Jan 24

A Photo For A Blog Post About Can I Use Retinol After RF Microneedling?

“Can I Use Retinol After RF Microneedling?” & Other Microneedling Aftercare Questions Answered

Many non-surgical skincare treatments and procedures do not have a recovery, but do require some aftercare. Our master estheticians answer some of the most common questions after undergoing RF microneedling in Bellevue at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery.

#1: Can I Use Retinol After RF Microneedling?

Not immediately after, no. Your master esthetician will likely recommend not doing any skincare the first night, beyond some moisturization. Since retinol is a resurfacing agent, you will need to wait at least a few weeks before continuing its use. Depending on the product and frequency of use, your master esthetician may recommend waiting between two and six weeks before resuming retinol use.

#2: Will I Peel?

Potentially, though it is less likely to than a chemical peel. Any peeling that occurs is usually mild and resolves quickly. Many will not experience any peeling after RF microneedling.

#3: What Is Normal After RF Microneedling?

After RF microneedling, it is normal to experience some redness, irritation, and itchiness for a few days. However, this should improve after the first one to two days and it should not be so uncomfortable that hinders everyday life. Occasionally, peeling or dryness may occur. Unless severe, this is also no cause for concern.To learn more and to schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, and contact form.

Jan 17

Is Gynecomastia Surgery Risky?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a condition often caused by genetics or hormones. It involves the overgrowth of breast tissue and can leave many men without treatment options, depending on the root cause. At this point, surgery becomes the only treatment option with viable results. Before surgery, many men ask, “Is gynecomastia surgery risky?” There are risks with every surgery. However, gynecomastia carries few risks when performed on an ideal patient. Ideal patients are relatively healthy, have realistic expectations, and have no untreated, major health conditions. When performed under these conditions, while risks are still present, they are low. The overall risks of gynecomastia surgery include those seen with other procedures such as infection, reactions/side effects of anesthesia, unsatisfactory results, fluid collection, and prolonged bruising or swelling. Specific risks of gynecomastia can include recurrence of the condition and chest abnormalities. All of these risks are exceptionally rare when performed by a top plastic surgeon like Dr. Craig Jonov. To schedule a consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561. You can reach online via Price Simulator, chat, and contact form.

Jan 10

Ways To Know If You Need A Lift With Your Breast Augmentation

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast

When considering breast augmentation, many women, especially those over thirty, wonder if they will also need a breast lift to achieve the results they want. Sagging breasts naturally occur over time and can be worsened by smoking, having children, and genetics. While ultimately a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Craig Jonov is the best person to determine if a lift is necessary, there are some ways to know if you need a lift with your augmentation. First off, there is the classic pencil test. If you can hold a pencil in the crease between your breast and torso, you may benefit from a breast lift. This is one of the more traditional ways that can indicate a need for a breast lift. However, it does not fully account for pseudo ptosis, or types of sagging where only certain structures are affected. For example, sometimes the nipples may sag or point downward, but only a small amount of breast tissue sags. In this case, a patient may benefit from a breast lift to reposition the nipples. This does not always require a full breast lift to achieve. Finally, the size of the breast implants you want also can help Dr. Jonov determine if a lift is necessary. The bigger the implants, the better chance they will have of sagging. Sometimes, he can avoid a lift through dual plan placement or other techniques depending on the patient’s anatomy and the implant size. To learn more, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online using Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.

Jan 03

Are Cheek Fillers Painful?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Injectable Fillers

Located in the center of the face, the cheeks draw a lot of attention. Therefore, many patients want to make cosmetic changes to their cheeks. Whether it be slimming the cheeks, adding volume, or creating more definition, there are many options for cheek enhancement in Bellevue. One of the most common cheek enhancement procedures is cheek fillers. A common question during consultations is, “Are cheek fillers painful?” Like all injections, cheek fillers do come with some discomfort. While some patients do find the injections bearable without any form of numbing, our injectors almost always offer and use topical numbing cream. They may also use a vibration device that distracts the brain from the discomfort of the injection. Other forms of anesthetic or numbing such as lidocaine injections are not commonly used. Overall, the injections are not too uncomfortable and most patients do not experience any major pain during or after their injections. Our injectors will discuss any concerns you have and work to make the experience as comfortable as possible for you. To learn more, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online at via Price Simulator, chat, contact form.

Dec 28

Preparing For Facial Feminization Surgery

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Face, Facial Feminization

Facial feminization surgery is a procedure that combines multiple facial plastic surgeries to feminize the face. Each one contains different procedures based on the individual patient’s needs. It is most commonly performed for male to female transgender patients, though occasionally cisgender female patients may undergo the procedure. Here’s what preparing for facial feminization surgery involves.First off, during your consultation, Dr. Jonov will determine the exact procedures necessary to feminize the face based on your goals. From there, he will describe the procedures and ensure you are comfortable with and understand them. You will then receive a price quote and can schedule surgery. By the time you get to your pre-operative appointment, you will need to finance surgery. Depending on your medical history and the procedure, Dr. Jonov may ask you to obtain clearances from other doctors or to make changes to your lifestyle like stopping smoking. After your pre-operative appointment, there may be slight changes such as altering your medication dosages and making arrangements for your recovery. To schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also visit us online using Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.

