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Plastic Surgery Blog

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May 23
0

Everything to Know About Bellevue Breast Augmentation

By | Uncategorized

More Than a Cup Size

Breast augmentation is often painted as a one-size-fits-all “bigger is better” surgery. In reality, Bellevue women come to The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery for dozens of reasons: filling post-baby deflation, balancing asymmetry, upgrading from saline to gummy-bear silicone, or simply wanting curves that match how they already feel inside.Below is a human-first guide to help you decide if implants—or fat transfer—are the right next step.

Step 1: Clarify Your “Why”

Write down three everyday moments implants would change. Maybe it’s wearing a plunge dress without tape, jogging without padded bras, or seeing proportional hips-to-bust lines in photos. These day-to-day details guide sizing better than cup letters alone.

Step 2: Know Your Implant Choices

TypeFeel & LookLongevityIdeal For
Silicone GelSoft, natural hang10-15 yrsMost patients seeking realistic bounce
Gummy Bear (Cohesive)Firmer teardrop shape15 yrs+Athletic builds, minimal breast tissue
SalineSlightly firmer, adjustable in OR10 yrsBudget-friendly, ≥ 18 yrs old
Detailed specs live on our Bellevue breast augmentation page.

Step 3: Choose Incision & Placement

    • Inframammary (under-fold) – Standard for optimal control and hidden scars.
    • Peri-areolar – Camouflaged on the pigment border; small implants only.
  • Trans-axillary (armpit) – Scar off the breast; endoscopic approach.
Implant pocket can be sub-glandular (above muscle) for quicker recovery, or dual-plane (partially under muscle) to soften edges on lean frames.

Step 4: Preview in 3-D

Our Vectra® imaging system lets you “try on” sizes from 250 cc to 500 cc in a sports bra while digital renderings rotate on-screen. Couples often attend so partners visualize, too—reducing post-op size second-guessing.

Surgery Day & Beyond

    • Duration: 60–90 minutes in our AAAHC-accredited suite.
    • Anesthesia: Light general; you’re home by lunch.
    • Pain Level: Described as chest tightness vs. sharp pain; many switch to Tylenol® at 48 hrs.
    • Back to Desk Job: Day 5 in a front-close sports bra.
  • Gym Return: Week 3 for legs/cardio, week 6 for upper-body weights.
“Drop and fluff” is real: implants sit high the first month, then settle into a natural slope by month three. We photograph milestones so you see the evolution, not just the finale.

Combining Procedures (Mommy Makeover Lite)

Pairing augmentation with a mini-lift or VASER® lipo of the bra-line is common and saves on facility fees. Discuss bundle pricing during consult if multiple areas bother you.

Frequently Asked “What Ifs”

  • Will I lose nipple sensation? Temporary numbness is common; permanent change < 5 %.
  • Can I still breastfeed? Most women can—especially with inframammary incisions.
  • What about mammograms? Imaging centers in Bellevue routinely screen augmented breasts; just tell the tech.

Cost Snapshot

Silicone packages start around $8,500—that includes surgeon fee, anesthesia, OR, and check-ups. Up-sizing to gummy-bear or adding a lift increases cost; financing plans start under $200/month.

Your Next Move

Feeling informed is empowering, but it’s not the same as feeling seen. That happens in a one-on-one visit where you can squeeze sizers, flip through before-afters that match your body type, and ask every what-if. Bring your questions—leave with a plan that lets you own every curve.
May 20
0

Male Breast Reduction Bellevue: Understanding Your Options for a Flatter Chest

By | Uncategorized

The Quiet Frustration of “Extra”

If you’re a man who works out, eats right, and still sees a soft bulge under every fitted shirt, you already know the sting of gynecomastia. “You’re just out of shape,” friends joke—never mind the hours you log in the weight room. In truth, gland-based breast tissue doesn’t care how clean your macros are. It’s driven by hormones, genetics, medications, and sometimes plain bad luck.At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery in Bellevue, Dr. Craig Jonov treats dozens of men a year who want the freedom to stand tall at the pool instead of hunching forward or planning outfits around loose hoodies. If that sounds like you, here’s a straightforward look at your surgical—and non-surgical—options for a flatter, more defined chest.

