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All About Your Face

As popularity for both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic interventions grows, we have seen an increased demand, especially for facial procedures. As Dr. Niki Christopoulos notes, “This increase in demand for facial procedures is likely due to a combination of factors. One, many more people are working from home, staring at themselves on Zoom all day. And more specifically, with all the mask wearing, the eyes are the focus now more than ever before.” So what exactly are your options these days and what is involved? Dr. Christopoulos likes to say that cosmetic procedures are on a spectrum from least invasive, least expensive, and subtler results to more invasive, more expensive, more definitive results. Where you fall on that spectrum truly depends on your unique anatomy, genetics, age, personal wishes and expectations. Dr. Christopoulos will take all of these factors into consideration when you both sit down to discuss your global beauty plan. Patients will typically start with fillers, neuromodulators, and skin care but will often find that at some point, they are looking for something more definitive. And oftentimes, these nonsurgical interventions are combined with a surgical procedure for the optimal result.  For example, perhaps you have been using Botox for years but recently, you have noticed that your eyebrows are just not quite getting the lift they used to. It may be time to discuss an upper eyelid blepharoplasty and possibly a brow lift. Or maybe you just look much more tired than usual, despite getting a good night’s sleep. Or perhaps the filler along your jawline that has worked beautifully for years is not quite giving you the same sharp jawline anymore. It may be time to discuss a lower face and neck lift.  Whatever is bothering you, Dr. Niki Christopoulos, a double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, will systematically and expertly guide you through the entire process. She prides herself on natural results, to bring out and improve your beautiful face, not change you into something else. As Dr. Christopoulos loves to say, “My goal is for people to say…’You look great!’ not,  ‘What did you have done?!’ ” If you would like to learn more about facial rejuvenation and discuss your personal beauty plan, call us today at 312-245- 9965 ext. 1290, for a private and customized cosmetic or plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Christopoulos.

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Giving Tuesday: Because Self Care is Important

If you’re still searching for a way to give back this Giving Tuesday, don’t forget that until December 31st, 2020, all profits from the sales of our Epionce Firming Mask & Sesha sheet masks will be donated to Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness. CCSD continuously strives to give back and support non-profits in the Chicago area. One of our newest initiatives promotes self-care for skin as well as mental health. ⠀ We started our "Because Self-Care is Important" initiative to help support and uplift Sista Afya's important mission of building sustainable mental wellness communities through affordable and culturally-centered community mental wellness care and education to Black women in the Chicagoland area. ⠀ You can help support this amazing organization by purchasing your self-care masks on our website at chicagoskinscience.com or by stopping by our store to purchase yours today!

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NEW EmSculpt NEO = Less Fat + More Muscle

What is Emsculpt NEO? Emsculpt NEO is the first and only non-invasive body shaping procedure that provides simultaneous fat elimination and muscle building by emitting both radiofrequency (RF) AND high intensity electromagnetic energies. The end result is more fat reduction and muscle growth than any non-invasive body shaping procedure–it’s like two therapies in a single treatment! How do I know it works? Our research team participated in the EmSculpt NEO clinical studies, which showed a 30% reduction of abdominal fat PLUS a 25% increase in muscle mass after just 4, 30-minute sessions! Do you want to start sculpting your abs? Save $500 in November on an EmSculpt NEO treatment package of 4! Call our office to schedule your complimentary consultation and complimentary demo today with our Certified Physician Assistants, 312-245-9965 option 2.

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What Should You Expect at a Microblading Consultation?

