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

http://www.beautyindc.com/is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

A New Era for The Dermatology Center

The Dermatology Center www.dermskin.com has been living up to it's name and so much more since 1982 when founder Dr. Roberta Palestine established the practice. Until recently they've offered comprehensive aesthetic, rejuvenation and medical treatment options at two locations in Maryland as well as spa services in their Rockledge Medspa.

The grand opening of their third location at Sibley Hospital, begins an exciting new era of serving Washington area clients. The state-of-the-art office offers incredible convenience and expert care in a beautiful facility.

The sleek blue and white office manages to mix a totally modern look with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The Dermatology Center has always been unique in it's ability to offer such a comprehensive menu of services in it's two existing offices in Rockville and Germantown. The same is true in the DC location where you can see a board certified dermatologist to address skin problems, a physicians assistant for anti-aging treatments and a master esthetician for a relaxing and rejuvenating facial.

The newest office will host informational seminars as well as beauty events just as they do in their other locations. No-Frown Express which is offered on the first Monday of every month is a popular event you'll now find in all three locations. Receive 20 percent off Botox and Dysport and grab an espresso drink to take with you.

You'll find the Rockledge Medspa in DC too with spa services and a large array of medical grade skin products. SkinMedica, iS Clinical and their private label products are all on display. The spa is so spacious it would be a great choice for a spa party or private event. They can provide an expert speaker for your group on skin care and anti-aging.

To introduce you to their DC location The Dermatology Center is offering 20% off any spa service until the end of the year. They are also offering 50% off their Microderm/Gentle Waves facial service. It's regularly $250 but until 12/31/11 you can purchase it for just $125. These specials are available only at the Sibley office. Easy and convenient parking is located in the lot attached to the building.

Stay tuned for more news and events in 2012 at this exciting new addition to The Dermatology Center!

The Dermatology Center

Washington, DC - Sibley Office

5215 Loughboro Road NW
Suite 140
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 244-4550
http://www.dermskin.com

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

An Event-Full October at The Dermatology Center

There are very few spaces on the calendar in October/November for The Dermatology Center www.dermskin.com. They have iS Clinical and SkinMedica product events and an upcoming Cancer Care Spa event. And if that's not enough they just opened a brand new state-of-the-art facility near Sibley Hospital in Washington, bringing their offices to three including Bethesda and Germantown. And you don't want to forget about No Frown Express Monday on 11/7 with 20% off Botox and Dysport!

Here's the schedule so you can plug these events into your smartphone:

10/26 SkinMedica Day in Germantown.
Enjoy 20% off SkinMedica products on the day of the event.

10/27 Cancer Care Spa Event in Bethesda.
This event from 5 to 7pm is for patients who currently are being treated for, or who have recently had cancer. Complimentary pampering for patients with special skin care needs due to cancer treatments. Current and non-patients are welcome for this event. Complimentary hydrating hand treatments, makeovers, goody bags, treat, chair massages, and education about our products and services that are helpful to patients with sensitive skin needs due to cancer treatments. This event is free, but RSVP’s are kindly requested.

10/27 iS Clinical Day in Washington.
Enjoy 20% off iS Clinical products on the day of the event and experience the brand new state-of-the-art facility that just opened in DC this month.

11/7 No Frown Express at all 3 Locations
Schedule a treatment of Dysport or Botox for Monday, November 7th and take 20% Off your entire treatment. Fabulous refreshments and treats provided.

11/10 A Cool Night Out in Bethesda
Attend this Free Lifestyle and Body event in the Bethesda office. Enjoy drinks and hors d'oerves as you learn about CoolSculpting by Zeltiq, a revolutionary, new non-surgical treatment designed to remove stubborn fat.

This event is free but Rsvp's are required. Bring a friend and receive an extra entry in the raffle. The prize is one free treatment.


Bethesda Maryland Office:

6410 Rockledge Drive
Suite 201
Bethesda, MD 20817

Phone: (301) 530-8300

Rockledge Med Spa:

6410 Rockledge Drive
Suite 205
Bethesda, MD 20817

Phone: (301) 968-1200

Germantown Maryland Office:

19735 Germantown Road
Suite 210
Germantown, MD 20874

Washington, DC - Sibley Office

5215 Loughboro Road NW
Suite 140
Washington, DC 20016

Phone: (202) 244-4550

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Stubborn Fat Is History With Zeltiq

It's so unfair! Your alarm goes off every morning at 5am so you can hit the gym before work, you carefully watch every morsel that goes into your mouth, and yet you still have those saddle bags or a muffin top that undermine your confidence in clothes and a bathing suit.

Most of us would prefer to not have to go under the knife no matter how much we hate those areas of stubborn fat, so we certainly welcome a cool change that has arrived on the beauty scene.

It's called CoolSculpting by Zeltiq and The Dermatology Center www.dermskin.com in Rockville and Germantown (with a new location opening soon that you'll read about at the end of this blog!) is offering the procedure.

Denise West, Cosmetic Consultant for the practice and their companion Rockledge Medspa, answered BeautyInDC.com's question about the procedure and shares her own experience:

Q: What is Zeltiq and when was it introduced?

A: Zeltiq was founded by a group of Harvard Scientist’s and the FDA approved it in September 2010. It is a unique, patented, clinically proven procedure that involves freezing fat cells without damage to your skin. There’s no knife. No suction hoses. No needles. No lasers, even. After your treatment, you get on with your busy day.

Q: Who is a good candidate for the procedure?

A: The best candidates for the Zeltiq CoolSculpting procedure are people near their ideal body weight who eat well and exercise regularly and have pockets of fat that have not responded to a healthy lifestyle. They are seeking long-lasting spot reduction for this specific area of fat, but they are not considering a surgical procedure with its inherent expense, downtime, and safety risks.

Q: What happens during a treatment? Does it hurt or cause discomfort? Any downtime?

A: Zeltiq gently cools unwanted fat cells in the body through a process called Cryolipolysis to induce a natural, controlled elimination of fat cells. There is no pain or discomfort caused with the procedure. At the beginning of the procedure you will feel a firm tug or pulling sensation along with some intense cold. This soon dissipates and you are free to read a book, work on your laptop or even take a nap. Zeltiq is a completely non-invasive procedure and you may return to your normal routine immediately after receiving treatment. Some patients experience some mild redness, bruising, tingling or numbness in the treated area, but this is very temporary.

Q: When will someone see results and how many treatments are suggested?

A: On average, each Zeltiq procedure results in a 20% reduction of fat in the treated area, and patients can start to see results as soon as three weeks following treatment, with the most dramatic results occurring over a period of two to four months in most patients. Typically you will see a reduction of fat after only one treatment.

Q: Have there been success stories by people who have had the treatment?

A: Yes there have been many myself included as I was treated two months ago and no longer feel self-conscious in a bathing suit!

Q: What is approx cost of treatments?

A: The cost ranges from approximately $700.-$1400. per treatment area We also offer discounted package prices which our available through a complimentary consultation! The skinny is Zeltiq is a cool solution to stubborn fat that requires no surgery and no down time! So no need to wait any longer cool that fat away today! Contact us at 301-968-1200 or email denise.west@dermskin.com to talk to our cosmetic coordinator about Zeltiq.

Q: I understand you have some exciting news about The Dermatology Center?

A: We have a new office opening in DC! Our new location opens October 15th 2011. It will be located near Sibley Hospital on Loughboro Road, NW. See our website for more details- www.dermskin.com . This location will offer medical and cosmetic dermatology in an upscale and convenient location.

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.