Apr 27

Saline vs. Silicone Implants: How To Choose?

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

When you decide to undergo a Bellevue breast augmentation, it can often be overwhelming to look at all the possible breast implant options. The first choice you will need to make is the type of implant you want. In the United States, there are two FDA approved implants commonly used by plastic surgeons, saline and silicone. Choosing between silicone vs. saline requires consideration of your anatomy, health, and goals. The difference between these two breast implants is what they are filled with. Saline implants consist of a silicone shell that Dr. Jonov inserts and then fills with sterile water. Silicone implants come pre-filled and consist of a thicker, viscous silicone gel. So, how do you choose between saline vs. silicone implants?

Saline Implants

The major advantage that saline implants have over silicone is that they can be inserted through a smaller incision. Additionally, in the event of a rupture, it is noticeable almost immediately. They also are usually less expensive than silicone implants. Yet, saline implants have a higher risk of rippling and most women believe they do not look or feel as natural. However, if a woman already has a significant amount of breast tissue, this implant option may serve her goals well.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants account for most of the breast augmentation surgeries performed in the US. This is largely because they mimic natural breast tissue and the advancements of gummy bear breast implants. In the rare event of a rupture, gummy bear implants are more likely to hold their shape. Many patients prefer the results with silicone implants and they are considered just as safe as saline implants. They are also popular for breast reconstruction surgeries and FTM breast augmentation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online

Apr 20

Photo For Blog Post About BOTOX For Hyperhidrosis

Debunked: BOTOX For Hyperhidrosis Causes You To Sweat Elsewhere

By Dr. Craig Jonov | BOTOX®, Injectables

BOTOX is best known as a cosmetic injectable that relaxes the muscles and can smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, BOTOX has many medical uses, including treating a sweating disorder known as hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating, usually in one part of the body, like the armpits, hands, or feet. However, in rarer cases, it can afflict the entire body. BOTOX for hyperhidrosis has become a popular treatment for excessive sweating.When injected, BOTOX works to limit the activity of sweat glands by reducing the signals they receive. This causes a reduction in sweating and can improve the quality of life for many people who have hyperhidrosis. Some worry that treating the area with BOTOX will cause another area of the body to excessively sweat. Luckily, this is a myth.BOTOX for hyperhidrosis will temporarily stop sweating in the treated area. Although, to maintain these results, patients will need to refresh their injections occasionally. Other parts of the body (and even usually the treated area) can sweat normally. But, treating underarm sweating with BOTOX should not cause the bottoms of the feet to begin sweating excessively.At a consultation, Dr. Jonov can evaluate whether BOTOX could effectively treat your hyperhidrosis. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery to treat hyperhidrosis, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

Apr 13

A Photo For A Blog Post About Scar Care In Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland

Cosmetic Surgery Recovery: Caring For Your Incision & Scar Care

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Plastic Surgery Recovery, Microneedling

After any surgery, caring for the incision is crucial to a safe recovery. Cosmetic surgery patients often value minimizing their scars as much as they can. This starts with the proper care following surgery and extends for the first year or more.Immediately after surgery, it is imperative to follow Dr. Jonov’s instructions concerning your incision. Every surgery is different and caring for an incision on the abdomen is different from caring for a facelift incision. Typically, Dr. Jonov will advise to avoid getting the area wet for a time to discourage infection. He may also prescribe an antibiotic.Dr. Jonov will then recommend our proprietary prescription scar protocol that you will use for the next 12 months. This 5 phase protocol cares for the incision to reduce the look of your surgical scar and is the gold standard of incision and scar care. It is important to start it as soon as possible to garner the best results. Each phase is perfectly curated to treat a specific stage of the healing process. In general, the protocol must be started within 6 months of surgery.If you have an older scar, or want to further minimize your scar, microneedling can smooth the texture and look of surgical scars. This can work on older scars. While it may not make the scar totally disappear, it can smooth a rough scar and contribute to an improved appearance. To schedule a consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

Apr 06

A Photo For A Blog Post on Preventative BOTOX in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland

