Mommy Makeover in Washington DC
Many patients in Washington DC look for the best options for achieving a mommy makeover without having to go under the knife.
While Liposuction, Tummy Tucks and Breast Augmentations are popular surgical procedures, a large percentage of women aren’t aware that many of their post-birth cosmetic goals can be achieved by choosing to undergo non-invasive treatments.
Read on for more information on Botox and Dermal Fillers for facial aging, Z-Wave for Cellulite reduction, SculpSure, Thermage, Exilis and Vanquish for body contouring and Microneedling with PRP for facial aging.
Botox for Facial Aging
While it was once reserved for an older patient population, Botox is on the rise as an anti-aging treatment for patients in their 20s and 30s.
In fact, this younger generation views Botox as way to prevent future wrinkles, rather than simply correct existing lines and creases.
However, aesthetic experts emphasize that starting Botox earlier can definitely have its advantages, but it will not address every potential sign of aging.
Here’s what you need to know about Botox for facial aging.
Why Start Botox in Your 20s or 30s?
Although there’s no “right” age to start Botox treatments, many dermatologists and plastic surgeons note that patients have begun to seek injections before they even have any lines.
Depending on their goals and facial expression patterns, many of these women and men hope to train their muscles to avoid wrinkle-causing movements.
How Can Preventative Botox Help Delay Facial Aging?
Injecting Botox into strategic locations can prevent lines and wrinkles from developing and delay certain aspects of the aging process.
Additionally, using smaller amounts of product more frequently is becoming a trend among those in their 20s and 30s and has been given the nickname of Baby Botox.
Compared to a standard treatment, Baby Botox allows some movement in the face while limiting muscle contraction and expressions that can lead to wrinkles.
Botox Is Just One Way to Maintain a Youthful Appearance
While Botox has both preventative and corrective benefits, its use alone will not halt the aging process.
To maintain a youthful appearance, it’s essential to treat globally with lasers for soft and even skin, dermal fillers to restore volume, and ultrasound or radiofrequency devices to lift sagging skin.
Patients can also combat aging by avoiding cigarettes and ultraviolet rays, developing a skincare regimen, drinking water, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.
To learn more about the corrective and preventative benefits of Botox, please call DC Derm Docs today to schedule a consultation.
Dermal Fillers for Facial Aging
Many individuals look in the mirror one day and notice that their face isn’t as full as it once was and that fine lines and wrinkles have started to become more evident.
While it may seem as though these physical changes have appeared over night, they are actually normal signs of aging.
However, certain aspects of facial aging can be corrected or delayed through the use of dermal fillers.
These products are often made of hyaluronic acid (Juvederm and Restylane), calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), polylactic acid (Sculptra), and polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (Bellafill).
Here’s how these injectables can provide rejuvenation and what patients can expect when receiving dermal fillers for facial aging.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectables that address the loss of subcutaneous fat in the face, thinner skin, and loss of collagen and elasticity.
Use of Dermal Fillers for Facial Aging
These products can be used in a variety of ways to address facial aging.
They can augment lips, improve contour irregularities, reduce cheek hollowness, smooth creases and wrinkles, fill scars, and decrease or eliminate shadows under the eyes.
Limitations of Dermal Fillers
While many dermal fillers are long-lasting and can safely and effectively provide facial rejuvenation, they are all temporary. Meaning that the results must be consistently maintained with follow-up treatments.
Additionally, injectables may be able to delay the need for surgical intervention, such as a facelift, brow lift, or eye lift. However, they cannot replace these more invasive procedures, nor will they provide the exact same outcomes.
What to Expect from a Dermal Filler Procedure?
Patients interested in combating facial aging with dermal fillers must first meet with their injector for an evaluation and facial mapping. During this time, the provider will examine, measure, mark, and photograph the face.
Next, the treatment area will be cleansed with an anti-bacterial agent and ice, a topical cream, or a local anesthetic may be used for numbing and patient comfort.
Then, it is time to inject the dermal filler, massage the area, and assess its appearance.
Lastly, all markings will be removed from the skin, and the face will be cleansed. Ice may also be provided to help decrease swelling or tenderness.
To learn more about dermal fillers for facial aging in Washington DC, please call DC Derm Doc’s today to schedule an appointment.
