James M. Platis, MD

I had a tummy tuck and liposuction in June 2019 and it was the best decision I've ever made! My results actually far exceeded my expectations. I'm very happy with my results. I went from a size 12/14 to a size 6/8. Aside from Dr. Platis's excellent reviews, one of the other reasons I chose him for my surgery was that I wouldn't need drains after surgery. My recovery went better than I thought as well. I can't say enough about Dr. Platis and his wonderful staff. Best decision ever!

Here to share some insights on my recent BBL in hopes of helping others! Currently anxiously awaiting the final results after healing, but here are my “before” pics. I regret not taking more beforehand.
Updated on 21 May 2019:
April 24, 2019 was surgery date!

I followed all instructions: 

- Wash with hibiclens the night before and morning of 

- Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery 

- Pack light on surgery day and wear comfy clothes 

- Have someone with you to drive you and stay with you for min 24 hours afterward (I appreciated having someone for a couple days after - more on that later) 

The surgery began around 7 AM. I arrived at the facility around 6. It’s worth noting that Dr. Platis works out of an accredited surgical center, and I found all of the nurses, staff, and anesthesiologist to be friendly and welcoming. Between 6 and 7 I was dressed in the hospital gown, with compression socks, hooked up to the IV and ready to go. I met with Dr. Platis once more to go over final wish pics and be marked up for procedure. By 7 things were underway and before I knew it at 9:30 I was beginning to wake up. About an hour later I was ready to leave. My boyfriend and I rented a mid-size SUV - I was very thankful for this, as he drives a tiny sports car and I cannot imagine tying to get in and out of it in the state I was in. The hour ride home to the city (Dr. Platis works out of a surgery center in Northwest Indiana) was painful to say the least.


Updated on 21 May 2019:
Day 0 - Surgery The evening of the surgery I appreciated that Dr. Platis reached out to see that I was doing okay. I was pretty nauseous from the anesthesia and couldn’t keep food down, but other than that just sleeping. I could hardly feel anything as long as I didn’t move.

Day 1 - The first full day post- surgery was by far the worst... the anesthesia had worn off and one pain pill every four hours as prescribed was hardly enough. I was thankful to have my boyfriend with me, even though I was hardly awake and only left bed to use the washroom. The good news is it was only a day! In the grand scheme of things, that’s a very small amount of time compared to how long we all hope these results will last. 

Days 2-3 - The second and third days came around and things got much better. It was easier for me to get in and out of bed on my own. I was told I was able to shower 48 hours post-op, so on the 26th I gave it a try. I removed my garment for the first time. As I have since learned, the shift in blood pressure while doing so often leads to light-headedness and fainting, and I all but passed out right on the bathroom floor had my boyfriend not been by my side to catch me. I would definitely recommend having someone with you in the first few days afterward. 

Day 3 - This is when the pain substantially subsided, thankfully... I attempted the shower again. It helps to take off the garment and stay in a horizontal position for some time to help your body acclimate to the change in pressure before getting up to shower. It was a bit of a mental hurdle to me also, as I was feeling like my mid section was very vulnerable. This could be just me, as I’ve been known to be pretty squeamish, but I specifically didn’t look in the mirror and stuck to washing up with a wash cloth and the bath faucet and washing my hair in the sink... it did the trick! I actually was able to attend a friend’s birthday party this night for a bit and was out of the house for the first time. 

Days 4-5 - These days included lots and lots of rest. I was off painkillers by the 3rd day and was amazed and how much recovery progress my body was making each and every day. Things were looking up and I was certain the worst was over. All in all, even the worst wasn’t so bad. 

Day 5 - I had my follow-up appointment and Dr. Platis advises that things were healing according to plan. The bruising was subsiding, and he gave me a tip that anytime I felt lightheaded just to lay down flat immediately. Luckily soon after this the faint feelings subsided naturally anyways.


Updated on 21 May 2019:
I’m here at 4 weeks post-op and anxiously awaiting the final results (still months away realistically).