A consultation is a very important aspect of a microblading procedure – actually a consultation is vital with ANY treatment. Think about it…when someone goes to a salon to get their hair done by a new stylist, the first thing the hairstylist will do is chit chat with the client about what he or she is hoping to achieve from the appointment. I approach a new microblading patient consultation the same way! What is discussed during a microblading consultation? The purpose of a microblading consultation is to have an open dialogue with my patient in a professional manner about the process, along with any concerns or beauty needs. Most patients are either interested and want to learn more about microblading, or are not too familiar with the service but are intrigued to find out more. It’s my job and goal as the provider to make them comfortable and educate in a positive, warm environment. During a microblading consultation, I'll start with explaining the details of a microblading procedure, while learning more about my patient and their desired goals – in regards to skin type, eyebrow shape, hair color, and stroke pattern. This way I can understand more about them and finalize the treatment plan of action. The goal of our microblading consultation By learning more about my patient during a consultation, I am able to gage if they are an ideal candidate for microblading. Those who are not a good fit for microblading may include patients who are: under the age of 18; pregnant or nursing; skin conditions like rosacea; currently under chemo treatment or radiation; immunocompromised; taking medications such as blood thinners and Accutane. Certain treatments such as Botox, filler, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, glycolics, AHA products, Retin-A, brow or lash serums may also need to be discontinued 2 weeks before the initial microblading appointment. Lastly, it is crucial to cover pre-care and post-care with my patients during a consultation so they get the best outcome possible! I believe a consultation should be a fun and interactive process! So it is key for you, the patient, to ask any questions you may have to feel comfortable, excited, and ready to move forward with scheduling your first microblading appointment with me! – Anna Tassi.

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Helping Patients Navigate Insurance Coverage With Telehealth Visits

Many Americans' routines have changed due to the pandemic, and the same is true for our Practice. For the safety of our patients and staff, and to abide with the shelter in place order, we began providing our patients the option of virtual visits back in March. Virtual visits, also known as Telehealth, Telemedicine, or e-visits, allow for our patients and their Providers to conduct a dermatology visit or cosmetic consult via a synchronous connection. This means that a two-way, real time video and audio are utilized to conduct a secure, HIPAA compliant visit. As pandemic precautions continue, most insurance carriers have made exceptions to allow virtual Telehealth medical visits through a specified deadline. This deadline has been subject to change. Additionally, some insurance carriers have waived cost-share for certain policies. Cost-Share is patient responsibility such as Co-Payment, Co-Insurance and Deductibles. As Illinois transitioned into Phrase 4, we began to cautiously and safely reopen to see patients in-office. We have restricted this to visits that cannot be seen via Telehealth. These visits include but are not limited to Body Screenings, Lesions of Concern, Procedures and Surgeries. For the continued safety of our patients and staff, we have continued to see a majority of our patients through virtual Telehealth appointments. Your insurance will be confirmed prior to your Telehealth appointment to verify your coverage and benefits. This verification is not guaranteed, but we will make our best attempt to verify that you have Telehealth coverage on your insurance policy. We will also confirm your benefits to help determine if your policy has opted into waiving cost-share, or if you will be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses. As of right now, these major commercial carriers have expanded their Telehealth benefits to the deadline listed above. If there is a cost-share waiver, those deadlines and details are also listed. Please note, you should contact your HR department or your insurance carrier directly to verify your coverage and benefits. If you have any questions, our Billing Department will always be happy to help. Feel free to contact them at 312-245-9965 option 5.

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Ask My Derm: New Cellulite Injectable Qwo With Dr. Jacob

Mark your calendars! A new, FDA-approved injectable for cellulite is coming soon! We asked Dr. Carolyn Jacob more about the exciting new cellulite injectable Qwo (pronounced “Kwoh”) and how it will differ from other cellulite treatments currently available. Q: What is Qwo? Dr. Jacob: Qwo is a revolutionary, non-surgical injectable treatment for cellulite. Three  treatments separated three weeks apart, can lead to improvement of even moderate to severe cellulite. Q: What is the difference between Qwo and other cellulite treatments? Dr. Jacob: Cellulite bands pull down on the skin, forming dimples. Qwo uses an enzyme to break down the bands that hold the skin down into a dimple position, releasing it and allowing the skin to be smoother. Other cellulite treatments like cutting the bands, can be more invasive requiring numbing medication. Other options can focus more on the thickening of skin, or utilize massaging lymphatic systems to improve the appearance of cellulite. Q: Where can Qwo be used? Dr. Jacob: Currently it is FDA approved for moderate to severe cellulite on the buttocks of adult women, however further studies are underway for the thighs. Q: How do you know that Qwo is effective? Dr. Jacob: 3-D photographs and standard photography were used during clinical trials to scientifically grade improvement in the appearance of cellulite Q: When will this new injectable be available? Dr. Jacob: Early 2021! Can't wait until early 2021 to treat your cellulite? Learn more about our currently most requested cellulite treatment, Emtone! [embed]https://youtu.be/GqI1eIk8u1Q[/embed]