Why Diet and Cardio Fall Short

Cardio shreds fat cells, but it can’t shrink glandular tissue; in fact, sudden weight loss can make puffy nipples look more pronounced as surrounding fat disappears. Supplements may promise “estrogen blockers,” yet rarely move the needle. When the culprit is dense gland, only direct removal fixes the contour.

Option 1: Liposuction-Only Contouring

Best for: Soft, fatty fullness with firm overlying skinA micro-cannula is passed through a tiny incision near the armpit or edge of the areola to suction fat. Good skin elasticity lets the chest wall retract smoothly without extra tightening steps. Most patients return to desk jobs in three days and gym work at two weeks.Internal link: Learn more on our gynecomastia liposuction page.

Option 2: Gland Excision + Liposuction

Best for: Firm disc-shaped tissue behind the nipple, often called “rubber coin” gynecomastiaA crescent incision along the bottom half of the areola hides the scar in natural pigment change. Dr. Jonov excises the gland, uses liposuction to blend edges, and often finishes with Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) for crisp definition. A compression vest is worn for three weeks to control swelling.

Option 3: Skin-Tightening Add-Ons

When you’ve lost 50 lbs+ or have loose skinRadio-frequency or helium-plasma (Renuvion) wands go under the skin to contract collagen. The result: a shrink-wrap effect that avoids bigger incisions typical of a full chest lift.

What Recovery Really Feels Like

  • Day 1: Soreness similar to post-workout chest DOMS; prescription pain meds usually needed only 24 hours.
  • Day 3-5: Back to Zoom meetings; low-sodium diet helps swelling.
  • Week 2: Light cardio; most bruising gone.
  • Week 6: Compression vest retired, scar gel started, final contour emerging.

Confidence Beyond the Mirror

Patients almost always mention non-physical wins:
  • No more double-tapping the shirt pocket to check for “puff.”
  • Finally comfortable wearing a single layer in summer.
  • Better posture—chest out, shoulders back—without thinking about it.

Cost & Financing

Male breast reduction at our Bellevue clinic starts around $7,500 for liposuction-only and $9,000–$10,500 when gland excision or skin tightening is included. Monthly plans through CareCredit® can bring payments below the cost of a gym membership.

Ready to Flatten Your Chest?

Book a private, judgment-free consultation:
  • (425) 775-3561
  • Contact Form
  •  Price Simulator
Define your chest—don’t let it define you.
May 14
0

Is a Neck Lift in Bellevue the Secret to a More Youthful Look?

By | Uncategorized

1. What a Neck Lift Addresses that Fillers Can’t

  • Platysma Banding: Vertical neck cords caused by muscle separation
  • Skin Laxity & “Turkey Wattle”: Sagging tissue under the chin
  • Submental Fat: Stubborn pocket below the jawline that resists diet and CoolSculpting
A true surgical lift re-anchors underlying tissue and removes excess skin—results no injectable or energy device can fully replicate.

2. Good Candidates

  • Age 25-50 with mild-to-moderate jowling
  • Elastic Skin Elsewhere: Facelift may be unnecessary if mid-face remains youthful
  • Stable Weight & Healthy Lifestyle: Fluctuations can compromise results
  • Non-Smoker: Reduces risk of skin loss along the incision line

3. Incisions & Scarring

Surgeons in Bellevue generally hide incisions behind the ears and along the natural hairline, with a small one under the chin for muscle tightening. Once mature, scars are typically inconspicuous even with short hair.

4. Recovery Snapshot

  • 48 Hours: Mild swelling, bruising, and a compressive chin strap
  • 1 Week: Sutures removed; many return to Zoom meetings with strategic lighting
  • 2–3 Weeks: Bruising resolves; social downtime effectively ends
  • 6 Weeks: Cleared for high-impact exercise and swimming in Lake Washington

5. Local Insider Advice

Lake breeze can feel chilly on newly sensitive skin. Bring a lightweight scarf to cover your neck during early spring and fall follow-ups.