Most of what I have read says a major portion of the swelling should subside by six weeks. I have taken weekly photos and can see progress but am having a difficult time envisioning the final result. I can also see my butt losing volume as each week passes. The emphasis on my surgery was really on the mid-section lipo. I was clear that I did not want too much added to my bottom, just a little. I’m happy with the shape I have but I do wish my projection was more than what it’s shaping up to be now. I also realize it’s important to be realistic about result expectations - I didn’t start out with much there in the first place! I’m really happy with the smoothness of my back so far and see better and worse days with swelling in my stomach. I notice one side has more curve than the other and wonder if I will need a revision to correct this. (That is one risk related to the surgery I was well aware of going into the process.)

An interesting note about Dr. Platis is that he does not buy into or recommend any of the special pillows or abstinence from sitting advice like so many other doctors I have seen. He communicated that I could sit whenever I was able to after as pain allowed and insisted that about 65% of the fat transferred would stay regardless of the pressure I put on the area. I appreciate the advice as this made the surgery more realistic for me, but I’ll never really know if it would have helped to retain projection had I refrained from sitting as most doctors prescribe. Also in all fairness, I don’t think I would have agreed to the surgery had I not been able to sit for 6+ weeks! 

Only time will tell on how things will end up!

I just had a breast reduction with Dr. Platis. I am beyond happy with my results. He listens to everything you say. Dr. Platis is very genuine, & compassionate. I had a tummy tuck about 5 years prior to this, and was extremely pleased with that as well. In my opinion, I believe he is the best out there.

I had recently lost 80 lbs through sensible eating and exercise, and while I was thrilled with my progress, my body reflected what it had been through, and I decided it was now or never to make the needed improvements that would keep me motivated from falling back into old bad habits. I consulted Dr. Platis about a tummy tuck and mastoplexy, and was impressed with the fact that he had made me feel totally comfortable. I was so thrilled with the process and results, that a year later I went back for augmentation. I had hoped I would have enough breast tissue not to need an augmentation, but decided afterwards that I wanted more fullness, and Dr. Platis agreed. Again, I am more than thrilled with the results.

After almost a year of researching various Doctors and stalking sites like Real Self, I finally decided... My time is now! Surgery scheduled in less than 3 weeks with Dr. James Platis in Chicago. I'm 5'7 and 185lbs and although I'm curvy, (hips & butt), I've always had an area or two that seemed to bother me the most, one being my stomach. I'll never be SKINNY nor do I have the desire to be. I just want to be comfortable again.. Ohhh and look super cute in my clothes.. ????

Updated on 4 Aug 2017:
Hi All! Just thought I'd add a couple before pics to use as comparison later.. Now let the count down begin..

Updated on 22 Aug 2017:
So I'll be the first to admit, the first two days post op were much more difficult than anticipated. Although I did manage to go to the restroom without assistance, getting in and out of bed was a bit of a chore. If I were to give any tips thus far, I'd say. 1) Stay on top of meds like clockwork as prescribed by your Dr 2) Try to get up and walk around every 3-4hrs if possible. I believe this made a world of difference for me and by day 3, my energy has definitely increased. In a nutshell, the days leading up to, I second guessed myself a hundred times over.. But after getting to the hospital, the nurses were truly awesome.. All spoke very highly of Dr. Platis and even shared their personal surgical experiences with him, reassuring me that I had made the absolute best choice. Just hearing that and knowing that I was in GREAT hands, felt like 1,000 lbs being lifted off my shoulders. So YES this girl is happy.. STiFF, SWOLLEN but HAPPY. Lol Can't wait to see final results.

Updated on 25 Aug 2017:
Can't tell you how many times during my research and obsession with reading just about every personal experience out there regarding tummy tucks, where you hear about that swelling period post op, commonly referred to as "swell hell." Whelp, I'm hear to tell you.... It's real... If I didn't sneak a peak under my binder on day 2 post op, I think I would've been be a lil discouraged, shortly thereafter. By day 3 my stomach was hard and obviously very swollen.. Thankful that I had a picture to refer back to. :))) But my eyes are still on the prize.. Arnica & Bromelain are awesome and will be my new bff's throughout this journey. Had my first post op visit and Dr is convinced that I'm gonna LOVE my results despite the swelling. He also advised me to purchase a compression garment to help push the swelling out, and that's exactly what I did... As I was previously only wearing the binder that I wore home from surgery.. I say all that to say, I don't know if it's a combination of everything noted above, but there was a HUGE difference in the reduction of my swelling... So this girl is HAPPY.. :)))))

