Defy Aging Virtual Event 2024!

Save the date! Defy Aging Virtual Event is on April 18th One of our most popular events of the year, Defy Aging, will be here before you know it! Join us virtually all-day on Thursday, April 18 and enjoy: Discounts on your favorite cosmetic treatments like Dysport, EMFACE, DiamondGlow, CoolSculpting and EMSCULPT NEO just to name a few! Skincare deals on chicagoskinscience.com! Defy Aging orders will receive a complimentary curated skincare sample bundle, while supplies last! Enter for a chance to win FREE cosmetic treatments and skincare products! (event-day purchase needed to be eligible for product raffle. $500+ is necessary to be eligible for winning a treatment raffle.) Virtual all-day event, shop whenever you want on April 18! Register for the event below, and let the countdown begin! [contact-form-7 id="a8a20fa" title="DA24"]

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Welcome Dr. Jennifer Croix!

We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Croix, MD, PhD will be joining our experienced CCSD providers beginning Monday, April 1, 2024!   Dr. Croix is a Board-Certified Dermatologist with a PhD in Nutritional Sciences (2010) and MD with highest distinction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2012).  Dr. Croix also completed a highly competitive cosmetic fellowship at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York.  Dr. Croix has contributed to numerous publications and research obtaining many accolades for her achievements.  She began her practicing in 2017 working in the northern Chicagoland area. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, reading, various arts and crafts.  We hope our patients will help us in welcoming Dr. Croix and call our office to book your next appointment with her, 312-245-9965. 

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After 20 years, I finally found something that cured my acne!

