Frequently Asked Questions – The West Institute
Frequently Asked Questions – The West Institute for Skin, Laser + Body Contouring
Welcome to The West Institute for Skin, Laser + Body Contouring in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Choosing an aesthetic treatment is a significant decision, and Dr. Tina B. West and our team want you to feel confident and informed before you take the next step. Whether you’re considering CoolSculpting, dermal fillers, Botox or Dysport, skin rejuvenation treatments, Avéli cellulite treatment, or UltraClear laser resurfacing, these FAQs bring common questions into one easy-to-navigate resource for patients throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area and Aspen, CO.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, call (301) 986-9378 or send us a message.
Main FAQs
Our offices are located at 5530 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 925, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 and 305 Aspen Airport Business Ctr., Unit M, Aspen, CO 81611.
Dr. Tina B. West is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The West Institute for Skin, Laser + Body Contouring. Patients often seek Dr. West for an experience-driven approach and natural-looking results that still look like you.
Dr. West specializes in non-surgical facial rejuvenation and body contouring. Some of these include CoolSculpting, dermal fillers, Botox and Dysport, skin rejuvenation treatments, Avéli cellulite treatment, and UltraClear laser resurfacing.
Most aesthetic treatments are elective and typically paid out of pocket. If you have questions about payment expectations for a specific plan, our team can walk you through options when you schedule.
Call (301) 986-9378 or send us a message to schedule your consultation.
Financing and payment options may be available depending on your treatment plan. Our team can review details during scheduling so you can plan around your timeline.
We welcome patients from Chevy Chase and communities across the Washington, D.C. metro area, including Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia.
Your consultation is designed to be thorough and personal. Dr. West will discuss your goals, evaluate your concerns, and recommend the most effective plan based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired level of change.
Patients often value an education-first experience and treatment plans designed to look natural rather than obvious. Our approach emphasizes thoughtful technique, conservative balance, and a long-term maintenance strategy when appropriate.
CoolSculpting FAQs
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment designed to reduce stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise.
Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks (love handles), thighs, and under-chin fullness. Your consultation will confirm which areas are best suited for your anatomy.
No. CoolSculpting is a body contouring treatment rather than a primary weight-loss solution. It is best for localized fat pockets rather than overall weight change.
CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to target subcutaneous fat. Your body then gradually processes and eliminates the treated fat cells over time.
Treatment time varies by area and number of cycles. At our practice, many treatment cycles can be completed efficiently, and your plan will outline what to expect for your specific goals.
Results develop gradually. Many patients notice changes over the following weeks, with continued improvement as the body clears treated fat.
Some patients reach their goal with one session per area, while others need multiple sessions for more noticeable contour change. Dr. West will recommend a plan based on the degree of reduction you want.
Most patients describe a cold sensation and pressure at first, followed by numbness. After the applicator is removed, the area may feel temporarily sore or tender.
CoolSculpting is popular because downtime is usually minimal. Many patients return to routine activities the same day, though temporary swelling or tenderness can occur.
Good candidates are typically close to their ideal weight with localized fat that does not respond to lifestyle changes and with realistic expectations about gradual improvement.
Planning helps your treatment day and aftercare feel simple:
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area
- Plan light activity afterward to support normal circulation and comfort
- Stay consistent with hydration and stable weight during the results phase
- Schedule follow-up timing so progress photos and next steps feel clear
These steps help you track progress more confidently while your results develop gradually.
Dermal Fillers FAQs
Dermal fillers are designed to refresh your appearance by restoring volume, improving contour, and softening lines that develop with aging or natural facial anatomy.
Many fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, which helps support volume and hydration for a refreshed, natural look.
Botox and Dysport soften lines caused by muscle movement, while fillers address volume loss and structural contour. Many patients use both because they solve different problems. During your consultation, Dr. West will evaluate your features and make recommendations that are appropriate for your unique situation.
Common areas include cheeks, lips, under-eye hollows, smile lines, and jawline definition. Dr. West will recommend placement based on balance and facial harmony.
