Sclerotherapy is an FDA approved procedure for the treatment of the tiny red spider veins and larger blue varicose veins which plague men and women as they age. During sclerotherapy, the physician injects the damaged veins with a sclerosant, a solution which forces the collapse of the walls of the treated veins. Sodium tetradecyl is the chemical most often used for this purpose, and it does not harm the surrounding tissues.

Using sclerotherapy, doctors can eliminate the spider veins and varicose veins which mar the feet, legs, ankles and thighs. Problem veins on the hands and face may also be treated successfully with sclerotherapy, and sclerotherapy can be used to treat almost everyone. Providers do suggest that pregnant and nursing women postpone treatment until the babies are weaned, but there are few patients who cannot benefit from sclerotherapy treatment.

Recovery after sclerotherapy depends on the size and number of the veins that receive treatment. Some patients experience soreness along the treated area for several days while others have tenderness for weeks. Depending on where the treated veins are located on the body, doctors may ask that compression bandages or garments be used for a few days. Sclerotherapy usually leaves some light swelling and bruising in the treated area which may be red for a time. Once these after effects subside, the vein will continually grow smaller as blood can no longer feed into it. Eventually, it will disintegrate completely and will not return although this process may take several months.

Although sclerotherapy does not prevent the formation of new spider veins or varicose veins, it does permanently eliminate those that have been treated. Most sclerotherapy procedures take fewer than thirty minutes and can be performed in the office of the provider. If more than one sclerotherapy treatment session is needed to get the desired results, these are scheduled about four weeks apart. Very few side effects have been associated with sclerotherapy treatments, but freckling around the treatment area has been reported by a few patients. This is rare, however, and most patients report extreme satisfaction with the results of this non-surgical treatment for unattractive or painful veins.

Tags: bethesda, maryland, md, Sclerotherapy, Skin Care Bethesda, Spider Veins, Varicose Veins

There are several factors which are considered when making the determination whether someone is a good candidate for laser hair removal. The first consideration is how the laser will affect the patient during the hair removal treatments. Laser hair removal uses laser light to treat hair follicles, which can only be treated during their active phase of growth, called Anogen. Hair follicles which are not in the active phase of growth will not be affected by the treatment; usually more than one treatment is required for effective hair removal. Subsequent treatments are generally administered 6-8 weeks apart, when hair follicles not previously in their active growth stage have entered the Anogen phase of growth and are susceptible to the treatment.

The main target of laser hair removal treatment is the melanin, or colored pigment, in the hair shaft. This is the substance in the hair shaft that will actually absorb and be affected by the laser light. Because melanin is the pigment which darkens hair, lightly colored hair, such as blonde or gray hair, will not respond as well as black hair. Because of the higher concentration of melanin in the hair shaft, thick dark hairs will respond the best to laser light treatment. Another important factor to weigh when considering laser hair removal treatment is skin color. Darker toned skin does not respond as well as light colored skin, which will generally require fewer treatments. Even multiple treatments for those patients with darker skin may not be able to receive enough benefit to achieve permanent hair removal.

There are preparations a patient can make prior to laser hair removal treatments which can make the treatments as effective as possible. The skin must be prepared for the treatment by being shaved of hair growth. Although the area to be treated should be shaved, the hair should not be plucked or waxed. This type of preparation removes the hair shaft entirely and makes the laser hair removal ineffective. Patients should also avoid tanning lotions and tanning salons, with the consideration lighter skin is more effectively treated with the hair removal laser. The patients who tend to respond best to laser hair removal treatment are those with lighter skin and darker hair.

Tags: bethesda, Hair Removal, Laser Hair Removal, laser treatments, maryland, md, permanent hair removal

Dermal fillers dramatically improve the look of deep facial wrinkles, crow’s feet, and thin lines around the lips. Fillers can also fill in thin lips and raise depressed scars. As we go through life expressing our emotions through a smile, frown, or furrowed eyebrow, lines begin to form. The older we get, the deeper those lines become- especially those on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and along the sides of the nose to the mouth. Dermal fillers, such as Radiesse, Juvederm, Comsoderm, Restylane, and fat are injected under the wrinkle you wish to fill (or into the lips), with mild to no discomfort.