Z Wave for Cellulite Reduction
Despite maintaining a stable weight, following a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise, many women still experience cellulite.
This dimpled and loose skin can make patients self-conscious and frustrated, as it is almost impossible to improve on their own.
However, Z Wave is a non-invasive device that can reduce cellulite and smooth and tighten skin without surgery or downtime.
Here’s what you need to know about this revolutionary cellulite treatment.
What Is Z Wave?
Z Wave is Radial Pulse Therapy for cellulite reduction on the abdomen, upper arms, hips, buttocks, and thighs. More specifically, it can destroy fat pockets, tighten and smooth skin, contour the body, and improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
How Does Z Wave Target Cellulite and Tighten Skin?
Z Wave focuses sound waves to disrupt fibrous connective tissue that presses against fat and causes depressions and irregularities in the skin. This acoustic wave therapy also improves blood circulation and functioning of the lymphatic system.
Additionally, Z Wave stimulates collagen for new, healthy tissue that contracts more easily around muscle and bone. As a result, it slims areas with cellulite for a more defined and toned appearance.
Does It Hurt?
Unlike some other cellulite-busting treatments, Z Wave is painless and requires zero downtime. It can even be done during your lunch break, and all normal activities can be resumed immediately after.
How Many Z Wave Treatments Are Recommended?
While it can vary from individual to individual, most patients benefit from a series of 10-14 sessions performed bi-weekly. Each treatment area is approximately the size of an outstretched hand and requires 10 minutes of Radial Pulse Therapy.
When Can Patients Expect to See a Change in Cellulite and Sagging Skin?
After several sessions, patients will begin to notice a decrease in cellulite and an increase in skin firmness. These results continue to improve of the course of therapy and can be long-lasting.
Z Wave effects can be maintained with follow-up treatments, a nutritious diet, and active lifestyle.
To learn more about Z Wave for cellulite reduction and skin firming, please call DC Derm Doc’s today to schedule an appointment.
SculpSure for Body Contouring
Sculpsure is a popular non-invasive laser body contouring procedure that helps you achieve a natural-looking, slimmer appearance.
Even with diet and exercise, most people have stubborn pockets of fat that seem impossible to lose. SculpSure’s body contouring technology is able to target and can destroy the targeted fat cells safely in just 25 minutes without affecting the skin’s surface.
There is no recovery time following treatment, so you can resume your daily activities immediately. Most patients need multiple treatments to achieve optimal results.
- Customisable treatment plans
- Over 90% patient satisfaction rate2,3
- FDA cleared and TGA listed
SculpSure for Double Chin
Many individuals with a double chin will tell you that it runs in their family and that no amount of diet or exercise can eliminate it.
Fortunately, these patients may be candidates for a non-surgical treatment called SculpSure that can now reduce submental fat.
What Is SculpSure?
SculpSure is an FDA-approved laser that uses heat to destroy fat cells, which are then eliminated from the body over a period of 12 weeks.
The device can create this thermal damage without affecting skin or surrounding structures. Therefore, it’s an extremely safe and effective option for fat reduction and body contouring.
Sculpsure for Treatment of a Double Chin
While it has been used to slim the abdomen, waist, and back for several years, SculpSure recently gained clearance to target double chins. The treatment lasts 25 minutes, and patients can nap, read a book, or watch t.v. during the procedure.
For optimal effects, a series of two treatments spaced six weeks apart is recommended.
Sculpsure vs. Liposuction for Submental Fat Reduction
For some time, the only option available to men and women battling a double chin was liposuction. In addition to the risks and costs associated with surgery, liposuction can be painful and require a considerable period of recovery.
On the other hand, SculpSure can destroy submental fat with minimal risks and zero downtime. At most, some patients may experience burning and stinging during the procedure and possible bruising afterwards.
Sculpsure for Double Chins Is a More Inclusive Treatment
When used on the body, SculpSure is limited to individuals with a BMI that is less than 30. This restriction excludes a large number of patients and reduces their body contouring options.
However, SculpSure for double chins is approved for patients with a BMI that is less than 43. This increase allows more men and women with excess submental fat to seek a treatment that is non-surgical and effective and avoid the risks and recovery of liposuction.