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Ask My Derm: Hair Loss With Dr. Ibrahim

Ever wondered what signs you’re supposed to look for if you think you’re experiencing hair loss or what treatments are available if you are experiencing hair loss? We asked our very own hair loss expert, Omer Ibrahim, MD, FACS, to give us the scoop! Q: How would people know if they're experiencing a normal amount of hair shedding versus actual hair loss that requires treatment?Dr. Ibrahim: If you notice more hair in the shower, in the sink, on the pillow, on your clothes, on their desks, or in your food even – and have never noticed it before – this likely means you have increased shedding. Most cases of shedding will resolve within 3-4 months and return to normal. However, lots of patients can cycle into chronic shedding (greater than 3 months), and those patients should come in to seek treatment. Another subset of patients don’t even notice shedding, but notice gradual thinning of the hair overtime and see more of their scalps than they used to see years ago. These patients, if bothered by the thinning, should seek treatment sooner than later. The quicker hair loss is treated, the easier it is to prevent further shedding and response to treatment will be more robust. Q: What are the most common causes of hair loss you see in your clinic for women? For men?Dr. Ibrahim: In patients (men and women) with just generalized thinning, the most common cause is of course, genetics and hormones. A very complex interaction between the two leads to hair thinning over time. In women, this can worsen and accelerate once they reach menopause. In men, taking testosterone supplementation will accelerate hair thinning. In patients with increased acute shedding (telogen effluvium), the most common cause is an emotional or psychological stressor 3-6 months prior; these can include anything from starting a new job and moving to a new city, to the loss of a loved one. Q: At what point is it most ideal to prevent or reverse hair loss? Is it ever too late?Dr. Ibrahim: In the majority of cases, it is never too late. The sooner the better (within the first 5 years), but of course all my patients get full treatment because it never hurts to try. It is too late once the hair follicles are completely inactive, and this is seen mainly in men that have completely lost the hair follicles and have a shiny scalp. However, as mentioned, the vast majority of patients can stand to benefit from a hair loss treatment of some sort. Q: What treatments for hair loss do you perform/prescribe the most to your patients?Dr. Ibrahim: There are an array of options available:  • Some sort of vitamin supplement like Viviscal Pro or Nutrafol - for men and women (which one we choose depends on the patient, the goal, and what we are treating).  • Minoxidil – either topical or oral – one of the oldest, gold standard treatments that works time and time again  • Finasteride in men  • Spironolactone in younger women. Dutasteride in older women with other medical conditions we need to be conscious of.  • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections – an in-office procedure where the growth factors in plasma are harvested and injected back into the scalp – in order to normalize shedding, and regrow and thicken hair. It is used in conjunction with the aforementioned at-home medical treatments. To help all of our patients battle hair loss, we are offering a FREE 1-month supply of Viviscal Professional when you buy a 3-month supply ($60 value) until 8/31/20 or while supplies last! Call or text our office (312-245-9965 option 2) to schedule your hair loss consultation and get a treatment plan customized just for you! [wpforms id="10755" title="true"]