Fillers work by adding skin- compatible material to areas of the face which have lost elasticity and plumpness. This treatment actually lifts the wrinkle or furrow, giving a filled in effect- as if the wrinkle never formed in the first place. Crows feet, frown lines, and those areas around the lips into which lipstick tends to run can be gone with one treatment, which lasts no longer than your lunch hour.

Depending on the type of filler used, and your personal response to treatments, the wrinkle lines you have filled could be gone for 3- 18 months. Pairing a dermal filler with a Botox treatment may prolong the effects of the filler. While dermal fillers improve the appearance of wrinkles, they do not affect the underlying muscles used to make expressions. A Botox treatment will limit the movement of those muscles, so the wrinkle does not appear when you are at rest or when you are making an expression. Your doctor will discuss whether Botox is a good option for you.

There is little risk with a dermal filler. Some specific brands require allergy testing prior to the treatment, but dermal fillers are actually compatible with the natural parts of your skin’s make- up (with the exception of Radiesse, which still does not require skin testing). After the treatment, there may be mild irritation, redness, or small amounts of swelling which will last a few hours to a few days. Once this recovery is over, the skin will feel completely normal. You can return to your normal routine immediately after a dermal filler treatment. This treatments is a safe and effective way to improve the look of wrinkles without devoting extra time to the process.

Tags: bethesda, botox, comsoderm, Cosmetic Skin Care, facial expression lines, juvederm, maryland, md, radiesse, restylane, skin care, wrinkles

Juvederm is an injectable gel that can be used as a non-surgical option to smooth folds and wrinkles on your skin. It is said to be the number one growing non-surgical aesthetic procedure in all of the United States.

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has been approved by the FDA to last up to one year. It is a smooth gel that is virtually unnoticeable. It is a non-animal dermal filler, and has been called a “next-generation” filler. The hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally, and it’s role is vital in replenishing skin to it’s natural volume, as well as hydrating the skin. Another one of the major benefits of Juvederm is that anyone can use it. There are no tests that need to be done to make sure a person is not allergic to it.

Juvederm is the first approved dermal filler that is both efficient and safe for use by people of color. The Juvederm treatment is done by a physician and provides the patient with minimal recovery time. There are two types of Juvederm that each supply aesthetic improvements.

Juvederm Ultra is used to volumize and contour facial folds and wrinkles. Juvederm Ultra Plus is used for deeper wrinkles and folds. Your physician will be able to meet your needs no matter which gel may be right for you.

Not only can Juvederm be used to smooth facial folds and wrinkles, but Juvederm can be safely used as an augmentation device for the lips as well. The results of the treatment are immediately noticed, and although it is not likely it will be easy to tell right away if another treatment is needed. Results generally last more than six months. While the skin may be sore right after the initial injection, this uncomfortable feeling goes away quickly. The skin becomes pliant and soft quickly, and will take on the quality of the surrounding skin.

Juvederm looks like a great option for a non-surgical treatment that is effective in giving people younger looking skin. To get more information about Juvederm, you can visit http://www.laserderm.net/.

Tags: bethesda, Cosmetic Skin Care, juvederm, maryland, md, skin care, wrinkle treaments, wrinkles

You might have noticed that many of Hollywood’s aging starlets are not aging at all. Time passes and still they retain the same taut and glowing skin of their 20s and 30s. It’s not just good genetics. Botox injections are all the rage in beauty-related industries, but Botox treatments are also surprisingly accessible to the general public. Which leads many women and men to wonder… What is Botox, and what can it do for you?

Botox is actually a naturally occuring chemical. Because Botox is derived from a toxin, many people worry that it may be harmful, but the use of Botox injections has been perfected over the last 20 years. Today, Botox injections are considered a non-invasive procedure. Furthermore, Botox injections are FDA approved, and while Botox is best known for treating wrinkles it is also used in other important medical procedures.

Why is Botox all the rage? Because it’s so effective. To understand how Botox fights wrinkles, you first need to understand how wrinkles are created. Long-term tension in certain areas of the face changes the texture of the skin. Smiling and frowning create lines around the mouth and eyes and furrowing your brows creates lines on the forehead. These expressions are repeated so often that the resulting facial lines become deep and permanent.

