A Clear + Brilliant Approach to Skin Care

You may have seen Clear + Brilliant featured on the Dr. Oz show or read about it in W or Harper's Bazaar magazine. Laser technology is changing quickly and it seems like there is a new, improved treatment as fast as you can say wrinkle free.

The good news is this latest way of improving various skin conditions is available in the DC area at the Rockledge Medspa in The Dermatology Center. Dr. Roberta Palestine founded the The Dermatology Center in 1982 and they offer a full menu of clinical and aesthetic treatments in their three area locations: Bethesda, Germantown and Sibley/DC.

Emily Dunn is a Master Medical Esthetician in the Washington, DC office who specializes in advanced skin care treatments and services.

Emily is passionate about educating patients on the best way to take care of their skin to achieve their goals. She is an expert in skin analysis and determining appropriate treatments tailored to an individual’s needs and goals. She is also a makeup artist specializing in mineral makeup application. She is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals and the Society of Dermatology Skin Care Specialists.

She has worked with the Clear + Brilliant laser system and agreed to be interviewed by BeautyInDC.com:

Q: Emily what is Clear + Brilliant?

A: Clear + Brilliant is a gentle non-ablative laser used in dermatological procedures for skin resurfacing. It was launched in October 2011.

It uses safe fractional laser technology to address early signs of aging skin and help prevent them. It consists of an infrared diode laser with a wavelength of 1440 +20 nm that refreshes your skin from the inside out. The laser energy creates millions of microscopic treatment zones in your skin, replacing damaged skin with healthy, younger looking tissue.

The laser smooths fine lines and wrinkles on the face, including around the eyes. It reduces sun damage, improves texture and tone on the face, neck, chest, back, forearms and hands, and reduces pore size. Clear + Brilliant treatments slow the appearance of aging and result in smooth, fresh, healthy skin and a renewed sense of confidence.

The treatment takes about 20 minutes. Your technician will apply a topic numbing cream for 15-20 minutes prior to the treatment. Please allow 1 hour for your session.

Q: What makes it different from other lasers?

A: Because the Clear + Brilliant is a gentle laser there is no down time. Your skin will feel softer and have improved tone, smoother texture and radiance. Your skin may appear red and feel warm immediately after your treatment. Symptoms generally resolve within a few hours, but may last until the following day. Patients may apply makeup and go about their normal activities.

There are no post-treatment regimens associated with Clear + Brilliant™ therapy. Once your treatment is complete, you are free to resume your normal activities. This treatment will create some sensitivity to the sun and it is recommended that you avoid direct sunlight for two days following the procedure and wear medical grade SPF 30 sun block.

Results are immediate and progressive. Results can last for months depending on age, skin condition and how one protects their skin. It may complement other cosmetic procedures , like fillers, Thermage or Botox/Dysport.

Q: What skin conditions does it treat and who is a good candidate?

A: The big advancement with this laser is that it's safe on all skin types. It is beneficial for women and men of all ages and skin types who are looking to prevent the signs of aging, help address early signs of aging or maintain the look of their skin. It is best as a preventative anti-aging treatment, stronger that OTC topicals, microdermabrasion or chemical peels, but gentler than intense lasers. It is also a good treatment to maintain the results of ablative or non-ablative lasers or other treatments.

It targets and improves fine lines and wrinkles, blotchiness, uneven tone and texture, and sun damage. It is not recommended for patients with deep wrinkles , sagging skin or severe acne scarring.

As with most advanced treatments, some patients are not indicated for this treatment. A consultation and prescreening is required.

Q: Is there any downtime or risks?

A: There is no down time with this laser. Although very rare, the potential side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, scarring, pigment changes, reactivation of cold sores (herpes simplex), and a flare in acne. Clients who are predisposed to the herpes simplex virus are recommended to take an anti-viral medication prior to their treatment to prevent an outbreak of the virus. Our physicians can prescribe this medication to them.

Q: What feedback have you received from clients who have had the treatment?

A: We purchased our Clear & Brilliant Laser in December 2011. So far, our patients reportedly have been very pleased with their results. Most patients buy a series of 4-6 treatments. Patients report that their skin is lighter, tighter and brighter, and smoother. Patients who normally have other advanced treatments love the fact that there is no down time and most people don’t know what they’ve done. They state their skin looks better but no one can immediately tell that they’ve had a laser treatment. The cost for the treatments is also comparable to many other advanced treatments.

Q: How many treatments are needed?

A: Depending on the client’s skin type, condition and goals, a series of 4 to 6 treatments are recommended. These treatments may be done 10 to 14 days a part. We recommend one or two maintenance treatments 3 or 4 months after the initial series.

Q: What is the price range for treatments?

A: Individual cost varies depending on your age, the condition of your skin, your desired results and the area you'd like treated. The cost also depends on the number of treatments you need you’re your desired results. We encourage patients to come in for a consultation at which point we can give you a more precise idea of the cost. Costs can range from $300 to $500 depending on area treated.

The Dermatology Center
www.dermskin.com

Bethesda Office
6410 Rockledge Dr
Suite 210

Bethesda, MD 20817 Phone: (301) 530-8300

Germantown Maryland Office:

19735 Germantown Road
Suite 210
Germantown, MD 20874
301-444-0153

Washington, DC - Sibley Office

5215 Loughboro Road NW
Suite 140
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 244-4550

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