Today, in the fast evolving arena of cosmetic dermatology, it is all about quick, minimal-downtime procedures with big rejuvenation rewards! So before you rush out to invest in this season’s chic new designer wardrobe, take a good look at your face. If it looks healthy, happy, young and well-rested, you do not need any designer labels! If, for whatever reason, be it stress at work, at home, lack of sleep, lack of rest and exercise, too much sun exposure, poor diet, etc., your face looks tired, angry, sad and hollow, this is unfortunately what everyone will notice first.
Although Dr. Sommerville firmly believes that it is our inner beauty, kindness, passion and desire to help those less fortunate than ourselves that matter most in life and ultimately lead to true happiness, in today's society, looking younger and beautiful can potentially alter the quality of one’s life!
The good news is that you can safely, in one or two relatively short visits with little or no downtime erase the frown lines, relax the "crows feet," obtain a gentle lateral brow lift (all with BOTOX®), followed by smoothing out the smile lines with Restylane® or Juvéderm®, subtly plump the lips with one of several fillers or receive your first photorejuvenation treatment on top getting started on the skin care regimen that will further reduce the signs of aging and more importantly, keep you looking young! And this is just the beginning of your options. To discuss more, please schedule a consultation with our Medical Director, Dr. Sommerville, today!
- BOTOX® Cosmetic
- Dysport®
- Juvéderm®
- Restylane®
- Perlane®
- Chemical Peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Sapphire Microdermabrasion with
Botanical Extract - Sapphire 3® Photo Abrasion
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing
- Photorejuvenation
- Photodynamic Therapy
Perlane®
Perlane® is the newest member of the hyaluronic acid fillers available in the U.S. It is indicated for the correction of deep facial folds and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds. It may also be used for shaping facial contours (e.g. cheeks and chin) and for achieving lip fullness.
The three-dimensional gel particles on Perlane® are hydrophilic molecules attracting and binding water helping to maintain results of the augmentation for about six months.
Perlane® has been approved for use in the U.S. in May 2007, however it has been used safely by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 2000 outside the U.S.
More about Perlane®
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layer of the skin to smooth texture, correct hyperpigmentation, sun damage and blemishes, lessen fine lines, stimulate collagen production and create an overall healthier, more youthful appearance.
At Chevy Chase Dermatology, we offer a variety of chemical peels to best suit your unique skin care needs:
Blue Enzyme and Pineapple Peel
This gentle, natural fruit enzyme peel effectively exfoliates the skin, making it feel tighter, yet softer to touch. Additionally, the unique marine algae ingredients hydrate the skin while increasing its luminosity. Centella Asiatica extract provides antioxidant, firming and smoothing benefits. There is no downtime associated with the Blue Enzyme Papaya and Pineapple Peel and make-up can be applied immediately after the peel. This natural enzyme peel is appropriate for even the most sensitive skin. It is ideal for patients with sun damage, melasma, acne or rosacea-prone skin.
Glycolic Acid Tripeptide Brightening and Firming Peel
Glycolic Acid Tripeptide Brightening and Firming Peel is designed for sun damaged, acne-prone and hyperpigmented skin. It exfoliates and cleanses the pores, speeding up natural cell renewal, leaving your skin smoother and tighter. This popular peel is associated with minimal downtime as the top layer of the skin gently peels away for several days. Make-up can be applied after the peel, however one should abstain from the use of retinoids, and other active skin care products until the skin is fully recovered.
Vitalize Peel
Vitalize Peelsalicylic acid
Glycolic Acid Peel
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which include glycolic acid are derived from certain plants and fruits, including sugar cane, apples, grapes and citrus. “Fruit acids” have been used even by women of ancient Rome to improve their skin. These acids are now used to improve acne, dry skin, sun damaged skin, hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
AHAs dissolve the glue that binds together the dead cells on the surface of the skin revealing smoother, softer skin and stimulating new cell growth. AHAs also dissolve the material that clogs pores in acne patients. A series of 5 or 6 peels is needed to accomplish the best results. We perform glycolic acid peels every 2 to 4 weeks and our patients usually return to work or school the next day.
An alternative to the glycolic acid peel is “Fire and Ice Facial” by IS Clinical.