Preventative BOTOX: Why The Younger Generation Has Already Started BOTOX

By Dr. Craig Jonov | BOTOX®, Injectables

BOTOX has become a household name for the injections used to prevent wrinkle formation. Normally, BOTOX is used to treat formed wrinkles, or early forming wrinkles. Partially and temporarily paralyzing the nerves and muscles in the area, it limits the repetitive movements that cause wrinkles. Due to this, BOTOX was typically considered a treatment to begin in middle age. However, today, many young people, even those in their twenties, have begun using BOTOX to prevent the formation of wrinkles.This use of BOTOX treatment is known as preventative BOTOX. Is it safe? Is it effective? BOTOX is widely considered one of the safest cosmetic treatments on the market. Therefore, receiving small doses of the injectable is perfectly safe. As far as the efficacy, BOTOX has proven to prevent and delay the onset of wrinkles. Although, it cannot fully stop them from forming. Yet, results will vary from patient to patient and on individual lifestyles. For the absolute best results, young patients should be strategic about when they begin preventative BOTOX injections, where they receive them, and receive fewer units than those treating deep lines. Additionally, some young people get BOTOX injections for medical reasons like migraines and hyperhidrosis. As BOTOX continues to be studied, more medical uses will surely be discovered.To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov or an injector, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

Mar 30

Photo For Blog Post Abput Chemical Peel Questions Answered

Will A Chemical Peel Hurt? & Other Skin Peel Questions Answered

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Face, Chemical Peel, Skin

When seeking out any new esthetic or cosmetic procedure, it is natural to have questions. Chemical peels are no exception. With over a million peels performed per year, their popularity continues to grow. Patients new to peels often have questions, below we have answered some of the most common ones.

Do chemical peels hurt?

Maybe. Chemical peels rarely require anesthesia (except in rare cases when performing phenol peels). Light and medium peels often make the skin feel tight during and for a short time following your peel. Your master esthetician will monitor your condition throughout the peel process. Sometimes a topical anesthetic can be applied.

Are chemical peels safe?

While the term “chemical” may raise alarms for some, the chemicals used are all skin-safe acids. Many of these acids are naturally derived or already found in the body. Glycolic acid comes from sugar and salicylic acid from willow trees. However, chemical peels should only be performed by a professional like our master estheticians in a sterile environment. At-home chemical peels can burn and permanently damage the skin.

Which skin peel do I need?

The facial peel best for you depends greatly on your skin type and conditions. For first time peel patients, our master estheticians usually recommend a light or medium peel to start. This allows them to gauge how your skin will react and build it up gradually. During a complimentary consultation, your master esthetician can determine if you are a candidate for a Bellevue chemical peel and which one will benefit you most.To schedule a consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

Mar 23

Blog Post Photo For Breast Lift Or Reduction?

Breast Lift Or Reduction: Which Is Best For Me?

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

A breast lift and a breast reduction are extremely similar and sometimes even utilize the same surgical techniques. Therefore, for women wanting to lift their sagging breasts and get rid of extra skin and fat, it can be hard to distinguish which procedure will best benefit them.

A breast lift is usually performed for women who experience breast sagging or ptosis. This can happen naturally with aging, breast feeding, and hormonal changes. During this surgery, the nipple is usually repositioned and extra skin and fat removed to make the breasts look perkier. A breast reduction often involves repositioning the nipple and removing certain amounts of skin and tissue.

The main difference between these procedures is usually the amount of tissue removed. During a breast lift, Dr. Jonov will attempt to remove the least amount of breast tissue possible. Usually, a breast reduction surgery removes more tissue and there may not be breast ptosis or sagging to correct. While the surgical techniques are similar, the goals are different.

A breast reduction can also relieve problems like back pain, rashes, and recurrent skin infections on or under the breasts when these are caused by overly large breasts. Breast lifts typically do not provide this same kind of relief like a reduction.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

Mar 16

The Advantages Of Lip Augmentation Surgery

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Face, Injectable Fillers, Injectables

One of the most common ways the lips are augmented is with dermal fillers. Fillers are a great, but temporary option. For those who need a more permanent lip augmentation option, Dr. Jonov can perform lip augmentation surgery.

