Katerina M. Gallus, MD, FACS

Brest aug silicone 405cc left breast 445cc right breast. Tummy tuck
Dr. Gallus is amazing! From the moment I walked into her office I felt so comfortable. She Never tried to talk me into anything I did not want or need.

Updated on 6 Oct 2021:
New pictures

Dr Gallus is one of the best surgeons I’ve met. And I’ve met a lot since I work in the OR. I required a simple treatment but the overall care that was given to me made her and her practice achieved 5 stars!!! She made sure that I had the proper service, price was reasonable, ambiance is relaxing, spacious, and clean, and there is parking! I will definitely go back for more services and I highly recommend Dr Gallus!!!!

From the minute you walk into the office you are immediately in a friendly and comfortable environment. Dr. Gallus and her staff put me at ease by having a conversation about my procedure, not by just telling me what was going to happen. I have had several procedures done from injectables to facials and every time I visit it's an amazing experience.

Dr. Gallus is INCREDIBLE! Dr. Gallus did my scar revision (mini tummy tuck) post my three c-sections in 2013 and I was immediately thrilled with the results and five years later, I am still very happy with the outcome. Dr. Gallus is conscientious, detail oriented, and honest. I have also seen Dr. Gallus for a consult for thigh liposuction and Dr. Gallus told me that I did not need liposuction and educated me on the concerns of having a concavity if I did have the procedure. I have great respect for Dr. Gallus' integrity and honestly. How many plastic surgeons would turn down a cash procedure? Dr. Gallus did because she knew it was not in the best interest of her patient. I also see Dr. Gallus for Botox and I have had two microneedling procedures at her gorgeous new office in La Jolla.

Dr. Gallus has a brand new comprehensive plastic surgery practice in beautiful La Jolla. I have been to see Dr. Gallus and her staff on a number of occasions. They are kind, professional, intelligent, extremely caring and thorough, but most of all are of a caliber that most other physicians cannot compete with. The experience top to bottom was pleasant. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by Jordyn and Erin who instantly made me feel at ease. Erin is an esthetician and very knowledgeable about the skin. I can't wait to come back to see her after my CO2 laser treatment from Dr Gallus heals! She recommended a post treatment kit of Skincare called Alastin. It feels wonderful and is helping my skin to heal at a rapid rate!

If you are looking for something basic such as a peel or laser treatment all the way to a mommy makeover or facelift, this is the place to go!

I have struggled with sweaty hands my whole life, and no one was ever able to help me before Dr. Kat! She was extremely knowledgable and very comforting as it can be quit a painful process to get botox injected into your hands. Her facility was also brand new and extremely clean. I will definitely be continuing to go to her for botox treatment for hands as well as other potential treatment's in the future!

I had tried everything to lose weight . Short of starvation. I never thought I would care about plastics surgery, but the opportunity came up and I went for it. My surgeon is amazing, I am so happy and excited to feel good about myself again. I am 2 days post op, the drugs are helping a lot. The experience so far has been great. I am in some pain, but staying on top of meds, is helping. I am so happy and excited. I got 375cc under muscle silicone, full TT, liposuction on my muffin top. Will post more when can. Drains are not bad at all, don't really notice. I am loopy but could not be more happy. My husband is being great, stayed one night in hospital , now home. Really just been drinking mainly meal replacements now, nervous about not having bm or gas yet.

Updated on 9 May 2015:
Doing well. A little more pain ten the last few days, but so so so happy I did this. My husband is awesome,taking care of everything. I am not draining much at all. I think this is the best things could have done for myself. I am super sore, but like a hard work out, nothing out of control. It is annoying to walk around bent over, but it will past. I have the best doctor. I am tryin to get up and move around a little, but taking it slow. My boobs don't hurt at all, just sore. Prefect size for me.

Updated on 10 May 2015:
Things are going better then I expected. It's hard to get used to seeing the scars, but even with the swelling and new wound look, it's awesome. I am starting to already back down on the pain meds too. I am very happy I did this, all over the place with moods. My boobs are not really hurting at all anymore, just my stomach is weak and feels like I did 4000 sit-ups.