I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Platis and his work! Prior to my surgery, I simply came in to have a consultation about replacing my previous implants and having areola reduction surgery. While I originally intended to have several consultations with different surgeons, it was clear to me after speaking with him this wouldn’t be necessary. He addressed all of my concerns thoroughly and I fully trusted his ability in achieving my aesthetic goals. I am an extreme perfectionist, so having this trust was paramount in relieving the extreme anxiety I held while finding the “right” surgeon. I cannot begin to explain how overly pleased I am with the results. My post-operative recovery went smoother than I ever anticipated. My pain was minimal considering the work I had done, and there were no complications. The asymmetry of my breasts have been completely fixed, and I now have the natural and proportionate look I was striving for. Going through with my surgery has truly been a blessing. Dr. Platis is extremely talented at what he does, and exceeded my already high expectations. My previously self-conscious feelings have been replaced with confidence and increased self-esteem that no “price” will ever seem comparable to. If you are even considering having a procedure done I would recommend him and only him. He is truly a “miracle worker.” The only concern I have had throughout this entire process is whether or not he will be practicing when I decide to have another procedure in the future. I can only hope so!

Great experience with Dr.Platis for a breast augmentation revision. Very happy with results. He was very open and honest and I felt we were on the same page throughout the entire thing. Kate was great with getting back to me on all questions I had as well.

Three weeks ago I had a breast implant removal and a breast lift by Dr. Platis. Pain medication was available but I never needed them. I feel amazing! For so many years I was so unhappy with the implants that another surgeon put in me. This time around, I had to be sure that I was making the right decision by choosing the right doctor for me. I knew Dr. Platis was my doctor from our first consultation, he is an extremely skilled surgeon that truly listened to me and helped me to achieve my goals. I highly recommend him if you want superb results!

Dr. Platis was one of a few doctors I went to for a breast augmentation consultation. I had never had any type of surgery before and was nervous about making a decision. I couldn't have asked for a better experience with Dr. Platis! He explained everything thoroughly, making sure I understood the process as well as making sure we were on the same page when it came to what I wanted and what the results would be. Fifteen months later and I'm still ecstatic over how it turned out. Also, Kate deserves at least 5 stars! She made me feel comfortable as soon as I walked in, and was always helpful whenever I called with questions.

Hellow ladies;)
I read this website for quite long time. You ladies help me through my journey. It started when I discovered 2 lumps in my left breast, ultrasonogram, mammogram and MRI results showed implant repture and silicon leakege. It was about 4 months ago and I was terribly scared.

I feel that I owe you sharing my story, plus I need to say couple words about my good experience with doctor James Platis and his very friendly staff.

So my first surgery was in 2007. I got anatomic implants Inamed brand (335cc 510 MX) in Europe. Allergan bought Inamed. Allergan respected my Inamed implants warranty. For me it means something. They are build company with respect to customers and taking responsibility for their products. I heard from three different sources that Mentor does not respect warranty from companies they bought. So I think it's better to stick with Allergan they have better policy. Overall a very good experience with Allergan customer service, I called them and I talk through email with Allergan rep many times with many questions. I wanted to be informed.

I keep in touch with my orginal doctor, he said it's almost impossible to repture cohesive gel implants and have free silicon in a body. For him this lumps wasn't free silicon.

It took me very long to get in to any doctor office. Maybe early summer is the busiest time, about 3-5 weeks of waiting almost everywhere I called. Dr Platis wasn't my first choice. I did scheduled many appointments in Chicago area, I visit 2 doctors before I saw Dr Platis but after first visit with this one, I canceled my other appointments and I scheduled surgery with Dr Platis.
I have to add that after my first call to the office to schedule appointment I talked with Peg, she called me back and she said that my situation is complicated and I need to see doc sooner and she gave me new sooner date. Very nice;)))

I decided to go for revision, not a removal implant as I thought at the begining, I could not imagine myself flat. It was a very hard decision. My wish was to stay similar, I liked my look I was 32d/34c, but as doctor adviced me I agreed on classic round silicon implants because they are softer. Softer is a magic word for me:)) anatomic are hard as this bouncy small gummy balls.