Lip augmentation surgery usually involves a flexible silicone implant or fat transferred from another area of the body. The surgery–depending on your chosen method–typically takes around an hour to perform. Any incisions are hidden inside the mouth or within the natural contours of your lips.

Following surgery, your lips will look immediately plumper. The advantages of this type of lip augmentation are that results are permanent, but still natural looking and feeling. There is no need to constantly get lip injections or refresh your results every year. Depending on your needs and goals, Dr. Jonov can often perform a bullhorn lip lift at the same time.

Bigger lips can bring symmetry to the face and help those with uneven or thin lips improve their facial contours. To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

Mar 09

Blog post image for fat transfer in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland

The Wide Variety Of Fat Transfer Procedures

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Liposuction, Fat Transfer, Brazilian Butt Lift

Fat transfer procedures have revolutionized the cosmetic surgery industry in recent years. While cosmetic surgeons have used fat transfer for over a hundred years to correct major scars and disfigurements, usually from wartime injuries, fat grafting has continued to see advancements as fat harvesting saw improvements. Today, fat grafting, liposuction, and subsequent transfer have become among the most popular body contouring procedures. Firstly, like the original uses of the procedure, facial fat transfer can fill in facial hollows, correct acne scarring, and address other facial scarring. Normally, the fat is injected through a small cannula. This can rejuvenate the face for a younger appearance and for reconstructive purposes.As liposuction saw advancements, fat transfer procedures did also. Fat transfer to the breasts and Brazilian butt lifts are among two of the most popular procedures. During these procedures, Dr. Jonov harvests fat from one site of the body, often the abdomen or thighs. Then, he transfers it via injection into the butt or breasts. Fat can also be used as a filler, adding volume to targeted areas. Sometimes fat harvesting can happen on a smaller scale to fill in the tear troughs, augment the lips, or as cheek filler. There are many options for your fat transfer in Bellevue. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

Mar 02

Picture for blog post about Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery

What To Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Plastic Surgery Recovery, Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as a male breast reduction, is a cosmetic surgery performed to treat gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition that causes development of male breasts. When there are no other underlying health problems, Dr. Jonov can perform a male breast reduction to remove excess skin and fat. Giving them the sleeker and sculpted chest they desire.

Like any surgery, gynecomastia surgery has a recovery period. Typically, patients require at least a few days of risk and return to work within a week or so. Although, based on individualized factors, you may require more time off work to ensure a good and safe result. Some male breast reduction surgeries only require liposuction and these less invasive procedures can require less downtime. Dr. Jonov will ensure you understand the amount of time you need off work.

As far as side effects go, you can expect to experience some localized pain, swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness. Dr. Jonov will prescribe medications to manage these side effects and they should go away on their own.

Your results should settle in over time. The final results following cosmetic surgery can take a few months to develop as skin settles and swelling goes down. You should see an immediate difference in the size of your chest after surgery.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

Feb 24

The History Of Breast Augmentation

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Breast Augmentation, Breast

After the Industrial Revolution, the age of medical advancements began. The first breast augmentation was performed to correct breast asymmetry caused when a woman had a tumor removed. Previous to and following this, women injected and inserted many things in an attempt to augment their breasts. Early attempted implants included: silicone, paraffin, glass balls, wood, and many other materials. Obviously, these implants offered little to no result at best and dangerous complications at worst.

It wasn’t until 1962 when a woman would first receive silicone implants. Performed by surgeons Dr. Frank Gerow and Dr. Thomas Cronin, the first breast augmentation came at the same time a curvier figure came into style.

In the decades since this first breast enlargement surgery, silicone breast implants have become one of the most researched medical devices in the world. Their safety has also increased. The newest advancement includes the gummy bear implant which is less likely to rupture, looks and feels more natural, and has a higher chance of staying cohesive in the rare event of a rupture.

To schedule a consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

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