To learn more about SculpSure for a double chin in Washington DC, please call DC Derm Doc’s today to schedule an appointment.
Microneedling PRP for Facial Aging
Many individuals would like to improve the tone and texture of their skin, but are hesitant to undergo a surgical treatment or one that may have considerable downtime.
For these patients, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an excellent alternative to reduce fine lines and wrinkles with minimal to no recovery.
In fact, studies have demonstrated the efficacy and long-lasting results of microneedling with PRP for facial aging.
The treatment process is fairly straightforward and can be performed in a plastic surgeon or dermatologist’s office during your lunch hour.
What Is Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, addresses signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and skin laxity.
When combined with the abundant growth factors in platelet-rich plasma, this treatment can provide significant facial rejuvenation.
Clinical Data in Support of Microneedling for Facial Aging
Researchers have found that patients with fine-to-moderate depth wrinkles and a moderate number of fine lines greatly benefited from microneedling. More specifically, a series of 3 monthly treatments dramatically smoothed wrinkles and eliminated fine lines.
Furthermore, microneedling benefits were maintained, and even improved, 3 months after the last session.
What to Expect from a Microneedling with PRP Procedure?
For patients seeking microneedling with PRP for facial aging, the process begins with the application of a topical anesthetic. Next, a small sample of blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma.
Then the microneedling pen, consisting of thin, surgical-grade needles, is rolled in three different directions on the patient’s face. As a result, newly created microinjuries initiate a wound healing effect, which is augmented by the injection of PRP.
Lastly, a post-treatment skincare regimen is prescribed, and patients are advised to avoid the sun and wear a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF.
Post-Procedure Instructions
Most patients find microneedling with PRP mildly uncomfortable, and the skin may appear red and slightly tender for up to 12 hours. All normal activities can be resumed immediately after treatment.
To learn more about microneedling with PRP for facial aging, please call DC Derm Doc’s today to schedule an appointment.
Thermage for Skin Tightening
It’s very common for women to have loose or stretched skin around their abdomen after having children. So, it’s not surprising that many new moms hope to tighten sagging skin and improve body contour, but are hesitant to have any type of surgical intervention.
Fortunately, a non-surgical mommy makeover with Thermage provides safe and effective skin firming by triggering the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Therefore, patients can achieve excellent results without any incisions, anesthesia, or recovery.
What Is Thermage?
Thermage is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that can be used to lift and firm the face and body. It employs captive radiofrequency to heat the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers and create controlled thermal damage.
The body then initiates a wound healing effect, which stimulates the growth of new collagen and elastin. As a result, the structure of the skin is rebuilt, and it becomes tighter, firmer, and more youthful looking.
What Is Body by Thermage?
In 2006, the FDA approved the use of Thermage on all parts of the body. The abdomen is an especially popular treatment area for women that have recently given birth and would like to improve minor to moderate stretching and sagging.
In fact, this specific use of Thermage has become known as a “tummy shrink lift’ and “tummy heat shrink procedure” for its ability to rejuvenate loose abdominal skin and provide tightening and lifting without surgery.
Additionally, Tummy by Thermage is more cost-efficient than a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, and can yield impressive results in only one treatment and requires zero downtime.
Patients can begin to note some contracture of the skin almost instantly, but final results appear gradually over 6 months.
What’s the Difference Between Tummy by Thermage and an Abdominoplasty?
Tummy by Thermage is an excellent option for women that would like to restore elasticity to stretched skin around the abdomen without surgery. This procedure can be performed in approximately 1 hour, and moms can return to their daily activities immediately after.
Comparatively, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin. It may also be paired with liposuction to reduce excess fat in the area.
While the effects of Tummy by Thermage can last about two years, an abdominoplasty provides longer lasting and more dramatic changes. However, these results are achieved at a greater cost and longer period of recovery.
For additional information about a non-surgical mommy makeover with Thermage, please call our office today to schedule a consultation.
Vanquish for Body Contouring
Despite diet and exercise, many moms have trouble getting rid of excess fat around their abdomen and thighs post-pregnancy.
While liposuction or a tummy tuck would require surgery and its associated risks, costs, and recovery, patients now have another safe and effective alternative.