Whenever I saw women skinny like me but with bouncy breast I was jealous. Even some of my friends when they hugged me the asked what do I have so hard on my chest!!!! I did not share with anybody that I have implants. I just usually answer that it's a firm bra:)) haha but yes anatomic are too firm So I DO NOT RECOMEND ANATOMIC implants. Round one look for me more natural and feel more natural! I do not see roundness on the top on me, just nice natural slope. So girls paying for anatomic implants is a waste of money in my opinion. I'm VERY impressed how my new implants look and how soft they are. Going with round one was best decision.

Hmm it look I'm running out of time. I will write rest of my story later. English is not my first language so I'm sorry for all mistakes I made.

Updated on 1 Sep 2016:
First my stats: 37 years old, 2 breastfeed kids (I had implants when I was breastfeeding) 5'7" 140 lbs athletic, very little breast tissue I think I was about 32a/b without implants.

I had tear drop implants Inamed 510MX (medium hight, extra full projection) 335cc. I was 32d in VS bras. Implant dimension: 12,5cm wide, 11,6 cm hight, 5,6 projection.

I have round smooth classic implants Allergan moderate + 397cc, 13,1 cm, 4,2 projection. I'm 32d.

Here you can find all implants dimensions:
http://www.simplybreastimplants.com/breast_implant_sizes/natrelle_breast_implants_us.html

Pics from first post are 5 weeks after surgery. Round smooth implants.

Before I discovered my lumps I was fine with anatomic. They were firm but I didn't think about revision I didn't have time, and I was scared to go one more time for surgery, even when they were rotating YES THEY were sometimes upside-down! Horrible!!!! I was trying to help them stay in place by using all the time sport bras and it helps(doctor advice) I still liked my look, but i did not like feel and touch of breasts. I didn't know that round implants are so soft and look so natural.

So when doctor Platis asked what he should do if during surgery he will finds out that implant is not rupture. He said it's not the first time that MRI results are wrong. He said he can insert the same implant. I said then: OK, I like my look. My biggest fear was this horrible lump.

So doctor made a plan to first check ruptured implant and the lump, take it out for biopsy. So because he found rupture, he exchanged implants.

Since first visit he had doubts that lump was a silicone. Biopsy showed that it was a reactive intramammary lymph node with lipogranulomas. After call from doctor with results I cried. I was so afraid that they would find something dangerous. It was a relief.

So I'm so happy with the revision;) soft bouncy boobies. Like real ;) ooo I had horrible boobie blues that they are too big but it was when they were swollen. The size of the new is similar to the old one. The tightes of my dresses with lining are more loose in a chest area now. More comfortable now. So breasts now and then are different in dimensions, new have more cc but smaller on a chest?! They are good size ( means enough big:) I have never liked padded bras and now I don't think that I will use them. I use very comfortable bralettes and look veryy sexy;). And they are so bouncy;)))))) everyday I'm amazed how soft they are. I will post more pics tommorrow. I'm looking for pictures to compare my breast but I can't find them;) I can not belive I do not have bye bye picture of my old breast. My husband might have them

See you tommorrow,

Updated on 4 Sep 2016:
just pictures;)

Updated on 4 Sep 2016:
My wish breast was stay similar. With Tear drops I could go in demi bra for modest look or pushups with for more sexy look. I use a lot of push up. They were big on a bottom and not really full on top. I had 5,6 projection.

Round implants have more fullness on a top, but they are so soft, it's easy to squeeze them, that I love them in bralettes.

Updated on 30 Nov 2016:
I just attach a link for youtube video best explaining difference.
https://youtu.be/xrN0KmF9fZg

Anatomics keep shape so they have to be firmer. If you do not have fat on your breast and you choose anatomic, you won't have this movement of your best, shaking like jelly... I have lack of words, to explain. Anatomics gave me a perfect sculpture of a breast but round one move and feel more like a real one. They shake and wave and move.
Before when I saw on a street a women with big v-neck and cleavege I was simply jealous that mine breast do the move like hers;) so this is difference.

Cheers

Updated on 30 Nov 2016:
One picture almost 6 months post. I'm still very happy with results. Can't have smaller nor bigger. Just perfect for me.

One thing. I gain probably 8lbs. I did this pic 3 weeks ago. I already lost 3 lbs.