Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology of Issaquah, Inc.

03/11/2026

In case you missed it the ABCDE’s of Melanoma is an easy to remember guideline on what to look for. So routinely check your own skin for changes in asymmetry, color, size, itching.
The bottom line is anything mole or growth that looks suspicious should be evaluated.

Melanoma caught early is very treatable.

03/11/2026

Fraxel is our most popular treatment and we always enjoy talking about it, because it works!
While some may argue non-ablative Fraxel as the best, here us out:

Sometimes compared to IPL, they are different treatments. IPL is more superficial, targeting sun damage like a superficial brown spot with light.

Fraxel (also called Fraxel Dual) targets superficially and deeper in the skin making it a possible to treatment sun damage, and superficial wrinkles, texture, or shallow acne scars.
Fraxel creates microscopic thermal injuries without damaging skins surface.

Fraxel does have some social downtime such as redness, dryness, coffee ground type texture for a few days. The skin responds by peeling, revealing beautiful fresh smoother skin underneath.

Treatments typically are much faster than IPL and you need less repeated treatments.

Now through April we are offering our entire Fraxel portfolio (2 customized treatments, Fortified Fraxel and Fraxel Facial) with Leslie Carney, Licensed Master Aesthetician for 15% off.

Leslie has 10 plus years treating patients with Fraxel under the supervision of Dr. Victor Michalak, Board Certified Dermatologist.

03/05/2026

Indoor tanning is terrible for the health of your skin. It blasts you with a high dose radiation setting you up for a much higher chance of skin cancer down the road.

Tanning is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds that causes genetic damage to cells on your outmost layer of skin. The skin tries to prevent further injury by producing melanin (the pigment that gives our skin its color) that results in darkening – what we call a tan.

This damage is cumulative, starting from the very first tan.

Worldwide, there are more skin cancer cases due to indoor tanning than there are lung cancer cases due to smoking. Be sun safe and smart — avoid tanning! If you want a golden glow, consider sunless tanning products. There are many options that can give you a bronzed look, but you still need sun protection!

To learn more about the risks of tanning, visit: https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/tanning/

02/26/2026

We are getting an early start on March special!
Fraxel Is our most in demand treatment so we hope this helps in scheduling.
More details in our latest newsletter:- https://mailchi.mp/drmichalak/march2026-promotions-10153645

02/20/2026

If you’re using ChatGPT or other AI sources for medical research please take a listen to this informative short video. Dr. Avrim gets right to the point of why using artificial intelligence doesn’t provide the best information, and how it’s compiled.

We’ve seen inaccurate information ourselves, and how a keyword search can combine information in AI Overviews that might not even be relevant.

Can you really trust AI tools like ChatGPT when it comes to the health of your skin? Board certified dermatologist Dr. Mathew Avram breaks down what AI gets ...

02/18/2026

If you have unwanted hair, making the decision to have Laser Hair Removal (LHR) can have a bevy of benefits:

•Not having to shave
•Relief from skin irritation & razor burn
•No more Ingrown hairs
•No more tweezing chin hairs
•Reducing body hair in areas that cause embarrassment, discomfort, or avoidance of social situations.

There are a few things to know about the treatment itself. LHR is considered permanent hair reduction not permanent removal. Reductions are in the 80-90% range but some stubborn hairs can remain or even slowly grow back ( usually lighter in texture). Hormonal conditions can also be an issue so disclose this to your provider.

Hair must have some pigmentation, light, grey, or white hair does not really to lasers.

LHR takes time. The treatment intervals are different for the face vs. the legs for instance which stretches out over 5+ treatments so you have to have patience.

Sun exposure is a no-no. Lasers and sun do not mix. Exposure before and after can have negative consequences such as burns, or pigmentation problems.

Dark skin tones are treatable with a caveat: it needs to be done with the right laser and a provider with expertise in treating darker skin.

Laser providers: most states have different educational requirements to perform laser. Make sure to understand your states requirements.
Having a doctor/ provider with a dermatology background is key and who is on staff. Dermatologist have the training to monitor staff, and expertise to manage a post treatment complication. Often it’s what’s done afterwards, or not that becomes an issue.