A non-surgical mommy makeover with Vanquish allows women to trim their waistline and thighs in less than an hour without any anesthesia, incisions, or downtime.
Here’s what you need to know about this body contouring procedure.
What Is Vanquish Body Contouring?
Vanquish is a non-surgical body contouring system that shrinks and destroys stubborn pockets of fat. It’s FDA-approved to eliminate fat and shape the abdomen and inner and outer thighs.
How Is Vanquish Used to Perform a Non-Surgical Mommy Makeover?
While a surgical mommy-makeover is extremely invasive, Vanquish applies radiofrequency to the treatment area without even touching the skin.
It works by selectively heating of adipose tissue to cause a natural cell death, and the remnants are removed by the lymphatic system.
Why Have a Non-Surgical Mommy-Makeover With Vanquish?
Unlike liposuction or an abdominoplasty, Vanquish is painless and does not require any recovery. In fact, the treatment is completely contactless, and moms can return to their busy lives immediately after.
Vanquish also envelopes the entire abdomen and has the largest treatment area of all body contouring devices. Consequently, it’s able to remove more fat without any unevenness or lines of demarcation and results in a much lower cost to the patient.
Vanquish Is a Quick Treatment for Moms With Minimal Free Time
While a surgical mommy makeover could require hours in the OR, a Vanquish procedure can be performed in less than an hour. More specifically, the abdomen requires a 45-minute session, and the thighs take 30 minutes to treat.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
For optimal results, a series of four Vanquish sessions spaced a week apart is recommended.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Vanquish?
Whereas other body contouring devices suggest that patients have a BMI of less than 30, Vanquish does not impose this limitation on treatment. Therefore, it is a safe and effective option for many healthy adults.
When Can Patients Note Results?
Some women note improvement in the size and shape of their abdomen and thighs within two weeks of their first session. However, results peak after several months.
For additional information about a non-surgical mommy makeover with Vanquish, please call our office today to schedule a consultation.
Exilis Body Contouring & Skin Tightening
New moms are often pressed for time, which can mean limited opportunity for self-care. Therefore, while some women consider going under the knife to address loose skin post-pregnancy, most cannot afford weeks of recovery from a tummy tuck.
Fortunately, Exilis allows women to tighten and shape their abdomen without surgery, incisions, or any downtime. In fact, the typical Exilis treatment takes less than an hour and can be completed over your lunch break.
Here’s everything you need to know about this revolutionary skin tightening treatment.
What Is Exilis?
Exilis is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment for the face and body. It’s a safe and effective alternative to a tummy tuck for loose abdominal skin post-pregnancy.
How Does Exilis Tighten Abdominal Skin?
With simultaneous use of radiofrequency an ultrasound energy, Exilis is able to precisely heat all layers of the skin. A patented Energy Flow Control allows it to target tissues with specific levels of power that are adjusted in real time.
Exilis’ ability to penetrate to the dermis also allows it to create controlled thermal damage and rebuild collagen and elastin necessary to tighten and lift skin around the abdomen.
Additionally, the device alternates between heating and applying its cooling system to protect the outermost layer of the skin.
Who’s a Good Candidate for a Non-Surgical Mommy Makeover With Exilis?
For new mothers in the Washington DC metro area that have mild-to-moderate skin laxity after giving birth, Exilis can firm and smooth loose skin for a more appealing texture and contour of the abdomen.
It’s especially ideal if you want to counteract the stretching that occurs during pregnancy without surgery, incisions, or any downtime.
Is Exilis Uncomfortable?
While a tummy tuck can cause understandable discomfort, Exilis is painfree. Patients recline during the procedure, and most liken the sensation to that of a hot-stone massage.
Treatment time can range from 15-30 minutes.
Does Exilis Require Any Downtime?
Moms can have Exilis over their lunch break and return to work and their busy lives immediately after. Its zero downtime is a significant advantage over a tummy tuck which can result in weeks of recovery.
How Many Sessions Are Recommended?
For optimal results, a series of two-to-four sessions spaced one-to-two weeks apart is recommended.
To learn more about the benefits of a nonsurgical mommy-makeover with Exilis, please call our office today to schedule an appointment.