Tummy Tuck vs. Neck Lift: How to Decide

ConsiderationTummy TuckNeck Lift
Primary ConcernAbdominal laxity, excess skin, diastasis rectiSagging jawline, “turkey neck”
Typical Downtime2 weeks desk work, 6 weeks full activity1 week desk work, 3 weeks social
Main ScarLow hip-to-hip, hidden by underwearBehind ears + under chin, fades into hairline
Functional BenefitImproved core stability, postureSharper facial profile, youthful contour
Cost Range (Seattle Area)Price SimulatorPrice Simulator

Final Thoughts: One Destination, Two Paths to Confidence

Bellevue tummy tucks and Bellevue neck lifts each solve a different set of aesthetic frustrations. If loose abdominal skin or weakened core muscles affect your wardrobe choices and self-image, abdominoplasty may offer the long-lasting transformation you crave. Conversely, if every selfie accentuates your neck bands more than your smile, a surgical neck lift can restore definition and subtract visible years—often with less downtime than you’d expect.
May 12
0

Bellevue Tummy Tuck: What You Should Know Before Saying “Yes”

By | Uncategorized

Understand What a Tummy Tuck Really Does

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is more than a simple “skin tighten-up.” Surgeons remove excess skin and fat and suture separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) back together. The result is a flatter waistline, stronger core support, and dramatic improvement in posture for many patients.

Candidacy Checklist

  • Stable Weight: Ideally within 15–20 lbs of goal weight for at least six months
  • Finished Family-Building: Future pregnancies can re-stretch the repaired muscles
  • Non-Smoker: Smoking severely hinders healing and increases complication rates
  • Realistic Downtime Expectations: You’ll need two weeks off desk work and six for workouts

Scars, Drains & Downtime—The Realities

  • Incision Placement: Typically low enough to hide beneath underwear or swimwear
  • Surgical Drains: Most Bellevue surgeons use two small drains for 7–10 days to prevent fluid accumulation
  • Recovery Curve: Expect to walk slightly bent for the first week, stand upright by week two, and regain full stamina at the six-week mark

Potential Add-Ons

Many patients combine abdominoplasty with flank liposuction or breast enhancement (“mommy makeover”) to avoid multiple anesthesia events and save on overall cost.

Bellevue-Specific Tip

Because rainy weather can limit outdoor cardio during recovery, arrange short, frequent indoor walks to keep circulation high without stressing fresh sutures.
May 08
0

Double Chin Reduction Bellevue: A Non-Invasive Solution to Sculpt Your Jawline

By | Uncategorized
Can you picture a profile shot where your jawline meets your neck in a crisp angle—no strategic chin-tilt required? A stubborn double chin can blur that line even in fit individuals, but innovative non-surgical treatments make defining the area easier than ever.

Why Submental Fullness Is So Resistant

A double chin is influenced by more than weight. Genetics, age-related skin laxity, and even posture can trap fat cells under the chin (the submental pocket). Traditional liposuction works, but many Bellevue residents want to avoid surgery, scars, and downtime.

Enter the Non-Invasive Contouring Trio

Modern practices usually combine or select from three key technologies:
  1. Kybella® (deoxycholic acid injections) – dissolves fat cells permanently.
  2. CoolSculpting Elite® submental applicator – freezes and gradually eliminates fat.
  3. Radiofrequency skin tightening – firms lax skin once volume decreases.
Each tool is FDA-cleared and can be performed in-office over your lunch break.

How Kybella Works

Natural deoxycholic acid is injected in a grid pattern; it ruptures fat-cell membranes so the body can metabolize them. Expect:
  • 15–20 minutes per session.
  • 2–4 sessions spaced six weeks apart.
  • Swelling for 48 hours nicknamed “bullfrog neck,” subsiding quickly.

CoolSculpting vs. Kybella

FeatureKybellaCoolSculpting Elite
MethodEnzymatic fat dissolutionControlled cooling (-11 °C)
Sessions2–41–2
Immediate DowntimeMild swellingTemporary numbness
Ideal ForSmall-to-moderate pocketsModerate-to-larger bulges
Radiofrequency tightening can follow either treatment to refine the skin envelope.

The Bellevue Protocol: Tailored & Layered

Our clinicians map your chin-to-jaw ratio with 3-D imaging, then recommend:
  • Step 1: Fat reduction with Kybella or CoolSculpting.
  • Step 2: Six weeks later, targeted RF sessions if skin laxity persists.
  • Step 3: Optional dermal filler along the jawline for razor-sharp definition.
This staged approach yields predictable, natural-looking contours without scalpel or general anesthesia.

Treatment Day Walk-Through

  1. Topical anesthetic or a small lidocaine injection ensures comfort.
  2. For Kybella, a temporary template guides precise injections; for CoolSculpting, a vacuum applicator gently suctions the pocket.
  3. Relax for 15–45 minutes—read, stream, or answer emails.
  4. Finish with a cold compress and return to daily activities.