Botox is injected directly into the affected areas of your face (the forehead, around the eyes, and around the mouth). The drug then eases tension in the surrounding muscles and nerves, causing facial expression lines and wrinkles to relax. Within 24 hours of a Botox injection, wrinkles will decrease noticeably, and within 1-2 weeks the skin will have regained optimal smoothness. These results typically last for up to four months.

Practitioners that specialize in Botox treatments have refined their techniques significantly in the last few years. Gone is the overly tight skin and immovable features that once characterized Botox users. These days, Botox injections are an art and a science; the toxin is carefully measured and administered to ensure a softer, more natural look. Your friends and family won’t know that you’ve had Botox injections, they’ll only know that suddenly you’re looking a lot younger!

Tags: bethesda, botox, Botox Injections, Cosmetic Skin Care, maryland, md, skin care, wrinkle treatments, wrinkles

Dr. Green’s Seasonal Skin Care Tips:

Tired of dealing with dry, cracked, irritated “Winter” skin? Here are a few tips from Dr. Green to combat these symptoms:

Dry skin is a common problem, especially, during the winter months. In addition to its dull and lusterless appearance, dry skin, often, itches. Unfortunately, as we age dry skin becomes more problematic.  Fortunately, there are some very simple actions that we can take to prevent or minimize this problem.  These include:
-Application of a good moisturizer at least twice a day.

-Gentle exfoliation to promote the removal of dry, dead skin cells in the outermost layer of the epidermis.  This results in improved penetration of moisturizers that, additionally, promote water retention

-Use of a humidifier in the bedroom – making sure to keep the windows and bedroom door closed to maximize the moisture in the air.

-Supplementing your diet with an Omega-6 fatty acid.  Omega-6 fatty acids are available in high concentration in Pure Encapsulations™ Flax seed oil and Borage oil.

-Avoid wool and synthetic fabrics which can irritate and exacerbate dry skin.

Sometimes, in spite of the above measures, dry skin becomes inflamed.  When inflamed, the skin may appear pink to red and itching can be considerable.  In addition, fissures – especially of the fingertips and heels – can develop.  When skin inflammation develops, the preventative measures outlined above may not be sufficient to control this problem and consultation with the dermatologist will, probably, be necessary.

-Dr. Green

Get $50 back, with your Botox® treatment

We all know it works!

Botox® is the #1 performed cosmetic procedure in the U.S for the treatment of lines and wrinkles.

Botox® is a naturally derived product that is used to relax facial muscles for the reduction of unwanted facial expression lines. In addition, Botox® is used to reduce excessive perspiration of the armpits, hands and feet. Botox® helps to control excessive underarm sweating by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don’t receive chemical signals, the excessive sweating stops.

This month, you can be a part of the “Botox® Cosmetic: Express Success” campaign and receive a $50 rebate with your treatment.

The Ultimate Gift Set for your Eyes & Lips

Get ready for all the holiday celebrations, parties, and pictures with our new, amazing, affordable Skin Medica Gift Set for eyes and lips. Providing two powerful full-size products to transform the overall look and feel of your eyes and lips, to make you feel and look your best!

Gift Set Includes:  TNS Night Eye Repair™, TNS Lip Plump System, Custom Skin Medica Travel Case

SkinMedica: The next level of skin care

SkinMedica offers a complete line of skin care products that include essential ingredients ranging from vitamins C and E to retinol to NouriCel-MD®, a patented blend of growth factors, soluble collagen, antioxidants and matrix proteins.

Growth factors are natural occurring proteins capable of stimulating cellular growth, proliferation, and cellular differentiation. Growth factors play an important role in reversing the effects of skin aging mediated by chronological and environmental factors.  When applied topically, growth factors can accelerate healing by stimulating granulation tissue formation and enhancing epithelialization.

The impact is clear – fine lines are reduced, depths of wrinkles are decreased, tone, texture, and elasticity are improved, and collagen production is increased.

Our Skin Medica Gift Set is a $150 value available for a limited time for only $110!

Looking for that perfect and unique gift?