My acne has always been the thing I wished I could change about myself more than anything. To those who have never experienced real acne this may sound dramatic, but it is all consuming. You are obsessed with checking your skin: treating active acne, seeing if anything new is forming beneath the surface (and praying that it won’t), blotting excess oil, covering up spots and scars to the best of your ability with concealer, and so on. When going to bed with a bad pimple, sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night and feel compelled to turn on the lights and “check in” on it. In the morning before getting out of bed, I’d run my hands over my face to feel if any new bumps were starting to form. Socially, there were many occasions where I wanted to cancel plans because of a bad breakout. I remember being on an early date with my now husband in which I had a cyst forming on my forehead throughout the span of the evening - it was pulsing and itching. I tried to pull my hair forward in front of it but it was unsuccessful. Completely innocently, he literally asked me if I got bit by a mosquito. I thought to myself, “can the floor open now so I can just fall through?” My Background Looking at my genetics, there wasn’t much of a chance for me escaping at least some type of acne. My mom, who never had much outside of the occasional pimple growing up, naturally has very oily skin. My dad on the other hand, suffered from severe acne starting as a teenager not just on his face but down his back and arms. He eventually went on Accutane in his early 20s and saw significant improvements. It only required a second cycle of it in his late 30s to fully clear up the cystic acne on his back. The oily skin on both sides, plus my dad’s history, made for a tough combination. When I started getting acne as a pre-teen in middle school, the first course of action was to try a series of different topicals containing the standard salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. But it just wasn’t enough to fight what was now turning giant whiteheads along with the first signs of painful cystic acne. My parents and I made the decision with my dermatologist when I was around 14 to go on Accutane. If it worked for my dad, it would work for me right? Anyone who has been on Accutane knows its an absolutely brutal drug on the body. The side effects with dryness on the skin, chapped lips and muscle aches are real and painful. But with the end goal of clear skin, I was committed to going through with it all. Accutane worked for me in the beginning. For two years I had no acne and felt completely free in high school. Then, it started to come back. The dermatologist confidently recommended that like my dad, I just needed another dose of it. This time the muscle pain was so bad that I could barely finish the cycle, but once again I thought I was cured! The Struggles of Adult Acne I have to think the skin problems I experienced early on in college were a result of a lot of life, environment and consumption changes. My acne came back, but this time in the form of small bumps underneath the surface of my skin. I tried a few different over the counter products and skincare systems, some of which made my skin even more red and irritated. A new dermatologist I saw the summer after my freshman year got me on an antibiotic to calm down the irritation, gave me new cleansers and prescribed birth control. A lot of young women struggle with hormonal acne and birth control works well to help control it. My skin improved a little on this new regimen but it was never cured. I’ll always remember seeing a former suite-mate whom which I shared a bathroom with as a freshman when we returned to school in the fall. She exclaimed, “wow Rachel, your skin is all the same color again!” While perhaps unintentionally hurtful, it stuck with me. As I progressed into the post-grad world and started my career, the acne was still a pain point. And I’ll be honest, there were many days I wanted to to stay home from work. A bad pimple on my face would hinder my confidence to speak up in a meeting. I’d obsess with blotting the oil on my face (which would build up by 11am) and plotted opportunities to run to the bathroom between calls to touch up a blemish. My dermatologist added Spironolactone to my regimen as many women pair it with birth control to offset hormonal acne. For me, it never made any difference to my skin and beyond that I didn’t like the way my body felt. My Breaking Point In 2020, I made the decision to stop taking my birth control pills. A few months later my acne was at its all time worst. No place on my face was considered off limits, but my cheeks were the worst covered with painful deep cysts. Just as one would heal, another one would pop up. It was leaving terrible marks all over my face. I did not know what to do; nothing was helping me and I did not want to go back to the drugs that were no longer agreeing with my body. Feeling like I tried everything, I was desperate. I went down a blackhole on Instagram searching for advice and came across an account who claimed to be “The Skin Coach”. There were dozens of testimonials that claimed she cured their skin, using only natural methods. Mesmerized and hopeful, I submitted a $800 deposit to secure my spot in her next “cohort” for a 8 week acne skin coaching program. I learned her approach was for me to order $300 worth of skincare products, vitamins and other natural remedies off her Amazon storefront and adhere to an extremely strict diet. I was to submit weekly photos showing my “progress”. When things didn’t improve, this coach asserted the only reason I wasn’t seeing results was that I must not be fully adhering to her program and that my genetics were not a factor…guilt tripping me into the idea that I was in control my skin. My Turning Point The terrible post-birth control acne eventually subsided, but I still had a variety of cysts, whiteheads and blackheads ongoing. My skin was accumulating more and more marks and scars. The discoloration under my skin was getting challenging to conceal under makeup. Searching for help yet again, I read about how blue light therapy can reduce the bacteria on your skin that causes acne. I decided to try a new dermatology office on a whim, and made an appointment at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology with, Whitney Hersh, PA-C. Whitney was extremely honest and straight with me from the start, which made me like her instantly. She said blue light therapy wasn’t going to make the impact on my skin I was looking for, and if I wanted to try it, I was better off at buying an at-home device. Expecting her to go down the list of alternatives I had heard 100x over, she actually suggested something I had never heard of before - the AviClear Laser. What is AviClear? An innovation from the well established laser company Cutera, AviClear is the first of its kind FDA approved laser specific to fighting acne. AviClear targets your overactive sebaceous glands (i.e. the oil producing culprits which clog pores and produce pimples) and suppresses them, eliminating acne at the source! The treatment consists of three 1-hour laser sessions each a month a part. Not covered by insurance, AviClear does have a hefty price tag at $3000. Naturally skeptical given my history, I was not immediately sold due to the fear of wasting my money on another dead end. However after a few months of research, prayer and encouragement from my family, I decided to try it. What is the AviClear Treatment like? Upon arriving to the office, I was instructed to wash my face twice with Dawn dish soap to fully remove any oil. Following that, they wiped my skin down in acetone and placed water soaked gauze all over my face to rest for a few minutes prior to starting the treatment. The laser itself felt like a rubber band snapping against my face, with some areas more painful than others. Once it was over, I was pretty red, and but just avoided the sun and putting on any makeup for the rest of the day. The downtime was minimal! After the first treatment, I noticed a change in my skin instantly. My skin was still oily, but I wasn’t needing to pull out an oil blotter until the early afternoon vs the standard 11AM. The pimples I did get were not only less frequent, but less severe and healed faster. To my delight, things only continued to improve after the second and third treatment. AviClear suggests you’ll see your full results 6 months following your final session. It really became clear to both Whitney and I that all the hormonal treatments I had done (birth control, Spironolactone, diet changes) never worked for me because my acne was not primarily driven by hormones. My significant oil production was one thing, but it was also the type of thick and easily clogged sebum my skin secreted. After administering the laser treatment to patients with various types of acne, Whitney said my skin was the most ideal candidate for AviClear. They don’t fully know how long AviClear results will last (clinical trial patients are still experiencing clear skin 2 years out), but I’m incredibly encouraged as they are also looking to approve follow up AviClear treatments for maintenance. [gallery link="file" columns="2" size="large" ids="24636,24637"] Life After AviClear While I still carry oil blotters with me, and get the occasional small pimple, it’s nothing I can’t manage. I’m slowly growing accustomed to looking at myself in the mirror in the morning to see a clear complexion. It’s natural instinct to scan my face every day for blemishes, but I am continually surprised to find nothing of interest. I’m also using a retinol to help clear turn over new skin cells and reduce my dark marks. This past Christmas, being able to take a trip to Florida to stay at my in-laws house, and come down in the morning for breakfast without putting on a full face of makeup was nearly impossible for me to comprehend. But this is my wonderful new reality. If you are fighting acne, and feel any amount of the physical and mental pain, shame, ugliness and hopelessness I did, I encourage you to explore AviClear as an option with your dermatologist. This laser may not be the one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, but I share my story so that it may bring more awareness to it as an avenue for others struggling and searching for an answer. We all deserve to feel confident in our own skin.

