Why Choose The Whole Beauty® Institute For All Your Non-Surgical & Medical Aesthetic Needs.
Because of our roots in plastic surgery, we understand the continuum of surgical and medical aesthetics treatments and how the two can complement one another for optimal results. This allows us to offer a full range of treatment options for our patients.
Dr. Cook has a deep understanding of aesthetic treatments since he has studied them diligently and followed their development for over 25 years. While everyone on his clinical team adheres to our practice philosophy of naturalism.
We offer our treatments in a premium, unrushed caring environment that respects your privacy. This is why so many of our patients have been coming to us for 10 or even 20 years or more.
Our highly experienced team offers a full spectrum of aesthetic treatments that include the most advanced technology available.
Education and Credentials
Awards and Recognition
REAL PATIENT RESULTS
See the difference experience makes. Scroll through before and afters in the photo carousel of chemical peel patients treated by Dr. Cook and his team.
Restore and Improve the Smoothness of Your Skin’s Appearance and Texture with Hydrating SKINVIVE
SKINVIVE is a new microdroplet injectable by Juvéderm that hydrates the skin from within with a modified hyaluronic acid gel formula that includes essential elements such as glycerol and AQP3. Rather than traditional dermal fillers that are injected to add volume to facial features, this innovative formula is uniquely able to hydrate various layers of the skin of the face and help the skin retain its natural moisture – a key component to maintaining and improving the smoothness of the skin.
SKINVIVE is ideal for patients whose skin concerns include acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, crepiness, and laxity.
The combination of the ingredients in SKINVIVE – hyaluronic acid, AQP3, and glycerol – work together to reverse the appearance of aging skin, sun damage, rough texture, and more.
*50 out of 87 patients treated with SKINVIVE had their fine lines to the mid improve as early as 1 month with improvement lasting 6 months.
What is a SKINVIVE treatment like? How long does it take?
SKINVIVE is a relatively quick injection. The treated area will be cleansed, and a topical numbing agent will be applied for ease and comfort. Each injection may feel like a slight pinch but is typically well tolerated. The length of the appointment will depend on which features or areas of the face are being treated, but sessions are generally completed within a relatively short amount of time – quicker than a standard lunch break.
Is there downtime after a SKINVIVE treatment? How soon will I see results?
Expect some swelling and tenderness in the area at first. The swelling may make the skin appear overly full initially, but the true scope of the results from a SKINVIVE treatment will become apparent in a matter of four weeks with a six-month duration. We take steps to minimize the possibility of bruising after injections, but since it is a possibility, we recommend that our patients schedule filler injections on a day that does not precede an important social or business engagement.
Why should I care about hydration for my skin?
Hydration has long been known as an essential part of overall healthy skin. But why is hydration so crucial to skin health? Here are a few reasons:
Moisture Retention
Well-hydrated skin retains moisture better, which helps maintain its elasticity and suppleness. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Barrier Function
Adequate hydration supports the skin’s barrier function, which acts as a defense against environmental aggressors, pollutants, and pathogens. A strong barrier helps prevent irritation, inflammation, and infections.
Regulation of Oil Production
Dehydrated skin might overcompensate by producing more oil, leading to breakouts and an imbalanced complexion. Proper hydration can help regulate the skin’s natural oil production.
Cellular Function
Skin cells require water to function optimally. Hydration supports cell turnover, allowing for the shedding of dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new, healthy ones.
Improved Texture
Hydrated skin tends to have a smoother texture and a more radiant appearance. It feels softer and looks plumper.
Maintaining proper hydration involves both internal and external factors. Drinking enough water is vital for overall hydration as well as using moisturizers and skincare products containing hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or AQP3) can also significantly benefit the skin’s moisture levels.
WBR3 and WBR3 Plus by John Q. Cook, M.D. are two products from our Whole Beauty Skincare Collection that contain all 3 of these essential ingredients. These products are available for purchase at our practice or on our shop at SkinShopMD.com
What is AQP3 and why is it important?
Aquaporins are proteins that facilitate the transport of water across cell membranes. AQP3, specifically, plays a crucial role in maintaining cell hydration by enabling the movement of water.
Here are a few reasons why AQP3 is important in cell hydration:
Water Transport
AQP3 is primarily found in the cell membranes of various tissues, including the skin. It allows the movement of water molecules, ensuring cells receive an adequate supply of water.
Skin Hydration
In the skin, AQP3 contributes significantly to the hydration and elasticity of the outermost layer, the epidermis. This helps maintain skin hydration levels, which is crucial for skin health, barrier function, and wound healing.
Cellular Homeostasis
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. AQP3 contributes to regulating the water content within cells, which is crucial for various cellular functions.
What about glycerol, how does this help my skin?
Glycerol plays a significant role in dermal repair. It’s a humectant, which means it attracts moisture from the environment and then in return retains hydration in the skin.
Moisture Retention
Glycerol helps to maintain the skin’s hydration levels by drawing water into the outer layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. This hydration is vital for the skin’s repair process as it supports skin barrier function and prevents excessive dryness.
Skin Barrier Repair
When the skin is damaged due to various factors such as wounds, cuts, or environmental stressors, maintaining moisture levels is crucial for the repair process. Glycerol aids in restoring the skin barrier by keeping the damaged area moist, which promotes cell regeneration and healing.
Enhanced Penetration
Glycerol can also enhance the penetration of other beneficial ingredients into the skin, such as vitamins and antioxidants, facilitating their effectiveness in promoting dermal repair.
Would you like to know more about whether SKINVIVE is right for you?
Schedule a consultation with one of our expert providers in our Winnetka or Chicago locations by calling 312-751-2112 or submit a form online.
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We are beginning to emerge from Winter. The days are perceptively longer and early Spring flowers are pushing their way up to sunlight. Now is the time to freshen your skin for Spring, so that it will be at its best as we return to outdoor life. During the Winter we...
Essential Skincare Products for Men
Article written by John Q. Cook, MD and Joy Edmonds, LC Skincare products for men are a growing interest of male patients who come to us at the Chicago and Winnetka offices of the Whole Beauty® Institute. After their Botox and other aesthetic treatments, men often ask...
Dr. Cook's Practice Blog
Explore our practice blog to learn more about non-surgical treatments and plastic surgery procedures available at The Whole Beauty® Institute. Get tips and advice, and discover new ways to improve your health and beauty.
Dr. Cook's HealthGems Blog
Dr. John Q. Cook shares his personal thoughts on well-being, quality of life, and more in HealthGems—from his decades of experience in the industry, studying and working with advanced technology and techniques.
Whole Beauty Skincare
SkinShopMD.com was created by Board-Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. John Q. Cook, as a trusted source for high quality, medical-grade skincare products to protect and rejuvenate your skin.
Educational Information
Get informed about cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and rejuvenating non-surgical treatments to help you make informed decisions about your desired treatment based on your aesthetic goals.
Testimonial and Practice Videos
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, John Q. Cook, M.D., to learn more about plastic surgery solutions that may be right for you based on your aesthetic goals.
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Our Office Locations
Our locations in the Gold Coast of Chicago and Winnetka in the North Shore reflect our commitment to convenient and discrete concierge-level service.
Chicago Office
737 North Michigan Ave., Suite 760 Chicago IL 60611 (312) 751-2112 Entrance at 151 E. Chicago Avenue
Winnetka Office
118 Green Bay Road Winnetka IL 60093 (847) 446-7562
Located directly across from Indian Hill Metra Station