Microdermabrasion, Facial Resurfacing with Laser Surgery, and More in Maryland and Virginia

When most people think of cosmetic surgery, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a dramatic procedure like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or liposuction. Those surgeries effect very desirable changes by changing the structure of deep, foundational tissues. However, there are faster, simpler, and cheaper ways of changing one’s appearance via modern medicine. As cosmetic surgery has gained prominence, skin surface treatments have grown in popularity due to their relatively easy execution and less extensive disruption of patients’ routines. These procedures include microdermabrasion, facial resurfacing with laser surgery, and many other chemical treatments. At his clinic in Maryland serving the Virginia area, Dr. Mark E. Richards uses these tools to address a wide variety of skin problems, from acne scars to age lines, that affect his clients from around the country and the world. Read more below to learn which of our many skin treatment options may be right for you.

Facial Treatments

The cheek lift and other procedures that address the deep structure of the face are very effective by themselves, but when combined with less invasive methods that rejuvenate the surface of the delicate facial skin, they can work wonders. Modern advances in laser and chemical technologies allow cosmetic surgeons like Dr. Richards to refresh the skin of their patients quickly and effectively, creating a lasting, youthful glow. Learn more in this section about facial resurfacing with laser surgery, microdermabrasion, and other treatments performed in his Maryland offices near Virginia.

Facial Resurfacing with Laser Surgery

One of the most modern and effective skin resurfacing techniques is facial laser surgery, which uses carbon dioxide or pulse dye lasers to gently heat or vaporize very thin layers of damaged skin. Specifically, these treatments can eliminate or greatly lessen the appearance of fine lines, deep facial wrinkles, irregular facial coloration, rosacea, and acne scarring, among other conditions. With the deeper carbon dioxide laser, new, fresher, tighter skin layers grow in place of the old surface for a few weeks following the procedure, producing long-lasting relief from wrinkles and discoloration. The resurfacing of the facial area with laser surgery is very safe and fast, with no bleeding and only manageable discomfort during healing.

Dr. Richards uses only the most modern and precise equipment for facial laser surgery in his Maryland office. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser that he employs allows for very fine adjustments so that more heavily damaged areas of the skin can be treated more intensely than healthier zones. As a result, maximum results can be achieved with minimum discomfort and risk. Despite this broad applicability, this procedure is not for everyone. People with dark skin may suffer from discoloration after undergoing facial laser surgery, and may be better off with a chemical treatment. In addition, patients should be aware that their skin may remain pink as it heals for weeks or even months after they have their skin resurfaced.

Besides facial resurfacing, painless pulse dye laser surgery can be used to smooth the skin incisional scars after facial and body cosmetic surgeries. To find out if you are a good candidate for facial skin rejuvenation with laser surgery, contact Dr. Mark E. Richards at his practice in Maryland today.

Microdermabrasion

Relatively new to the United States, Diamond Peel™ microdermabrasion has quickly gained a foothold after coming over from Europe. In fact, microdermabrasion is the most frequently performed procedure in our Virginia and Maryland-area clinic. This technique diminishes or eliminates external blemishes such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, and irregular pigmentation. Furthermore, it stimulates increased production of collagen in the skin for natural elasticity.

Diamond Peel™ microdermabrasion accomplishes this task by removing the outer layers of the skin in order to stimulate the growth of healthier tissue. Unlike facial laser surgery, it uses light mechanical force to accomplish this task, rubbing away the uppermost skin layers bit by bit. Because of that difference, microdermabrasion involves virtually no pain and does not require anesthesia or any recovery time. Generally, a series of six treatments, each only an hour long, is recommended for best results. Dr. Mark E. Richards and his staff at Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute will perform a number of accessory services in combination with the microdermabrasion exfoliation to ensure that you receive the best and longest-lasting results possible. These services come at minimal charge and include a skin care consultation, ultrasonic cleansing, extractions, ultrasonic infusion of an individually chosen serum, and a customized mask. Please take a moment to contact Ageless Impressions and find out what a microdermabrasion treatment in our Virginia and Maryland metropolitan area practice can do for you.

Customized Facial

Everyone’s skin is unique. For maximum health and beauty, then, it stands to reason that a customized skin care program is indispensable. Our practice offers individually tailored services that will hydrate your skin and deeply cleanse its pores like never before. This deeply relaxing procedure takes about an hour and includes professional cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, facial massage, and a customized mask.

Acne Facial

No matter what your age is, acne can break out at the worst possible time. Contrary to what your mother told you, giving up chocolate and soda probably won’t fix the problem. Our acne facial is designed to rid you of persistent facial blemishes by giving your skin as intense a cleaning as possible. Treatment includes two types of exfoliation, extractions, high frequency treatment, and a customized mask. A series of treatments may be recommended to optimize the results.

Ultrasonic Treatment with Serum Infusion

This treatment reduces the appearance of fine lines and puffiness by stimulating microcirculation with ultrasonic sound waves. It is especially well-suited to treating those with sun-damaged, dehydrated, or otherwise sensitive skin. The service includes ultrasonic cleansing and exfoliation, extractions, ultrasonic infusion of the serum of your choice, and an individualized mask.

Ultrasonic Treatment with Collagen

People with aging, dehydrated, or sun-damaged skin may find this treatment to be an excellent choice. Fine lines can be reduced or eliminated by skin hydration and the application of an easily absorbed collagen mask. Included in the service are a skin care consultation, ultrasonic cleaning, and infusion of an energizing serum, a facial massage with an intensive complex, the application of a native collagen mask with a moisturizing activator, and the application of a long-lasting vitality cream to enhance the skin’s elasticity.

alpha hydroxy Acid Exfoliation Treatment

Designed to improve skin texture, clarity, and brightness, the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliation treatment is well-suited to those with mild acne, combination skin, or a dull complexion. The treatment includes a professional cleansing, AHA exfoliation, and a customized mask.

