In addition to reducing or eliminating the smile lines (nasolabial folds), marionette lines, and wrinkles around the mouth, Juvederm XC is often requested for lip enhancement, restoring the volume lost due to aging.  Regardless of patient’s age, thin or uneven lips can be enhanced or rebalanced with Juvederm, bringing harmony to the lower face.

Juvederm injectable gel is made from a hyaluronic acid compound.  Hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in the skin, has the capacity to bind large quantities of water, keeping the skin firm and moisturized.  Hyaluronic acid content progressively decreases with age, resulting in decreased dermal hydration, thinning of the skin, and increased skin folding.

The Juvederm injection is performed through a very thin needle reducing discomfort.  Dr. Sommerville routinely applies a topical anethetic cream to the area prior to injection to further enhance patient comfort.  Nerve blocks can also be performed prior to treating the lips.

The results of a Juvederm injection last for up to a full year.  Dr. Sommerville believes in delivering natural results while avoiding overfilling.  Dr. Sommerville’s patients appreciate her cautious and meticulous approach to restoring the youthful look to the face.

Cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Margaret Sommerville, welcomes patients from the entire Washington, DC metropolitan area including Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Kensington, Silver Spring, and Olney in Maryland, as well as Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, and Great Falls in Virginia.

Scientists are  increasingly linking chemicals in personal care products to skin allergies, even learning disabilities, or cancer.  Carcinogens like formaldehyde, neurotoxins like lead and mecury, endocrine disrupters like phthalates, may be found in cosmetics and personal care items. 

Many ingredients commonly found in makeup, hair care products, moisturizers, soaps, cleaning supplies, or disinfectants, commonly cause skin allergies.   Allergic contact dermatitis it typically diagnosed by performing patch tests.  At Dr. Sommerville’s dermatology practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland, we offer a T.R.U.E. TEST, a reliable, easy to use patch test.  T.R.U.E. test contains 28 different substances (allergens)known to cause allergic contact dermatitis.  These include such frequent ingredients of skincare products as parabens, fragrance mix, Quarternium-16, formaldehyde, imidazolidinyl urea, and others.

Cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Margaret Sommerville, offers many elegant, carefully researched, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free skincare products at her Chevy Chase dermatology practice.  Dr. Sommerville personally designs an optimal, unique skincare regimen for all of her clients with sensitive, or allergy-prone skin.

Cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Margaret Sommerville, welcomes patients from the entire Washington, DC metropolitan area including Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Olney in Maryland, as well as Arlington, McLean, and Great Falls in Virginia.

We generally recommend a series of 6 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.  There is no downtime associated with sapphire microdermabrasion.  In fact, our clients find the procedure relaxing.   

Sapphire microdermabrasion is suitable for all skin types.  By exfoliating the superficial layer of epidermis, it accelerates cell turnover and allows for better penetration of topical skin therapies.  This gentle procedure is a great alternative to acid-based chemical peels which may not be appropriate for those with very sensitive skin.  Sunscreen and gentle lipid serum is applied after each treatment.  Make-up may also be applied following the procedure.

Cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Margaret Sommerville, welcomes patients from the entire Washington, DC metropolitan area including Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Olney in Maryland, as well as Arlington, McLean, and Great Falls in Virginia.

Since its FDA approval in December 2008, Latisse has become one of the most requested beauty treatments in the U.S.  This prescription-only solution is applied nightly to the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes.

Allergan announced that actress Claire Danes will be the new face for Latisse!  She joins Brooke Shields who has been an effective spokesperson for Latisse since its introduction.

Latisse is the perfect compliment to Botox Cosmetic which is widely used for erasing or softening wrinkles around the eye area.  Botox Cosmetic is a proven treatment for the dynamic wrinkles such as the frown lines, crow’s feet, and horizontal forehead lines.

Cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Margaret Sommerville, welcomes patients from the entire Washington, DC metropolitan area including Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Olney in Maryland, as well as Arlington, McLean, and Great Falls in Virginia.

While Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are ideally suited for the uper face, Juvederm and Restylane work especially well in the lower face, softening the smile lines (nasolabial folds), marionette lines, and wrinkles around the mouth.  Many patients also desire lip enhancement with hyaluronic acid fillers.

Please call our office to find out about our “Celebrate Spring Promotion” and receive a free gift of our best-selling skincare products with the purchase of Juvederm XC injection (2 syringes)!

Dysport is a new type of type A botulinum toxin that was approved by the FDA in April 2009.  It has been used in other countries since 1991.  At Chevy Chase Dermatology, I have been offering my patients the option of choosing between Botox Cosmetic and Dysport.  The feedback from patients regarding the results of treatment with Dysport has been very positive so far.

Even in the relatively conservative Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase area where my practice is located, a true trend is emerging of younger and younger women seeking the treatment with Botox Cosmetic or Dysport.  They want to eliminate or reduce these wrinkles well before they become deep and permanent.  These are the same patients who seek my advice about science-based antiaging skincare and sun protection.