Expected Timeline & Results

  • Week 1: Swelling (Kybella) or mild tenderness (CoolSculpting).
  • Month 1: Noticeable reduction; neckline appears lighter.
  • Month 3: Peak fat loss; RF skin tightening may start.
  • Month 6: Final sculpted contour visible and permanent—unless weight is gained.

Candidacy Checklist

You’re likely a good candidate if you:
  • Pinch 1–3 cm of submental fat despite healthy weight.
  • Prefer minimal social downtime.
  • Have good skin elasticity (or are open to RF tightening).
  • Are not pregnant, nursing, or dealing with active skin infections.

Who Might Need Surgical Options?

Patients with significant loose skin or large fat deposits may benefit more from submental liposuction or a neck lift. A consultation determines the optimal path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does fat return after treatment? Destroyed fat cells are gone for good, but remaining cells can expand with significant weight gain.Is one session enough? Some experience dramatic change after a single CoolSculpting cycle; most Kybella patients need at least two sessions for symmetry.Will my jaw feel numb? Temporary numbness or firmness is normal and resolves in days to weeks.

Key Takeaways

Non-invasive double chin reduction in Bellevue combines fat-targeting science and skin-tightening tech to create a cleaner jawline with zero incisions and minimal interruption to your routine.
May 05
0

Blepharoplasty Bellevue: Restoring Youthful Eyes Without the Downtime

By | Uncategorized
When was the last time your reflection showed eyes as energetic as you feel after a full eight hours of sleep? If loose lids or puffy under-eye bags are telling a different story, you’re not alone—eyelid concerns are among the most common early signs of facial aging.

Why the Eye Area Ages So Quickly

The skin around your eyes is thinner than a credit-card swipe, and it withstands thousands of blinks, squints, and smiles every day. Add genetics, UV exposure, and collagen loss, and it’s easy to see why sagging lids and “tired eyes” can appear even in your 30s.

Functional vs. Cosmetic Concerns

Beyond aesthetics, heavy upper lids can obstruct peripheral vision, while bulging fat pads below the eyes cast shadows that no concealer can fully hide. Modern blepharoplasty addresses both.

What Exactly Is Modern Blepharoplasty?

Classic eyelid surgery involved long incisions and weeks of bruising. Bellevue’s current approach relies on:
  • Micro-incisions hidden in natural creases—no obvious scars.
  • High-definition cautery that seals small blood vessels as it cuts, reducing bruising.
  • Fat sculpting, not removal, to avoid the “hollow-eye” look of older techniques.
  • Skin tightening with a CO₂ laser finish for extra smoothing without another procedure.
The result: brighter, smoother lids in about an hour of operating time.

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty—Which Do You Need?

ConcernTypical Solution
Hooded, heavy upper lidsUpper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and re-positions muscle.
Under-eye bags, “tear-trough” shadowsLower blepharoplasty redistributes fat and tightens skin through an incision inside the lower lid.
Most patients benefit from one or the other, but combining both can deliver a seamlessly refreshed look.

The Bellevue Advantage: Minimal Downtime

Thanks to advanced instrumentation and a carefully layered closure technique, most of our patients:
  • Return to desk work in 3–4 days.
  • Resume light exercise at one week.
  • Feel “camera-ready” for events by week three, with residual pinkness easily hidden by makeup.
Compare that to the two-week social downtime older methods required, and the upgrade is obvious.

Am I a Good Candidate?

You may be an ideal fit if you:
  • Notice skin resting on your lashes or under-eye puffiness that persists all day.
  • Are in good general health with no uncontrolled eye conditions (e.g., severe dry eye).
  • Can pause blood-thinning medications and avoid nicotine two weeks before surgery.
A personalized consultation—including digital photography and 3-D imaging—confirms whether blepharoplasty alone or in combination with a brow lift will meet your goals.

What Happens on Procedure Day?

  1. Local anesthesia with light oral sedation keeps you comfortable yet awake—no general anesthesia is necessary for most cases.
  2. The surgeon marks natural creases, then creates 2–3 cm incisions (upper lids) or a hidden trans-conjunctival entry (lower lids).
  3. Fat pads are gently repositioned, lax muscle is tightened, and excess skin is trimmed.
  4. Absorbable sutures close the incision; cool compresses are applied before you head home.
Total time in the surgical suite: about 90 minutes.