The goal is refreshed, not puffy. Dr. West’s approach emphasizes facial balance and natural-looking volume restoration rather than dramatic change.
Longevity depends on the product used, the area treated, and your individual metabolism. Your consultation with Dr. West will outline realistic duration and maintenance expectations.
Most patients return to their normal routines quickly. Temporary swelling, redness, or bruising can occur and typically settle over several days.
Yes. Many patients prefer a gradual approach, building improvement over time so that the result looks subtle and natural.
Aftercare varies by product and area, but many patients are advised to avoid heavy exercise, excessive heat exposure, and pressure on treated areas for 24 to 48 hours.
Natural results come from thoughtful product choice, conservative placement, and a plan that prioritizes facial proportions rather than chasing one “trending” area.
Being specific with your goals helps the plan feel intentional:
- A short list of your top concerns (volume loss, lines, lip shape, under-eye hollows)
- Notes on any prior filler history and what you liked or didn’t like
- Your preference for subtle change versus a more noticeable contour shift
- A realistic maintenance approach that fits your schedule
When these details are clear, it’s easier to create results that look refreshed and still like you.
Botox and Dysport FAQs
Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators that relax targeted muscles to soften expression-related lines, creating smoother skin without surgery.
Common areas include frown lines between the brows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Dr. West may also discuss treating other areas when facial balance is part of your goal.
Both are FDA-approved neuromodulators. Some patients notice Dysport can have a quicker onset, and Dr. West will recommend which option fits your goals and muscle pattern.
Many patients notice changes within a few days, with full results commonly developing around two weeks.
Results vary by patient and dosing, but many people see improvement for 3 to 5 months before movement gradually returns.
The goal is a natural look with preserved expression. Dr. West plans dosing and placement to soften lines without making your face look stiff.
Downtime is typically minimal. You can usually return to normal activities right away, but you’ll receive brief aftercare instructions to protect your results.
Most patients are advised to avoid rubbing treated areas and to stay upright for a period of time. Our team will give you clear, simple instructions.
Many patients return a few times per year. Your ideal schedule depends on how quickly movement returns and how you want your results to look over time.
Yes. Many patients combine neuromodulators with fillers or laser-based skin treatments when they also want improvement in volume, tone, or texture.
A steady plan usually feels easier than chasing “touch-ups” last minute:
- Choose the one or two areas that bother you most and start conservatively
- Plan timing around events so results have time to settle naturally
- Pair with fillers when volume loss is part of the concern, not just lines
- Support skin quality with rejuvenation treatments when texture and tone matter
This approach helps you maintain a refreshed look without looking overtreated.
Skin Rejuvenation FAQs
Skin rejuvenation refers to treatments designed to improve tone, texture, radiance, and overall skin quality using non-surgical technologies and tailored treatment plans.
Patients commonly seek help to correct uneven tone, sun damage, fine lines, large pores, dullness, and visible texture changes that make skin look tired.
Dr. West considers your skin type, primary concerns, desired downtime, and how quickly you want changes to show up.
Often, yes. Many skin goals improve most consistently with a series rather than a single visit, especially when collagen remodeling is part of the plan.
No. Skin rejuvenation focuses on skin quality, while a facelift changes facial structure. Many patients love rejuvenation because it improves how skin looks without surgery.
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that encourage collagen production and skin remodeling, improving texture and radiance over time.
Laser resurfacing uses controlled energy to stimulate new skin growth and collagen, improving tone and texture and softening fine lines.
Downtime varies widely by treatment, intensity, and the skin condition you want to treat. Some treatments have minimal downtime, while deeper resurfacing options require a planned healing window.
Yes. Many patients combine skin rejuvenation with Botox, Dysport, or fillers to address lines, volume, and skin quality in a cohesive plan.
Results can be long-lasting when paired with maintenance and good skin habits. Sun protection and a consistent skincare routine play a major role.