Updated on 18 May 2015:
I am so happy I did this. recovering is always annoying, but I feel so good about myself. My drains came out day 5 and 9, they didn't bother me pain wise unless they got pulled on. My upper back does hurt from hunching over, but I am getting straighter every day. The incisions have not hurt much, just the actual upper abs and stomach that was tightened. My stomach is very swollen, but so flat already. I am so excited to see the results in a few months when it is a finished product. I am a gym rat and no amount of different eating and exercise could have done this. I was scared to go in, after all I have four small kids and its major surgery, but the honestly it has been amazing results. I will post more pictures soon. I am still sore, in pain, but every day is better and better. I am so thankful for my talented, wonderful doctor and her staff. Thank you, thank you. I am very open about everything, and I know a lot of people have negative views on PS, but this was right for me. My happiness has sky rocketed.

Updated on 18 May 2015:
My compression garments, I recommend a separate bra and binder, life savers and not too pricey, for both around $60

Updated on 19 May 2015:


Updated on 30 Jun 2015:
I need to put pics up. Still very happy. I have lost 6 pounds since surgery. Boobs are amazing. I was doing the surgery more for the tummy, but am so happy I got them. They look so natural. Everything has gone very smoothly and thankfully no complications. I am still in a sore pain, and haven't started exercising. My body looks great, I could never have done this on my own. I still swell pretty bad each evening, and am still sore from the side Lipo. Between my belly button and scar it is numb , which the dr said could go away but take up to a year or never. It took about a month to start walking straight, from being pulled so tight in the stomach. I would do it again in a heart beat. When you are going their it, recovery is frustrating and long, but grand scheme what's a few months.

This is absolutely not okay what someone who is 3× certified. I already had my surgery paid for my wedding and had to cancel because I was sooooo swollen, so painful. She charges so much for Tijuana better job. My husband came with me because she was so awful laughing at my tears, screaming, slamming doors, she freaked when we asked about the billing and she decided to have her sales girl tell us to go elsewhere without my after car. Going to all these seminars doesn't make her good. She was done with surgery in 2 hours. She couldn't put lip filler in without the very end not being able to get it all down without shaking so bad and almost lost the syringe in my face. I brought my husband as an advocate and so many rookie moves it felt like. Wouldn't let me buy a garmet, left with soaking garmet in blood for 2 days leaking fluid. Said i couldn't take garmet off but said wash it. Not prepared. Running in late, no talk uncomfortable. Now I know why she said her sister in law wouldn't let her do botox or touch her face. So rude and nasty. Acts like a mean girl..wish I did my research. It was traumatic and have her apology letter but what's she's done is not okay.

Everyone at Restore Plastic Surgery has been amazing. From Melia (Reception), to Erin, Patient Care Coordinator to Dr. Gallus. Erin and Dr. Gallus spent an INCREDIBLE amount of time going over the procedure with me and answered all my questions and concerns. I worked many years with the California Medical Board, so of course I did my Due Dilligence on reviewing Dr. Gallus impeccable record! Looking forward to the surgery and the results.

I have relied upon others for reviews and support and hope sharing my journey can offer others information, support and ultimately- decisiveness in your own personal journey.
11 years ago, after being pregnant and/ or breastfeeding for 4 years straight (or both for a moment), I weaned my second (and last) child. We had already decided we wouldn't have more children and my husband had a vasectomy. As my 29 year old breasts shriveled into bags of saggy skin, I quickly decided that replacing the volume with breast implants was the way to go. Found a great surgeon I really liked- she didn't try to talk me into the newly approved silicone breast implants like my other consults...she just assured me she got good results with whatever I felt was best for me. She also had a great track record of low rates of capsular contracture and patient satisfaction. I still have ALL my paperwork- I was well-informed of all risks and over the past 11 years, really haven't had many issues that I can specifically assign to my 350cc, sub muscular Mentor Saline implants.
While my weight hasn't fluctuated that much over 11 years.... always between 135-145, my body composition has changed a bit and I started noticing my 34 full C breasts slowing becoming 34 full Ds. At 5'8", I became self conscious at times about the size of my breasts. I felt like they made me look heavier- and I became suspect that they caused my neck and lower back pain. This year, when media began reporting more and more about issues surrounding breast implants, I began to shift my attitude towards my breast implants. I simply just didn't want them anymore and was ready to figure out life without them.
You can get rid of implants simply- or sign up for very invasive removal procedures. I chose time, consults and lots of research. While many social media groups proposed "en bloc" procedures for anyone wanting to get rid of their implants, I found that with time, I understood and fully trusted medical professionals to guide me in making an informed decision for myself. My saline implants showed no signs of complications. I knew that I wanted a total capsulectomy when removing my implants, but I was very unsure of what would provide a good aesthetic outcome for my breasts and yes... I realized that still mattered to me (and my husband.)
So here is where I hope my story can help others. I decided (and chose my provider because she was willing to work with this decision safely) to drain my saline implants in office so I would have confidence chosing my surgery to remove my implants.
We drained them - and I wanted a lift and fat transfer. I will provide the photos of before (with implants), after draining (Day 1) and as follows.

