In Chicago, plastic surgery may not be as popular as it is in cities like Los Angeles or New York, but it is quickly becoming the fastest growing medical sector in the region. Popular plastic surgery procedures in Chicago include Botox, tummy tucks, liposuctions, laser skin rejuvenation and breast augmentation.

If you’re investigating Chicago plastic surgery, keep reading for in-depth information on each of these procedures, along with tips on where to look to find a qualified plastic surgeon in the Chicago area.

Botox Injections

Botox is the most fashionable Chicago plastic surgery procedure. Though it’s not technically a surgical procedure, the injected drug has caught on thanks to its minimal financial cost, limited physical investment and non-invasive procedure.

Botox works by stopping the facial muscle’s ability to create the chemical acetylcholine. That chemical is what allows the muscle to contract and create wrinkle-causing facial expressions. By essentially paralyzing the muscle, Botox stops it from creating or worsening wrinkles, like frown or worry lines.

The Tummy Tuck

More commonly known as a tummy tuck, the abdominoplasty is a trendy Chicago plastic surgery procedure for mothers who have undergone multiple births or for individuals who are reclaiming their bodies after significant weight loss.

The goal of an abdominoplasty surgery is to remove excess skin, reshape the abdominal area and even tighten the abdominal muscles. It’s not designed, nor is it effective, for overweight or obese patients.

Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction is a somewhat invasive surgical procedure that actually involves scraping fat cells from under the skin and suctioning them out using a vacuum device. While multiple areas of the body can be treated simultaneously, the goal of liposuction isn’t to eliminate fat all over the body. Instead, it’s designed to target specific areas of fat deposits.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Because they’re not invasive and yet more effective than chemical peels or microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing treatments are quickly becoming a more common Chicago plastic surgery alternative.

While the actual length of a full laser skin resurfacing is only about 10 to 20 minutes, the recovery time can be as lengthy as 10 days depending on the depth of the treatment. While patients typically are able to return to regular activities the next day, scarring and redness may last for the full 10 days.

Breast Implants

By inserting an implant, saline or silicone, either above or behind the breast muscle, a breast augmentation seeks to improve the size and shape of a woman’s breast. It’s a full surgical procedure and recovery can take several weeks.

Finding a Doctor or Practice in Chicago

To find certified, high-quality, Chicago plastic surgery doctors, search the database available at the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s website.