that appear elongated and flat
• Breasts that lack proportionality to the rest of your body
• Breasts that are asymmetrical, or one that droops below the other

If you want to restore the youthful perkiness your breasts once had, it is important that you have realistic goals and expectations in mind. After a breast consultation and examination, Dr. Placik will discuss the options available to correct your breast ptosis. Typically, surgical solutions include at least one of the following:

• Breast skin reduction or tightening
• Nipple repositioning
• Insertion of breast implants

In order to be considered a candidate for mastopexy, you must not be planning weight loss and should avoid smoking to minimize potential surgical complications.

If you suffer from breast ptosis, please contact the Chicago, Illinois plastic surgery office of Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C. today to schedule your breast consultation with Dr. Placik.

The Importance of Sunblock

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:41:00 +0000

One of the best ways to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, especially on the face, is through prevention. One of the best ways to protect your skin from premature aging is regular use of sunblock.

If you spend a lot of time outside, either for work or recreation, the effects of the sun can take a major toll on your skin. Dermatologists recommend keeping sun exposure within reasonable limits, and when you're outdoors, to be sure to use an effective sunblock. Not only does this help prevent formation of potentially fatal skin cancer, it also helps keep your skin looking young. In fact, using sunblock is the most important skin care regimen you can follow.

To ensure best results with your sunblock, be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Use at least an SPF-30, especially if you're going to be out in the sun all day
• Apply your sunscreen liberally – no skimping
• Reapply every two hours if you're outside for several hours at a time
• Use waterproof sunblock if you're swimming
• Don't forget hard-to-remember spots like the backs of your ears, the back of your neck, or the middle of your back

Many makeup foundations and facial moisturizers now contain sunblock, so check your product labels. If you're already wearing an SPF-30 foundation or moisturizer, there's no need to add more sunblock on top of it.

For more information on how to care for your skin and keep it wrinkle-free as long as possible, please contact Dr. Placik at Associated Plastic Surgeons in Chicago, Illinois and Arlington Heights, Illinois. We offer a wide variety of skin care options, from dermabrasion to injectable fillers, to counteract fine lines and wrinkles and keep you looking your best.

Summer Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:39:00 +0000

If you've been considering a plastic surgery procedure, such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, or other procedure, summer might be just the time to take the plunge.

If you're a teacher or a student, your summer vacation from school gives you plenty of time to recuperate before classes start again in the fall. Think about having the work done that you've always wanted, and going back to school a whole new you. Most major plastic surgery procedures require a week or two of rest for optimum recovery, so summer's a great option.

Summer might be a good option for moms, too. If you're planning to send the kids to camp over the summer, you can have your plastic surgery performed in the comfort and privacy of our Manor Care post-operative facilities, where we'll see to your recovery immediately after surgery. Then you'll have a week or two of peace and quiet at home before your kids come back. You can do something just for you while they're off having summer adventures.

For more information on how much recovery time might be expected for the surgery you'd like to schedule, please contact Dr. Otto J. Placik. Dr. Placik serves the Chicago and Arlington Heights, Illinois area.