Hydrolift Mask

While the results are only temporary, the hydrolift mask can really make your face shine with youth for special occasions. The hydrolift mask, which can only be performed in conjunction with microdermabrasion or one of the other facial skin treatments above, tightens aging and wrinkled skin for about 24 hours.

Find out which of our facial skin treatments, from resurfacing with laser surgery to microdermabrasion to ultrasonic infusion, is best for you by contacting our practice in the Maryland and Virginia area today.

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NLite®-V Laser

The NLite®-V Laser system is a new technology developed to treat fine aging lines, wrinkles, acne, and thread veins by stimulating natural collagen production in the skin. Unlike facial resurfacing with laser surgery, the NLite®-V is completely non-invasive and usually leaves no marks on the skin after completion. The laser light, which causes only a minor tingling sensation in the patient as it is applied, affects the lower dermis layer of the skin. Collagen production rises afterwards (up to 148 percent in clinical trials), the skin thickens, and wrinkles gradually fade over the next three months. When combined with skin resurfacing treatments such as microdermabrasion, the results of an NLite®-V procedure can be stunning.

NLite®-V Laser treatment is quite versatile. It can be used on all areas of the face and all skin types. Renewed treatment may be necessary every six months or so, depending on the individual. To find out more about this revolutionary new method, contact the Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute near Washington, D.C. today.

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Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use different technology to achieve results similar to those produced by facial resurfacing with laser surgery. The skin is soaked in a bath of mildly acidic chemicals which will cause it to peel away a few days later, allowing new skin to grow in without the wrinkles and blemishes present beforehand. Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute offers two different chemical peel treatments:

VITALIZE Peel® from SkinMedica®

This treatment takes just half an hour but can dramatically soften the presence of fine lines, rough skin texture, and freckles. The resulting complexion is smoother, younger looking, and softer; in addition, the peel will promote collagen production for long-lasting elasticity. Peeling and recovery take place within a few days, and repeat treatments for better results can occur within three weeks. The VITALIZE Peel® is also an excellent facial preparation for laser surgery resurfacing. There is usually no need to miss work or social events after treatment.

Obagi Blue (TCA) Peel®

Somewhat stronger than the VITALIZE Peel® solution, the Obagi Blue peel® uses trichloracetic acid to break down the old skin in favor of new. People with moderate to severe skin afflictions such as blemishes, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, or uneven pigmentation may choose this peel to obtain smoother, softer, more evenly colored skin. Pretreatment of the skin with specially designed lotions is required. Recovery time lasts a week to 10 days, and the procedure itself induces a mild burning sensation, but the dramatic restoration in skin tone that it enables makes it worthwhile. Darker-skinned patients may be better served by the Obagi Blue Peel® than facial resurfacing with laser surgery. Explore more about how chemical peels can rejuvenate your skin by contacting the offices of Washington, D.C.’s premier cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Mark E. Richards, today.

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Intensive Skin Care Packages

Our package deals harness the powers of several different procedures, such as microdermabrasion and NLite®-V Laser therapy, to provide intense treatment for specific problems. Bringing multiple techniques to bear on a single condition allows for better results than are possible with just one procedure. The packages are recommended to those significantly affected by the skin conditions these programs target.

Acne Package

The acne package is designed to treat both the infections that cause the problem and the scars that they leave behind. This two-hour, multi-level treatment includes an ultrasonic deep pore-cleansing facial, microdermabrasion, NLite®-V Laser treatment, and complimentary skin care products.

Rosacea Package

Though the causes of rosacea have not been definitely determined, the symptoms — chronic redness and appearance of tiny blood vessels and/or bumps on the face and neck — can be effectively treated. This package procedure takes about 90 minutes and includes a sensitive skin facial, microdermabrasion, NLite®-V laser treatment, and complimentary skin care products.

Antiwrinkle Package

Even deep and excessive facial wrinkles can be dealt with using the proper techniques. This multilevel treatment takes about three and a half hours over the course of three sessions and includes four VITALIZE Peel® chemical peels, a hydrating facial, NLite®-V Laser treatment, BOTOX® injections, and complimentary skin care products.

Sun Damage Package

Long-term exposure to the sun can take a toll on the skin, leaving it leathery and creased. Those who would like to see the vibrant skin of their youth in the mirror once more may opt for this package. Taking about three hours over three sessions at our Washington, D.C. area clinic, the treatment program consists of three VITALIZE Peel® chemical peels, ultrasonic treatment with serum infusion, NLite®-V Laser treatments, and complimentary sun care products.

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Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute offers a wealth of skin care and facial surfacing options, including laser surgery, advanced chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Please contact our practice in Maryland near Virginia today to discuss which of them might best restore youth and freshness to your appearance. We will also be happy to speak with you about any other treatments that interest you but are not listed on this site.

Mark E. Richards
Ageless Impressions - Plastic Surgery Institute

11300 Rockville Pike Suite 912
N. Bethesda, Maryland 20852

Phone: (301) 468-3458

See firsthand how Dr. Richards has helped patients across Northern Virginia, Maryland, the Washington, D.C. area, and the entire nation with his advanced cosmetic surgery techniques. View our online video gallery and learn how the transformations happen.