Do it now! We know everyone is different in managing sun exposure. It is safer to treat exposed areas during the fall/winter or early spring.

CSDI offers LHR, using an alexandrite laser. Leslie Carney, LME performs all treatment under the supervision of Dr. Victor Michalak. Leslie has been treating patients for 20+ years, both men and women. Consultations for LHR with Leslie are complimentary.

02/16/2026

Happening Now! 425-391-2500.

02/11/2026

If you’re around the area and like to save on your Botox treatment, give us a call!
We kick off a Botox week February 16th- 20th.
First come first serve until appointments fill up.

❤️Xeomin is also include.
❤️ Use or earn Alle points

☎️425-391-2500 to schedule your appointment.

02/11/2026

You might not think about skin exams or sun protection if you have a darker skin tone.
The reality is anyone and any skin tone can get skin cancer.

Skin cancers are less prevalent in nonwhite racial ethnic groups, but when they occur, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and, as a result, have a worse prognosis. Skin cancer is serious and early detection can save your life. ⁠

Learn more about how we can all take steps toward better skin health.

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-is-there-a-skin-cancer-crisis-in-people-of-color/

02/10/2026

Botox Week Starts February 16th! - https://mailchi.mp/drmichalak/february-2026-specials-10153429

02/06/2026

With Alle double points happening now through April 2nd, it’s a good time to talk about filler.
While the post give gives some basics on the benefits, there are some nuances.

One thing is trends. When hyaluronic fillers first came out nasal fold and cheeks was the thing.
Then we hit the duck lip years. This is when injection techniques and expertise was in progress, then sorta bombed.
Kylie Jenner came onto the scene and her beautiful pouty lips changed the way we perceived lip filler overnight.

In 2026 we might be coming full circle. We’ve seen the overfilled unnatural Hollywood faces, and now we want to look natural again.

It’s important for anyone exploring fillers to understand that communication controls part of the outcome. The other is expertise. Some injectors have a talent in this area and those are the ones you want to seek out.

Use caution with before & after photos too. While they are helpful, they can have a lot of variables, and no one is going to publish their worst outcomes.

Ask questions in your consultation, do some research, and listen to your gut.

Also make sure your provider has a plan when something goes wrong. Even the best providers can have an issue. Bruises can be improved with VBeam. Hyaluronidase can dissolve hyaluronic filler if necessary.

CSDI offers the Juvederm portfolio of dermal fillers and we accept .

We also offer Radiesse, and Sculptra.

Treatments are performed by trained experts, Dr. Victor Michalak, Board Certified Dermatologist, and Jillian Cramer, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C.

02/04/2026

Don’t forget to show your skin some love this month.
Featuring treatments that make a big difference relatively quickly.

Botox: smooths wrinkles in a few days (varies by person). Full effect in 14 days. Can leave a bruise, so allow time for that. Some patients need a little tweaking after the initial 14 days.

Dermal Filler: Replaces volume loss in cheeks, nasal folds, lips.
Results are immediate. Anyone can bruise so plan for it, even though it doesn’t always happen. Filler can also need time to settle, so plan to give yourself a couple weeks before a big event.
Lasts 6 months or longer.

Ultherapy: stimulates collagen, and can produce mild lifting effect after 90 days.
Results do vary so important to discuss with your provider.
No downtime, can produce soreness post treatment for a few days, but nothing visual.

SkinPen Microneedling: stimulates collagen, textural improvement, wrinkle improvement, & helps with moderate acne scars. Needs a series for best results. Your provider can establish length of downtime, which varies. Give yourself a week or more for social events.

CSDI has a team of experts performing the treatments we offer. Injectables are performed by Dr. Michalak or advanced healthcare providers.
Aesthetics are performed by Leslie Carney, LME, who has years of expertise. She is overseen by Dr. Michalak who is onsite.

☎️ 425-391-2500 to schedule