Recovery Roadmap

  • Day 1–2: Mild swelling; eyes may feel “tight.” Chill packs and prescription eye drops keep you comfortable.
  • Day 3: Most swelling peaks, then quickly subsides.
  • Day 4–7: Stitches dissolve or are removed; you can return to Zoom meetings.
  • Week 2: Light cardio ok. Any bruising is usually light yellow—concealable.
  • Week 6: Final refinement appears; scars have faded to hairline-thin lines hidden in creases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will blepharoplasty change my eye shape? No—careful tissue preservation maintains your natural contours while restoring a youthful, alert expression.How long do results last? Most patients enjoy 10–15 years of improvement; some only need one procedure in their lifetime.Is it safe for contact-lens wearers? Yes, but plan to switch to glasses for the first one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

Blepharoplasty at our Bellevue practice combines micro-incision techniques, fat sculpting, and laser finishing touches to revive your eye area with minimal downtime and long-lasting results.

Ready to see the world—clearly and confidently—through revitalized eyes? Schedule your complimentary blepharoplasty consultation in Bellevue today.

May 01
0

How Daxxify Works On Different Injection Sites

By | Injectables
Many wrinkle relaxers are well known for their benefits, such as smoothing lines and creating a younger, refreshed appearance. A unique member of this group is Daxxify. This medicine can provide the same benefits as other wrinkle relaxers, but it also provides some unique benefits, including its effectiveness and longevity.Daxxify is a neuromodulator like Botox and Dysport but with a longer-lasting formula. This makes it a fantastic choice if you’re looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and maintain a youthful look with less frequent injection sessions.But how exactly does it work on different areas of the face? Can a skilled injector tailor this treatment to your needs and use different injection sites to give you a rejuvenated look?

How Daxxify Works

It is temporarily blocks signals between your nerves, muscles, and brain. This prevents muscle contraction in the treatment areas that contribute to wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in smoother skin.Unlike other neuromodulators, it contains peptides that help it act quickly and bond to the muscles longer, meaning the effects can last anywhere from six to nine months – nearly twice as long as other wrinkle relaxer options. If you’re tired of scheduling frequent touch-up sessions, Daxxify may be just what you’re looking for.

Injection Sites for Daxxify

  • Forehead Lines
One of the most popular areas for Daxxify is the forehead. With time, repeated expressions like raising your eyebrows in surprise or disbelief can create horizontal lines across the forehead.Daxxify injections in this area may significantly soften these lines, giving the upper face a smoother, more youthful appearance. Plus, with its extended duration, you won’t need to worry about forehead lines reappearing anytime soon.
  • Frown Lines (Between the Brows)
Frown lines, or the “11s” between your eyebrows, can make you look tired or stressed. Daxxify is highly effective at relaxing these muscles, creating a less tense and approachable appearance. Since Daxxify’s effects last longer, you can enjoy a smoother, more open expression without constant re-treatments.
  • Crow’s Feet (Around the Eyes)
Crow’s feet are those tiny wrinkles that form around the outer corners of the eyes. These may be most visible when you’re smiling or squinting. Daxxify works wonders here, softening these lines without taking away your natural expressions. A skilled injector can use Daxxify to maintain the natural sparkle in your eyes while smoothing out unwanted lines for an overall rejuvenated look.
  • Bunny Lines (Near the Nose)
Bunny lines – the small lines that form on the sides of the nose when you scrunch up your face – can also benefit from Daxxify. This area requires precise injections to avoid over-relaxation. Daxxify’s longer duration means that you can enjoy the results for months to come.
  • Lip Lines and Chin Dimples
If you have vertical lip lines or dimpling on the chin, Daxxify offers a subtle solution. By relaxing these small muscles, Daxxify smooths out these areas without affecting your ability to move your mouth naturally. It’s a perfect way to maintain a youthful, natural look without an overly “frozen” appearance.

Why Choose Daxxify At The Gallery Of Cosmetic Surgery?

Daxxify’s lasting power makes it an excellent choice for people looking to reduce the frequency of their treatments while enjoying smooth, youthful skin. Whether you want to address forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, or lip lines, Daxxify has you covered.If you’re ready to give Daxxify a try, contact The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery today. You can book your consultation online or call us at (425) 775-3561 to learn how Daxxify can help you get long-lasting, natural-looking results.