A practical approach makes results easier to sustain:
- Choose your top priority (tone, texture, pores, fine lines, or radiance)
- Decide what downtime you can truly tolerate (none, a weekend, or a full week)
- Plan the right sequence if you also want Botox or fillers
- Commit to sun protection and a maintenance schedule once results appear
When treatments are staged thoughtfully, skin tends to look healthier year-round and improvements feel more consistent.
Avéli Cellulite Treatment FAQs
Avéli is an FDA-cleared treatment designed for long-term reduction of the appearance of cellulite on the buttocks and thighs.
Cellulite is often caused by fibrous bands tethering the skin, creating dimpling. Because it involves structure under the skin, creams and workouts often have limited impact.
Avéli is designed for cellulite dimples on the buttocks and thighs. Your consultation will confirm whether your cellulite pattern is a match for this approach.
Avéli focuses on releasing the underlying cause of dimpling rather than temporarily smoothing the surface.
Many patients pursue Avéli as a single treatment approach, though outcomes depend on the number and pattern of dimples treated.
Avéli is FDA-cleared for long-term reduction of cellulite appearance, and many patients can expect sustained improvement in treated dimples.
Downtime varies by patient. You may have temporary soreness, swelling, or bruising, and you’ll receive clear guidance on activity and aftercare.
Avéli targets cellulite dimples. If loose skin is a primary concern, Dr. West may discuss additional options that focus on skin tightening.
Good candidates are typically bothered by distinct cellulite dimples on the buttocks or thighs and want a focused treatment designed for long-term improvement.
Aftercare instructions depend on your specific plan, but many patients are advised to avoid intense workouts briefly and to follow guidance on comfort measures and activity.
Setting expectations helps you feel confident in the decision:
- Identify whether your concern is dimpling, loose skin, or both
- Note the specific areas that bother you most (buttocks, thighs, or both)
- Plan a brief recovery window in case bruising or soreness occurs
- Think about whether you want to pair Avéli with contouring or tightening options later
When your goal is clearly defined, it’s easier to plan treatment timing and feel satisfied with the improvement you see.
UltraClear FAQs
UltraClear is an FDA-approved resurfacing laser designed to deliver customizable resurfacing with significant results and decreased healing time compared with more traditional resurfacing experiences.
UltraClear can be used to address fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, sunspots, age spots, large pores, and certain types of scarring, depending on treatment settings.
UltraClear can be customized from more superficial resurfacing to deeper resurfacing levels. Dr. West will explain how it compares to other resurfacing options based on your goals and downtime preferences.
Downtime depends on the depth of treatment and the condition you want to address. Some settings are designed for minimal downtime, while deeper resurfacing requires a planned healing period.
Comfort measures vary by treatment depth. Dr. West will review what to expect and how discomfort is managed for your specific setting.
Some patients are happy after one treatment, while others prefer a series for progressive improvement. Your plan depends on your starting point and goals.
You may notice early improvements as skin heals, with continued enhancement as collagen remodeling develops over the following weeks and months.
Treatment areas depend on your concerns and what is appropriate for your skin. Dr. West will confirm what areas can be treated safely and effectively.
Yes, but timing matters. A coordinated plan helps you avoid irritation and allows each treatment to support the next for a cohesive result.
Good candidates want meaningful texture and tone improvement and are willing to follow aftercare instructions carefully. Your consultation will confirm whether your skin type and concerns are a good match.
Preparation helps healing look smoother and feel less stressful:
- Plan downtime based on the depth of your treatment setting
- Avoid sun exposure and follow pre-treatment skincare guidance
- Stock gentle skincare products recommended for the healing window
- Schedule your treatment away from major events so redness can settle naturally
When your calendar and aftercare plan are aligned, results tend to look more even and your skin settles more predictably.
Schedule Your Consultation at The West Institute Today
Dr. Tina B. West and our expert team will help you understand your options and build a plan that fits your goals, skin type, and timeline.
Call (301) 986-9378 or send us a message to schedule your consultation today.