Give the gift of relaxation and healthy-great skin!

Dr. Green’s office offers Gift Certificates for Customized European Facials. Our European Facials are customized treatments that  restore and replenish the natural radiance of all skin types. For one full hour, our treatments will provide you with a steamed deep-pore cleansing, a thorough exfoliation, relaxing European hand & neck massage and a treatment masque to target specific skin needs.

European Facials are a great enhancement to anyone’s home skin care regimen!

Tags: bethesda, botox, Cosmetic Skin Care, maryland, md, skin care, SkinMedica

Latisse is the most demanded, breakthrough, must-have product for all women who want long, lustrous sexy eye-lashes!

This month take advantage of our exclusive Latisse rebate.

This month only,
get $20 back when you purchase Latisse!

(Offer valid October 2009 only. Limited to 1 Latisse case per patient.)

Skin Medica’s:

Best of the Best Package!

TNS (Tissue Nutrient Solution) indicates Skin Medica products that contain NouriCel-MD – which – is the key ingredient for maximized skin rejuvenation.  TNS products are the first in the world to contain naturally found human growth factors, proteins, amino acids, antioxidants, matrix proteins, and soluble collagens that our bodies use to stimulate the skin to repair and regenerate itself when damaged by the sun.

This package offers you the BEST of TNS!

TNS Recovery Complex is a fast-acting gel formulation containing 93.6% of NouriCel-MD, and is clinically proven to improve skin’s texture, sun-damage, and firmness.  A twice daily application improves the appearance of the skin, makes fine line appear less visible and gives the skin a healthier look. TNS Recovery Complex may be incorporated to any skin care regimen and should always be applied to clean, dry skin.

Illumnize Peel is a non-invasive superficial chemical peel that exfoliates with a new generation of alpha-hydroxy acids (mandelic acid and malic acid) in combination with phytic acid. This new blend of acids provides you with a gentle application of potent acids to maximize the effects of skin rejuvenation.

Package includes an Illuminize Peel & a TNS Recovery Complex for only $250

Tags: bethesda, Cosmetic Skin Care, Latissetm, maryland, md, skin care, skin care treatments

Restylane is the world’s premier skin filler, providing beautiful, natural results for up to 12 months. Restylane is a clear, injectable gel that enhances your skin’s natural look, restoring the volume of your skin, revitalizing your appearance, and creating softer skin. Restylane softens fine lines and enhances your natural features. As it restores your skin’s volume, Restylane works to improve the elasticity of your skin and smooths fine lines and imperfections.

Restylane can smooth out facial lines or create fuller lips. It provides subtle, natural results. Most common treatment areas include the lips, cheeks, chin, lines between the nose and mouth, and lines between the eyebrows. Other common treatment areas include the back of the hands and the decolletage area.

While Restylane provides long lasting results, as much as 12 months, it is not permanent. This gives you full control over your looks. How long the treatment lasts will depend on a number of factors, including skin type, age, and lifestyle. Restylane has been extensively tested for safety and effectiveness, supported by clinically proven results over 10 years. More than 10 million Restylane treatments have been performed, and it continues to be tested to ensure safety.

Restylane is a clear gel made from stabilized hyaluronic acid and water. The non-animal hyaluronic acid is tissue friendly and closely resembles the hyaluronic acid that naturally occurs in your body. Restylane replenishes your natural supply of hyaluronic acid to plump up your skin.

Small amounts of Restylane are injected into the skin through a fine needle. Treatment is quick, often less than 30 minutes. Results can be seen immediately, and the use of Restylane will not affect your facial expression. No animal products are used, so no skin test is necessary.

Following the procedure, you can expect mild side effects similar to any type of injection, including redness, pain, swelling, tenderness, itching, or bruising. Any discomfort generally disappears within a few days. For lip augmentation, lips may become swollen and appear uneven for the first few days.

For more information, please visit http://www.laserderm.net/. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Tags: bethesda, Cosmetic Skin Care, fillers, maryland, restylane, Restylane Injections, skin care, Wrinkle Treatment

The StarLux Fractional Laser emits light as narrow, concentrated micro-beams that create columns of heat within specific areas of the skin (rather than removing layers of it) for significant, long-term results. The heated tissue prompts a healing process to create new, healthy tissue and more elastic fibers, and the result is skin that is tighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking as wrinkles are filled in.