Dec 20

Does Lipo Leave Scars?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Body, Liposuction

When comparing liposuction to procedures like a tummy tuck, liposuction consists of small, minimal incisions. While liposuction typically does require some incisions, it is a much less invasive procedure than one that removes skin. Naturally, this leads to questions like, “Does lipo leave scars?”The answer is that it depends. The average incision size for liposuction is about a quarter inch. Some may even be as small as an eighth of an inch, with most not getting larger than half an inch. Though, liposuction can treat multiple areas at once, meaning that there may be multiple incision points. Generally, they are located in natural creases of the body. While these incisions can scar, in most cases they heal well. Regardless, Dr. Jonov will do his best to hide the incisions in creases or places that undergarments should cover. If you are prone to hypertrophic or keloid scars, it is important to discuss this with Dr. Jonov during your consultation.Based on your medical history, previous scar history, and other factors, Dr. Jonov can determine what you can expect from liposuction scars. In most patients, the scars heal well and fade. Scar Protocol treatment can also help. To schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.

Dec 13

Is Dermaplaning Good For Aging Skin?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Nonsurgical, Skin

Dermaplaning is a treatment that uses a surgical scalpel to remove dead skin and peach fuzz from the surface of the skin. It does not involve any ablation and is safe for all skin types and tones. Since it mainly is an exfoliation treatment, many patients ask, “Is dermaplaning good for aging skin?”While dermaplaning on its own is not an anti-aging treatment, it can complement other anti-aging procedures. For example, because dermaplaning removes dead skin and hair that may otherwise prevent skincare products and procedures from penetrating deeper into the skin. When a patient undergoes dermaplaning before another procedure, this can increase the efficacy. This is especially true of medical grade facials and chemical peels.Additionally, dermaplaning is great for providing a temporary skin glow. Therefore, if you need a quick glow for an event, dermaplaning is a great finishing touch that can give you a healthy looking glow and make your make-up go on easier.In short, yes, dermaplaning is good for aging skin, though it is not an anti-aging treatment on its own. Your master esthetician can determine if dermaplaning is a good addition to your normal routine. To schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, or contact form

Dec 06

Benefits Of Chin Filler

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Nonsurgical, Chin Augmentation

For many patients, chin filler is one of the most surprising non-surgical procedures available. This is because it can address concerns seemingly unrelated to the chin. Since the chin is one of the structural mainstays of the lower third of the face, a strong chin can make a major difference in the look of the face. Here are some of the benefits of chin filler and some may be surprising.

#1: Sharper Jawline

Many patients who come in for jaw filler to achieve a sharper, more defined jawline are surprised when their injector recommended chin filler instead. A recessed chin, even one that is not that noticeable or pronounced, can make the jawline look shorter and less defined. Adding projection to the chin with filler lengthens the look of the jawline which overall defines its appearance.

#2: Opportunity To “Try On” A Chin Implant

Deciding to undergo chin augmentation with an implant is a big decision. While chin implants are sized and customized to the patient, it can be difficult to commit without knowing you will even like the look of your augmented chin. Dermal fillers are a temporary way to experiment with how your chin would look post-surgery. This can help many patients decide the best chin augmentation route for them.

#3: Correct Unwanted Chin Dimples

When a patient comes in wanting to correct an unwanted chin dimple or similar minor concern, a chin implant is simply not warranted. While it may address the issue, it ultimately overcorrects in many cases. Therefore, filler is a great option for these patients because they can use only a small amount of filler to correct the specific problem areas.To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.

Nov 29

A Photo For A Blog Post About Causes Of Saggy Breasts

3 Causes Of Saggy Breasts

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Breast Lift, Breast

Saggy breasts are a common complaint we hear during consultations at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery. Many women want to achieve perkier breasts and restore lost volume. Thankfully, there are many options to address saggy breasts including a breast lift or breast lift with augmentation. The right procedure for you will depend on your goals, anatomy, and the cause of sagging. Let’s take a look at 3 causes of saggy breasts.

#1: Aging

Aging is the most common cause of saggy breasts. As skin loses elasticity and gravity continues to pull down on the breasts, this eventually causes sagging for most women. Though, every woman will see different changes related to aging. Some may see only minor sagging while others may see more severe ptosis.

#2: Weight Changes

Weight changes–gain or loss–can contribute to or worsen breast sagging. With weight loss, extra skin can cause breast sagging and result in unwanted volume loss. Weight gain can increase the volume in the breasts, which can also cause sagging. When combined with aging and other factors, weight changes can largely affect breast ptosis.

#3: Smoking

Smoking causes the premature breakdown of the body’s structures. It limits collagen production, thins the skin, and leads to loss of elasticity earlier in life. It can also overall worsen the natural aging of your skin and breasts. If you quit smoking before this occurs, you can slow or sometimes even reverse this. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online using chat, Price Simulator®, or our contact form.

Nov 22

What Does BOTOX In The Masseter Do?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | BOTOX®, Injectables

Plastic surgeons and cosmetic injectors continue to find innovative ways to use BOTOX for cosmetic purposes. One of the hottest new BOTOX procedures is masseter BOTOX. Unlike other BOTOX injections, masseter BOTOX does not explicitly address wrinkles or aging. So, what does BOTOX in the masseter do?First, let’s look at what the masseter is and where it is located. The masseter is a facial muscle located towards the back of your cheek and jaw. It is responsible for lifting the jaw upward when extended. This muscle can become overgrown, genetically larger, or carry extra fat.Injecting BOTOX into the masseter muscle results in a slimmer looking face. It does not impact the function of the muscle, but does cause it to retract slightly and weakens it over time so that it does not project as much. While temporary, this non-surgical facial slimming procedure is among the most effective and sought after.To learn more and schedule a consultation with an injector, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online using Price Simulator, chat, and contact form.

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