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CCSD will be open 8/11/20

  CCSD will be open Tuesday, August 11th, to receive patients in-office. We apologize for the inconvenience of our office closure on Monday, August 10th due to circumstances beyond our control. Before coming into your appointment tomorrow, kindly: Check current public transit and road closure information. If driving, our validated parking garages are 10 E Grand (up to 10 hours for $9) and 540 N State st. (up to 12 hours for $9) Ensure your patient paperwork is completed via our patient portal to help reduce wait times Bring your face covering. Upon arrival your temperature will be checked and our staff will ask you a few questions related to COVID-19 to ensure safety Don't forget, we offer virtual telehealth appointments with all of our Providers! Telehealth appointments can address: Initial consultations and assessments including plastic surgery procedures Acne and prescription refills (your prescribed medication can be e-prescribed to your pharmacy) Diagnosing many general dermatology skin conditions In-Office Treatment Follow-Ups Skin Care and esthetic procedure consultations, and so much more! Telehealth virtual visits are secure, easy to use, and insurance eligible (depending on insurance eligibility and coverage). Call our office to book your telehealth visit today 312-245-9965 opt. 2! Thank you for your patience and understanding!

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COVID-19 and Safety Procedures Update

At Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, the health and safety of our patients, staff and providers is our first priority. On top of the rigorous sanitary procedures we have always maintained, we've added additional precautions during these uncertain times of COVID-19. July 24, 2020 UPDATE - Phase IV Gradually Resume: As you may know, Mayor Lightfoot announced some amendments to Chicago's Phase IV reopening. We want to ensure our patients that as a medical facility, we are exempt from the amended Phase IV: Gradually Resume changes. The "personal services" referenced in the announcement do not affect medical facilities like CCSD. All of our Practice policies remain in alignment with City of Chicago guidelines, and our sanitation measures remain vigilant, using medical grade products and processes (detailed below). If you're experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, a fever above 100°F, been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19, or just feel unsure about coming into the office, you can book a telehealth appointment by calling or texting 312-245-9965! [embed]https://youtu.be/kQbU619WmVA[/embed]   View our eblast about our Practice COVID-19 policies and safety procedures If you are coming into our office for an appointment, here are some safeguards to consider: In accordance with Governor Pritzker’s Stay-At-Home Order, 515 N State Street management is enforcing a face mask policy for the building. Please ensure you are wearing a personal face covering before coming into your appointment. Fill out your paperwork ahead of time via the Portal, texting and/or DocuSign. Our staff will be requesting paperwork from you that should be completed and submitted in advance of your visit. We will email you prior to your appointment alerting you what steps need to be completed to prepare for your visit. The patient portal is the most effective and compliant way to share information with us and will minimize the amount of contact you have with our staff, and the amount of time you are in the office. If you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, fever above 100°F, cough, shortness of breath, chills, shaking chills, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in the past 2 weeks, we require you to reschedule your appointment or use telehealth. If you have traveled outside of the Midwest in the past 2 weeks, we ask that you use telehealth as your method of visit. Please come alone. Unless you are a parent or legal guardian of a minor, or caretaker for another individual who requires support, we ask that you bring no other guests or children to the visit to minimize unnecessary exposure. For your safety and peace of mind, CCSD is taking these additional safety procedures: To help maintain social distancing, daily in-office visits are less than a third of our usual volume thanks to Telehealth. CCSD also has 15,000 square feet of office space with 27 exam rooms. This allows our patients private space for their visit. We will check your temperature upon arrival and ask you a few questions related to the virus to ensure safety. All CCSD employees will also be required to have their temperatures checked and answer the COVID-19 questionnaire prior to their shift. All of our staff will be wearing personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, eyewear/shields). They will also be sanitizing all surfaces, objects and exams rooms after patients or staff have touched them. Hand sanitizer is located  around the office for the use of all patients. Our spacious retail checkout allows patients to be 6ft apart (and then some!) from other patients at their departure. If your credit card is on file, it can be charged with your verbal approval. If you need to provide a CC, you can swipe your own card for contactless checkout. Whether virtually or in-office, CCSD looks forward to providing safe and quality care to our valued patients! Call or text to book your appointment today 312-245-9965.  

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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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