Glow Peel
Our newest and uniquely flexible peel contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids and resorcinol with a skin firming peptide accelerator. It can be performed every 1 to 3 months depending on the numbers of layers applied. This peel comprehensively addresses sun damage, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, facial acne, and uneven texture of the skin revealing smoother, softer, more youthful, and glowing complexion. After the peel is performed, patients experience some redness and flaking of the skin. By day 3 or 4 this may be followed by crusting and peeling. The average patient is fully recovered after seven days. Strict sun protection should be followed throughout the entire healing process. Our experience with the Glow Peel is very impressive, especially since we can customize each patient’s results depending on their individual needs and tolerance level for downtime. Please call our office at 301.656.7546 to schedule a consultation or to ask any questions that you may have.
Glow Peel is a uniquely adjustable, superficial to medium-depth peel that contains a special blend of the most popular and the most researched peeling ingredients such as lactic and salicylic acid, in addition to a peptide wound-healing compound, and resorcinol.
This highly effective peel can be used for sun damage, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne scars. It exfoliates the skin, evening out its tone and texture and resulting in a glowing, smoother and more youthful complexion.
The adjustable nature of the peel depends on the number of layers of the peeling solution applied, which is determined by your individual skin needs and tolerance for downtime. Dr. Sommerville will discuss these issues with you prior to the peeling procedure. Glow peel can be repeated in 1 to 3 months for optimal results.
Aerobic exercise or vigorous physical activity should be avoided for the first 48 hours after the peel. Direct sunlight exposure is to be avoided immediately following the treatment (including any strong UV light exposure and tanning beds). If some sun exposure cannot be avoided, apply sunblock with SPF 30 or higher prior to exposure and reapply every two hours while remaining outdoors.
On the day after the peel you will be asked to cleanse your face with Chamomile or Lavender Cleanser and gently moisturize using Soothing Skin Relief Gel and Vita Soothe mixed together at least three times a day. You may also spray as often as you like with Vita C Peptide Spray.
Application of any glycolic acid products, exfoliants, tretinoin (Retin® A, Refissa®, tazarotene, Differin®) or retinol products during the entire post-peel healing process should be avoided since this can damage or irritate the skin. Also, procedures such as waxing or laser hair removal should be avoided for at least 10 days before and after the peel. Slight redness or flaking can be expected for the first few days. By day 3 or 4 after the peel, more intense peeling and/or crusting may develop. After the skin is completely healed, one may resume the regular skincare routine.
Obagi® Blue Peel RADIANCE
This new peel from Obagi® Medical provides superficial exfoliation with little or no downtime. It is indicated for a range of skin concerns including sun damage, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and acne. It provides brighter, smoother, and tighter skin after just one use. A series of 4 to 6 peels performed every 2 to 4 weeks provide the best overall results. This salicylic acid-based peel is gentle and safe for most skin types. According to a study performed by OMP, Inc., 92% patients were satisfied with the results and would recommend this peel to a friend.
VI Peel
The VI Peel delivers dramatic results with almost no pain and little downtime. It improves the tone and texture of the skin; reduces or eliminates age spots, sun damage and hyperpigmentation, including melasma. What’s more, VI Peel softens fine lines and wrinkles, calms acne, and improves acne scars. It also stimulates the production of collagen. This peel takes approximately 20 minutes to perform. It can be performed on the face as well as the chest, arms, and hands. VI Peel received a prestigious “Best of Show” Award at the 2008 Los Angeles Spa & Resort Expo and Conference and Medical Aesthetics Conference and Expo. It has been featured on the Doctors Show and Extra TV Show. A recent study performed by the International Research Services, Inc. confirmed its safety and efficacy, demonstrating statistically significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles as well as reduction in melanin content and increase in collagen content.
Just one peel produces noticeable results and visibly radiant skin; however, VI Peel can safely be performed three to four times a year or even once a month, depending on your individual needs, the degree of sun damage, melasma, or acne scarring. Dr. Sommerville will carefully assess your skin and discuss the best treatment plan.
Vi Peel produces a relatively mild stinging sensation which subsides almost immediately. After the peel, your skin will look slightly tan, yellow, or red. On days one and two, the skin will feel tighter with no visible peeling. In most patients, the actual peeling starts on day three post-peel, and is finished by day five. The peeling can be mitigated by aggressive moisturizing of the skin. Makeup can be worn after the peel solution has dried completely (four hours or more after VI Peel). Dr. Sommerville recommends avoiding heavy sweating during the first few days after the peel; however, other normal activities can be resumed immediately. The VI Peel contains a patented synergistic blend of powerful ingredients suitable for all skin types.
Before and After
More about Chemical Peels
Schedule a Cosmetic Dermatology Consultation
To schedule a cosmetic dermatology consultation or make an appointment, please call us at (301) 656-7546 or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you. Thank you for choosing Chevy Chase Dermatology, we look forward to hearing from you!