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Register for our miraDry Virtual Event!

Register Now: miraDry Virtual Event   Join our virtual event on Monday, February 19 at 5:30pm CST to learn how you can PERMANENTLY reduce underarm sweat, odor and even hair with miraDry! Our very own Caroline Sheppard, PA-C will be discussing the miraDry treatment, how it works, the procedure process and expected results. There will also be an anonymous live Q&A at the end. Event attendees will be eligible for a future complimentary miraDry consultation in-office with Caroline ($50 value!) and $500 OFF a miraDry package (package includes 2 treatments, 2 months apart).  Register for the event and you’ll be sent a Zoom invitation so you can join us February 19 @ 5:30pm. Hope to (virtually) see you there! 

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CCSD Patient Communication Policy

As part of our commitment to providing you with the best possible healthcare experience, we are excited to announce an important update to our communication system. Starting January 1, 2024, we will be transitioning to a secure and efficient patient communication process using our current patient portal software, MyPatientVisit. This change is aimed at enhancing the security of your personal health information (PHI) and streamlining the communication process between you and our providers at our medical practice. All patient communication, including but not limited to medication refills, appointment rescheduling, sending messages to your CCSD provider, uploading essential documents (insurance cards, valid government-issued IDs), medical record requests, and any other pertinent information/documents will now need to be conducted through the MyPatientVisit Patient portal. Here are the key points to note: MyPatientVisit Patient Portal: To access the portal, please visit MyPatientVisit. If you are a New Patient to our practice and or have not yet registered for the portal, instructions for registration will be sent to your registered email address. If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist you. Scheduling Appointments: You can continue to schedule appointments through the following channels: Call our main office line: 312-245-9965 (option 2 for scheduling). Text us at 312-245-9965. Online booking through our website Please note, our previous email method of communication ([email protected]) is no longer being monitored. An automated response will be sent to the sender informing them they will have to message via MyPatientVisit in their patient portal. Should they need a more immediate response, they will need to contact our office at 312-245-9965 option 2 to speak to a receptionist. We understand that changes like these may take some getting used to, but we believe that this transition will ultimately result in a more seamless and secure patient experience. If you have any questions or need assistance with the MyPatientVisit portal, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team at 312-245- 9965 option 2 to speak with a receptionist. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to improve our services for you. We appreciate the opportunity to continue serving your healthcare needs. Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology S.C. Office Line: 312-245-9965 Office Fax: 312-245-9964 https://chicagodermatology.com/

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Register Now: Virtual Mommy Makeover Chat with Dr. Niki Christopoulos

Dr. Niki Christopoulos invites you to an exclusive virtual chat regarding Mommy Makeovers on Tuesday, January 23rd from 4:00pm – 4:45pm! Dr. Christopoulos, Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, will discuss the combination of procedures involved in a mommy makeover procedure, show real patient results, followed by a real-time Q&A discussion. Click here to register via Zoom to join us, and we hope to see you there!