Updated on 26 Jul 2019:
I can't believe how ridiculous my photos with implants look to me just a few days after draining them. I'm so happy to have soft breasts again- and 11 years later, they have more breast tissue than they did when I stopped nursing. The drained implants are a little uncomfortable poking me in the side, just in one spot- it will be great to get them out and we planned a capsulectomy so I know I will loose a little bit more volume.

Updated on 10 Aug 2019:
Made it to the other side! I am three days post-op and doing well. 1st- wedge pillow (we had a “Liberator” ramp from an old “birthday joke” years ago that was perfect! Helped me sleep upright- combined with some pillows and an airplane neck pillow, I was able to sleep comfortably until I woke up needing pain medication the first two nights. Life saver and made recovery so much better.

2- the ugly. Bruising on my thighs and also breasts is a little shocking. Have an extra tight compression garment washed along with an extra front zipper bra to wear while you wash the other.

3- after having implants deflated and getting used to that, my FT and lifted breasts look huge! I know they will settle so I have no worries about liking the size- even if they at less than half than they are now, I think they will be great.

4- pain hasn’t been that bad. My breasts had burning pain the first 24 hours and that was a
Little surprising. Lipo sites feel like big bruises and are tender. I have been hydrating like crazy! Adding 4 oz pineapple juice to 20oz filtered water and just constantly refilling and chugging it. Pineapple is supposed to aid in healing the bruising and swelling.

Updated on 12 Aug 2019:
Pain has been very manageable- though I’m happy my lipo was to my thighs and lower back- adding in belly pain and bruising would make life a little more rough. Breasts are lovely shades of red, yellow, and orange? My thighs are black and blue but using arnica T-gel for some gentle massage. I prefer a tighter compression garment than the one I was given post op - I have quite a bit of itchy ness both on my breasts and thighs which is just part of the healing process.

Updated on 13 Aug 2019:
Got my drains out today-they never really bothered me but nice to not figure out how to stash them! Still have steri strips I need to leave on till they come off on their own. Got my scar cream and will use it till I start cO2 laser treatments that were included with my surgery. My breasts itch! Which my PS said was normal - happy to be moving along with healing. For all that my body went through, I feel pretty good! But will certainly take it easy! Rubbing Arnica gel on my thighs twice a day, wearing my compression garments all the time- really happy with my choice of surgeon.

Updated on 16 Aug 2019:
Steri strips are starting to slowly come off. I hope I’m ready to see my nipples - that has been one of my biggest fears of the breast lift. Everything is healing well. Bruising is going down in liposuctioned sites though (I hope) there is still a lot of swelling. I do daily massaging with Arnica gel and then moisturizer at least twice a day before wearing my compression garments. I’ve heard many talk about lymphatic massage- maybe I will look into that. If I know how a professional does it, I can probably repeat on my own. Breasts are still swollen - I guess it’s a long haul till I will get an idea how they really shape up and fit my body.

Updated on 21 Aug 2019:
Made it to two weeks! Steri-strips are still on so getting idea of “the full picture” is still a waiting game. One nipple has a crease I can’t quite figure out which makes it just a little less centered than the opposite side- I wonder if it’s derma-bond? I will ask my PS if it needs any attention or just normal at this point in healing. I’m feeling pretty good- only pain that can been bothersome is my lower back and flanks where liposuction was done. Feels like tight pulling muscles along with tender spots which I just lightly massage. I found a local lymphatic drainage massage specialist and invested in having her show me simple techniques and teach me about how it works. Compression garments around the clock and sleeping on my back is getting boring... I like a little variety if I wake at night (lol).

