
Today, in the fast evolving arena of cosmetic dermatology, it is all about quick, minimal-downtime procedures with big rejuvenation rewards! So before 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
BOTOX® Cosmetic injections represent a truly quick and minimally invasive treatment that is used most commonly for frown lines between the brows, forehead lines and for “crow’s feet”. In a skilled injector’s hands, it can also accomplish a noticeable lateral brow lift and give eyes an attractive, rested, more open appearance! All of this can be achieved with minimal discomfort in about 10 minutes.
The lines that are treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic result from repeat muscle movements over the years. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein that blocks the nerve impulses reducing the movement of those muscles. With less movement, the surface of the skin gradually smoothes out as the wrinkles begin to fade. It takes up to 7 days following the injections for results to take place and the effect lasts approximately 4 months for most patients.
Since each patient is unique, Dr. Sommerville performs these injections after carefully assessing the involved muscles and determining the amount of BOTOX® Cosmetic to be injected. Her goal is to give you a natural appearance while significantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin injections can also be used effectively for treatment of long-standing, localized, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). The results of a single treatment in the armpits can last over 6 months.
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CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast®
CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® injections are designed to replenish the skin’s lost collagen and restore skin texture. Since the collagen in these injections is derived from human cells, no pretreatment testing is required.
Collagen injections can add definition to the lip border, of fill the smile lines. Treatment results are immediate and may last up to 6 months. What’s more, CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® are formulated with an addition of an anesthetic in order to reduce injection discomfort.
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Juvéderm®
Juvéderm® is an injectable gel made from hyaluronic acid compound which naturally occurs in the skin along with collagen and elastin. Hyaluronic acid retains water and increases skin’s volume and density. The appearance of wrinkles can be reversed by adding structure and volume to the skin.
Juvéderm® injections instantly smooth out the wrinkles and folds leaving you looking natural and younger. Due to the Hyalacross® technology in production of the Juvéderm® gel, the duration of results achieved is up to 1 year. Because Juvéderm® is non-animal based and and highly biocompatible, no pretreatment testing is needed.
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Restylane®
Restylane® is a crystal clear hyaluronic acid gel that restores volume and fullness in the skin to correct wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds. It requires no skin pre-testing and has been safely used since 1996 worldwide. Temporary swelling and redness at the injection site typically resolve within two to three days. The average treatment results last six months or even longer.
Since its launch in 1996, Restylane® has undergone extensive clinical studies with great results in terms of tolerability and effectiveness.
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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.
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Skin 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:
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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 “Innovative Facial” by IS Clinical.
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Trichloacetic Acid Peels (TCA)
TCA is commonly used for medium-depth peeling to treat fine lines, superficial blemishes and pigment problems. A version of a TCA peel is the Obagi Blue Peel.
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Obagi Blue Peel
Obagi Blue Peel can be customized to patients’ particular skin needs by the number of coats applied. A blue base with built-in safeguards helps ensure consistent results. It is indicated for many skin conditions such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, comedonal acne and more. The bluish tint to the skin after the procedure usually washes off in 12 to 24 hours.
In conjunction with the Obagi Nu-Derm System, the Blue Peel is one of the most effective remedies for facial hyperpigmentation.
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Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion allows for gentle and precise skin exfoliation improving the appearance of uneven skin tone, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. It is suitable for almost any skin type.
At Chevy Chase Dermatology, our advanced crystal-free microdermabrasion system eliminates the occurrence of airborne hazards while ensuring reliable, excellent results with no patient downtime.
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Sapphire 3™ Photo Abrasion Therapy
THE NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART SWISS TECHNOLOGY representing the ultimate combination of no-downtime, painless rejuvenation treatments for fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged/clogged pores, hyperpigmentation, acne, scars, anti-aging skin rejuvenation and more…
The treatment includes:
- The Sapphire Abrasion named after actual Sapphire granules used to painlessly remove the outer most surface layers of the skin.
- Vitamin and nutrient infused exfoliation delivering the natural benefits of sweet almond, sweet almond oil, glycol, field horsetail and citrus limonum.
- Relaxing Massage and Lymphatic Drainage to detoxify and regenerate the tissues.
- Red Monochromatic Light Therapy to stimulate production of collagen and expedite the replacement of older damaged cells.
- Blue L.E.D. Therapy known for its antibacterial effects in acne and promotion of healthy cell growth and faster healing.
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Fraxel™ Laser
Featured in national media and many beauty magazines, Fraxel laser has been getting unprecedented attention as a true innovation in the area of skin rejuvenation. It treats wrinkles, melasma, dark spots, and acne scars. Due to the “fractional technology”, thousands of tiny but deep columns of skin known as microscopic treatment zones are affected leaving the surrounding tissue untouched. This allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once. Clinical experience suggests that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement occurs in about 3 months. Only topical anesthesia is required in most cases. The procedure takes approximately 25 minutes for the full face. Transient discomfort, redness, exfoliation and swelling are typically the only side effects of the treatment. Make-up can be applied soon after the treatment. Fraxel is also appropriate for treatment of the sun damage on the neck, chest, hands and arms.
Click here to discover our unprecedented Fraxel™ Laser Rejuvenation Promotion!
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