Benefits of the StarLux Fractional Laser

With the Starlux laser, treatments to resurface the skin do not require the application of dye that can be hard to remove. Instead, an anesthetic cream is used and the micro-beams protect the skin from overheating, which is a common problem with other methods, and provides built-in cooling. As a result, patients only feel minor discomfort during the session, and the tone and texture of the skin are noticeably improved. The process is also both quick and convenient, lasting about 30 minutes, while ablative treatments require a lengthy preparation and clean-up afterward.

How the treatment process works

At each session, the skin is stimulated to produce collagen molecules and 20-25% of the target area is treated. To achieve optimum results, 3-6 sessions may be required, scheduled every three to six weeks. While the Starlux® Fractional Laser can be used anywhere on the body, it is most often used to treat the skin on the face, neck, chest, back of the arms, abdomen, and back. It was specifically developed to treat acne scars, remove sun spots, decrease the signs of aging, remove wrinkles and pigmented spots, and diminish stretch marks.

Immediately after your treatment, you might experience some lingering warmth, swelling, tightness, or redness in the affected area, but this should fade in a few hours. Usually, a patient can have a treatment and then return to work or some other activity immediately because much of the skin is unaffected by the procedure.

Advantage of using the Starlux® Fractional Laser

Since it is non-ablative, there are minimal side effects and recovery is also quicker. It is just as effective as an ablative laser, and the risk of complications is much lower.

Tags: acne, bethesda, Cosmetic Skin Care, laser treatments, maryland, md, skin care, starlux fractional laser, wrinkles

Submit your Facials & Chemical Peels to your insurance company

Our facials and chemical peels provide you with deep cleansing benefits that enhance the health and appearance of your skin. Depending on your skin care needs, our a aestheticians combine natural enzymes, Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, and Beta-Hydroxy Acids to promote exfoliation. In addition, our facial treatments and chemical peels are medically formulated to treat and target blemishes, helping you to prevent future breakouts and soothe inflammation associated with problematic, sensitized and blemished skin.

We’ll help you submit your skincare treatments to your insurance – while you benefit from healthy skin! 

Plump your lips – without injections!

The TNS Lip Plump System restores lip fullness and volume within minutes and offers long-lasting anti aging benefits. It contains fast action lip smoothing and softening effects to improve lip texture and volume. The Lip Plumping action not only gives lips a fuller, more youthful look, it also enhances natural lip color.

The TNS Lip Plump System contains two sleek and sassy applicators Lip Renewal and Lip Plumper.

STEP 1: Lip Renewal
Twist and apply Lip Renewal directly on lips and around lip contour as needed to moisturize and plump the lips throughout the day.

STEP 2: Lip Plumper
Following the application of Lip Renewal (Step 1) apply Lip Plumper (Step 2) for a luscious gloss finish. Mild tingling may occur within minutes and will subside. Lip Plumper can also be applied over your favorite lip color. 

Thermage®

No surgery. No injections… just a smoother, tighter, younger looking face

Thermage® is a non-invasive procedure that safely delivers radiofrequency-heat deep into the skin. The heat delivered rejuvenates existing collagen and stimulate new collagen growth, improving your skin’s texture and reducing the appearance of unappealing sagging.  Improvements in your skin may be seen almost immediately and are long lasting, although results may vary on a case by case basis. The procedure generally requires one treatment and downtime is minimal.

An easy way to glow!

Illuminize PeelTM is a non-invasive chemical peel that uses an advanced blend of acids to maximize skin rejuvenating effects.  Illuminize PeelTM is an easy way to medically exfoliate your skin without the usual stinging from most peels.  It is gentle enough for the most sensitive of skin types and doesn’t cause peeling.  Best of all, Illuminize PeelTM is safely recommended for all skin types.

This month purchase a package of Illuminize PeelsTM for only $395 and receive a FREE SPF 30!

Tags: bethesda, Cosmetic Skin Care, lip injections, Lip Plump, maryland, md, skincare treatments, thermage