Updated on 26 Aug 2019:
19- 20 days post op? Most of bruising is gone- one last piece of steri-strip. Going for gentle walks twice a day, living in compression garments and surgical bra- Great tip my PS gave me was to use panty-liners/ or light maxi pads to line the bra along incisions. Gently wash and dry breasts twice a day and apply the scar cream
I was given.

Updated on 31 Aug 2019:
Healing continues and I feel like life is at a point where I’m pretty much back to normal, though it will be several more weeks of healing till things start to settle into place. PS said at last check up that many of the irregularities around incisions look more normal once all the internal sutures finish dissolving so I’m on track.

Updated on 1 Sep 2019:
side by side comparison of before, deflated implants, and post surgery. At 3.5 weeks PO- they still have a lot of changing and healing to do but I think/ hope time will only bring out more refinements that I love and the true skill and experience of my surgeon is evident.

Updated on 10 Sep 2019:
Healing continues- still have a tender incision on one side under my breast. I see my surgeon for follow up in a few days so reassurance that it is still healing properly will be great. My breasts always get tender and swollen 2 weeks before my period and this month post surgery was no exception. Now that I got my period, it will be nice to see how they continue healing - just wish the tender incision would go away too! Using Biocorneum scar cream daily and just keeping my tender incision padded with gauze.

Updated on 2 Oct 2019:
Healing takes time and patience- but I’m really happy with my results so far. This was a great decision for my long term peace of mind (not having to replace or remove implants down the road) and on top of it, I’m so happy I followed my gut and decided that my implants were too big for my frame. The lift decision seemed tough because I was worried about the scarring, but I love the shape and naturalness and it was totally worth the extra scars and healing time. I still have one “angry” incision along my outer horizontal crease (just on one side.). Just this week it has finally reduced in pain and swelling- hopefully continues to improve from here on out. I have returned to exercise and feel pretty great!

Updated on 6 Nov 2019:
Made it to three months! My crease scars are still pretty red but everything seems to be healing nicely. I think my results look pretty stable from 8 weeks to now. No regrets (other than the investment/ cost- but money is a renewable resource and I wouldn’t have left my implants in for the rest of my life). Health wise- I don’t feel any different, other than I love that I can flex my chest and don’t feel the tightness of animation deformity. There were some moments in my decision Making process where I thought they might be causing problems (allergies, sinus congestion, dry eyes, neck pain, fatigue) but I feel exactly the same post explant and I realize that it was my mind just trying to justify that I had “outgrown” my need for breast implants.

Updated on 9 Dec 2019:
Everything has been pretty stable - since my last laser scar treatment was about 3 weeks ago, the redness of my scars should now get a chance to fade. Before, just as the redness started to fade, the next laser treatment would arrive and they were back to bright red. I have a slightly thicker scar underneath my breast on the side where an absorbable suture spit, but overall, the scars of the breast lift were worth the trade off for final shape. My vertical scar seems smooth so time will tell how the 3 laser scar treatments helped during the healing process. Glad I explanted now and didn’t wait longer- I really like being implant free and feel lucky to have great results.

Updated on 7 Jan 2020:
My scars are still very pink, but I think that is more from the laser treatments - the scars around my nipples are fine white. Still very happy with everything. Bought bras at Aerie and I’m a 34 D? That was kind of a surprise but my breasts have always been wide so I guess with the lift and fat transfer, I’m just more natural looking in my bras rather than the upper pole fullness and roundness you get from saline implants.... I don’t miss that at all.

Updated on 9 Mar 2020:
Just wanted to update on healing. Probably not a whole lot of noticeable change... my scars are continuing to gradually lighten. My areola scars have healed to a fine white line - noticeable to me but probably no one else. I know someone who does professional nipple tattooing and think I might talk with her this summer about filling in the white scars. I’m somewhere between a very full 34 C and 34D bra.... with a push-up, my size is almost the same as with my old implants. Next update I give will probably in a few months when I get my first mammogram following surgery.