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.

Nov 15

A Photo For A Blog Post About Inner Thigh Lift vs. Vertical Thigh Lift

Inner Thigh Lift vs. Vertical Thigh Lift: Which Is Best For You?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Body, Thigh Lift, Body Contouring

The thighs are a common area that women tend to hang onto stubborn fat, especially the inner/upper thigh. For some patients, liposuction of the thighs is enough to clear away this stubborn fat and leave the patient with the thinner thighs they desire. However, sometimes if a patient has lost a significant amount of weight, extra skin can appear on the thighs. Unfortunately, liposuction cannot address this. This is when a thigh lift may be necessary to achieve the look they want. Patients, once learning their options, often ask, “What’s the difference between an inner thigh lift vs. vertical thigh lift?”The main difference between an inner thigh lift and a vertical thigh lift is the extent of the procedure. An inner thigh lift mainly only removes skin from the inner, upper thigh. This is among the most troublesome area and some patients may only need to address this area for a good result. Conversely, a vertical thigh lift incision extends further down the thigh and addresses a larger area. This procedure is usually performed when extra skin is present further down the thigh as well as the inner thigh.Beyond this, the two procedures are strikingly similar and both use virtually the same incision. To find out whether an inner or vertical thigh lift is right for you, schedule a consultation by calling 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online at Price Simulator®, chat, and contact form.

Nov 08

What Does A Bullhorn Lip Lift Do?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Face

In the last decade, the lips have become the focus of many cosmetic procedures, including lip filler. Though it is not just non-surgical lip enhancements that have gained popularity, surgical ones have as well. One of these is the lip lift. At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Jonov primarily performs the bullhorn lip lift. What does a bullhorn lip lift do? There are two main objectives that a lip lift can achieve. First, it can shorten the distance between the upper lip and nose. For some people, this length of skin may cause their lips to look thin, contribute to an unwanted masculine appearance, or otherwise cause concerns. Secondly, for patients with a thin upper lip, a lip lift can expose more of the red or pink part of the lip. This can be revolutionary for a patient self conscious about their thin lips. The bullhorn lip lift technique uses an incision that resembles bullhorns. Located along the upper lip, it is well hidden in the natural transition between your skin and lips. It removes skin and then elevates the upper lip into its new position. It is a fairly quick and non-invasive procedure. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online using our Price Simulator® app, chat, or contact form.

Nov 01

Does The Zombie Carbon Laser Peel Cause Peeling?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Chemical Peel, Skin

The zombie carbon laser peel is The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery’s take on a traditional carbon laser peel. Combining soothing carbon lotion with laser technology, the treatment is fairly comfortable and rejuvenates the skin without creating major damage. Since it is referred to as a “peel”, many first time patients ask, “Does the zombie carbon laser peel cause peeling?” Generally, the answer is no. Unlike a traditional chemical peel that contains various ingredients designed to resurface the skin such as lactic acid, carbon lotion is not formulated to do this. It provides a dark colored surface for the laser to target which controls the amount of laser energy that reaches the skin. This leads to a treatment that both rejuvenates and soothes the skin. With that said, some patients can experience minor peeling after the procedure. While not especially common, it is usually not something to be concerned about. If patients experience peeling, they can moisturize and, after a few days, lightly exfoliate. You can also always contact your master esthetician to find out the best aftercare solution for your skin. To schedule a free consultation with a master esthetician, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online using chat, contact form, or Price Simulator®.

Oct 25

What Filler Is Best For The Temples?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Nonsurgical, Juvederm®, Injectable Fillers, Injectables, Voluma

The temples are among one of the areas of the face that loses volume first. In fact, even just an active lifestyle can lead to hollowed out temples. Therefore, temple filler is becoming a more popular treatment to round out the face and provide a more youthful appearance. Patients often like to know the dermal filler that will give them the best results so they may ask, “What filler is best for the temples?”The best filler for the temples will vary based on the patient, their anatomy, and their goals. Typically, the temples require more filler than other areas because of how much space is present. Additionally, the temples, even though they carry a small amount of fat, are a rather bony area. Therefore, a softer filler is usually not preferred. The fillers that the injectors at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery use may include fillers such as Restalyne Defyne, Juvederm Voluma, and Restylane Refyne. Nearly any dermal filler can be used in the temples if the patient is the right candidate for that particular filler. Your injector will discuss the numerous options available during your consultation.To schedule a consultation with an injector at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator®.

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