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Welcome to CCSD Nicoletta Ciraulo, PA-C!

Nicoletta is a native of Macomb, Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she obtained her Bachelor of Science and majored in Neuroscience. She attended Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL where she received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice. After PA school in Chicago, she moved back to Ann Arbor for a few years to provide medical dermatological care at a private practice. Nicoletta Ciraulo, PA-C has accreditations from: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Nicoletta is passionate about fostering long-term patient relationships and empowering patients to become educated and involved decision-makers in their own care!

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Treatments in Chicago for Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month, which is in November, offers a chance to educate patients of this debilitating condition. Hyperhidrosis afflicts millions of people around the world, which is nearly 5% of the world's population! This medical condition is when the body sweats four or five times more than normal. When sweating is this extreme it can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and anxiety-inducing. It can disrupt all aspects of a person’s life. Luckily, Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology has many hyperhidrosis treatment options available to our patients! Prescription strength topical antiperspirants and oral medications. miraDry is a FDA-cleared procedure that permanently reduces underarm sweat and odor. CCSD is the #1 miraDry provider in Chicago and top 10 in the United States! Plus if you purchase a miraDry package this November, you'll save $500! We now offer the new, FDA-cleared Brella underarm patch! This quick, needle-free, in-office treatment reduces underarm sweat for up to 4 months. CCSD is the first and only Brella provider in Chicago! You can also save $100 on a Brella package this November in honor of Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month! Botox for hyperhidrosis is an option for underarms, palms of hands and hairline. The sweat-blocking response time is usually 2 to 4 days after treatment and lasts for 9 months. Call or text our office at 312-245-9965 opt. 2, or book online to schedule a consultation and find relief for your hyperhidrosis.

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Coming Soon: Dysport Day & Botox Cosmetic Day

Save the date for TWO big days of savings coming this November! National Dysport Day - November 8th Aspire Rewards is offering an exciting promotion on November 8 starting at 9am CST only to Aspire members! So make sure if you haven't registered or downloaded the app yet, to sign up today (it's free). Treat yourself on Wednesday November 8 by claiming $50 off a $150 ASPIRE gift certificate (while supplies last) to use on your next Dysport treatment at CCSD. Book your Dysport appointment and also save more on treatment day by using your Aspire points! (Book your appointment 90+ days after your last Dysport treatment in order to utilize your Aspire gift certificate) National Botox Cosmetic Day - November 15 There will be THREE ways to celebrate the 5th annual Botox Day this year on Wednesday November 15 starting at 11AM CST! Alle members can get a free $50 Botox gift card when they purchase a $50 gift card while supplies last (hint hint log into the sale right at 11am CST so you don't miss out!). Alle members who get treated with Botox Cosmetic at CCSD November 1-30 will also earn DOUBLE Alle points to save on future treatments. You'll also be entered into the Botox Day Sweepstakes for a chance to be 1 of 5 winners to win $25,000! With all of these amazing offers, make sure you're signed up for Alle and download the app, then book your Botox appointment to save at CCSD!

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Client Reviews

Thank you to the friendly staff at CCSD for always making my visits pleasant and efficient! An even bigger thank you to Dr. Jacob for the phenomenal job she did all but erasing a scar on my face from skin cancer, and the amazing job she always does defying Mother Nature keeping my face looking young and alert!

— Christopher

Dr. Ibrahim is AMAZING. He has such a wonderful “bed side manner” and his experience is multifaceted. I go to him for both regular skin concerns and cosmetic reasons and he has been able to help with every issue I have! He is by far the best dermatologist I have been to and I recommend him 100%!

— Maddy

Loved results..and my daughter had microdermabrasion and beautiful results..they r so professional and very organized..appointment times right on schedule..no waiting. I would say this is the best place in Chicago..for any needs of the face. They are the experts..

— Rosalina

What a great experience! I love this office, every time I come everyone has a great smile, and the office is always bright and clean. Dr. Pritzker is awesome, she is so fast and efficient and knows exactly how to combat those pesky wrinkles.

— Valarie

4.8

1,000+ reviews

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