Acne | Acne Scars

Skin >> Acne | Acne Scars

Acne & Acne Scar Treatment Chevy Chase, MD

As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Tina West has many years of experience treating acne in both teens and adults with the use of lasers and other techniques. Following a thorough evaluation that includes both a historical and physical examination, Dr. West will prescribe effective topical and/or oral medications; and in addition, will recommend appropriate in-office treatments including laser and light treatments as well as acne-specific medical facial treatments.
To complement medical acne treatments, we offer aesthetician services and peels, as well as customized skin treatment plans using acne-specific topical cosmeceuticals.

Derma-V Laser

The West Institute is thrilled to offer the Derma-V laser, one of the world’s most technologically-advanced and powerful vascular lasers. The Derma-V laser’s versatile wavelength and laser delivery system make it one of the most sophisticated and effective lasers on the market.

Derma V’s notable features

Increased power and treatment area coverage: The Derma V has over three times more power than the next best green laser and dramatically increases the range of possible treatments compared to green lasers of the past.
Built-in pain management system: Cryogen cooling is used to ensure maximum skin protection and safe skin numbing. No topical numbing agents or gels are needed for treatments.
Treatment sensor for optimal results: IntelliTrack, Derma V’s proprietary, contact-based speed sensing technology, automatically tracks handpiece movement to ensure perfect treatment area coverage three times quicker than any other solution.

Dr. Tina West is a board-certified dermatologist and leading expert in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, and body contouring procedures. For over 30 years, Dr. West has dedicated her practice to providing natural-looking results and full patient satisfaction. Dr. West invites you to visit The West Institute for a friendly and informative consultation.

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UltraClear® Laser

The FDA-approved UltraClear® Laser is a novel, advanced resurfacing laser that delivers versatile, customized resurfacing treatments with decreased healing times and significant results— all with less discomfort and healing time than ever before.

How Does UltraClear® Work?

The UltraClear® Cold-Fiber laser is engineered to penetrate beyond the superficial layers and address skin concerns at multiple depths. It meticulously targets the superficial layers of skin to erase flaws and discolorations. With minimal thermal energy, the laser not only fosters new skin cell growth but also boosts the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the pivotal proteins for skin resilience and suppleness. The outcome is a profound transformation in skin quality, tone, and overall wellness.

UltraClear® - Safety for All Skin Types

UltraClear®‘s advanced cold-fiber laser technology, coupled with precise energy control, minimizes thermal-induced side effects such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post-inflammation erythema (PIE). This makes UltraClear® safe and effective for all skin types, including those previously considered high-risk, such as darker skin tones.

UltraClear® - Minimal Discomfort, Maximum Results

UltraClear® is unique in it’s ability to resurface the skin without heat, resulting in minimal discomfort (0-3 on a scale of 10), minimal downtime, absence of bleeding, and an average full-face treatment duration of just 15-20 minutes for superficial treatments (the most superficial of its treatments is called 3D Miracl). With UltraClear®, just a single 20-minute session can significantly rejuvenate your skin, making your face appear fresher, smoother, and more youthful, with reduced pore appearance.

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Lutronic® Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling

Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling is a no-downtime radiofrequency treatment that uses tiny needles to deliver energy that tightens skin on the face, undereye area, neck, and anywhere on the body and improves fine lines. This device is also one of the newest gold standard treatments for acne scars and is preferred over laser treatment by busy patients who don’t have downtime.

How Does Radiofrequency Microneedling Work?

The device combines fractional radiofrequency technology with microneedling to precisely deliver energy to the dermis through gold-plated microneedles using a stamping technique. The dermis is the layer of the skin beneath the surface that is responsible for skin’s elasticity because it contains collagen and elastin. By delivering heat energy via radiofrequency to the dermis, Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling encourages collagen growth and tissue tightening precisely at the proper depths in the skin. The precision offered through this technology provides improvement in wrinkles, scars, and skin elasticity, while also tightening skin.

Is Radiofrequeny Microneedling Right for Me?

If you are bothered by acne scars or fine wrinkles and sagging skin anywhere on your face then you may be a good candidate for Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling. The treatment is typically performed as a series of sessions, with treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the treatment area. Genius treatment also requires less downtime than both ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing.

Additionally, the device represents a huge advance in technology for anyone with a more pigmented skin type because unlike laser treatments, there is virtually no risk of pigment change. Similarly, treatments can be performed all year long with no restriction based on sun exposure. Dr. West and team will meet with you to identify if this treatment is best to meet your needs and goals.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?

You can expect to see changes in your skin soon after you have completed a series of treatments. Due to the collagen remodeling that is induced by radiofrequency microneedling, results continue to improve for at least six months following treatment. While results are long lasting, aging continues and many patients opt for treatments once or twice a year to maintain their great results.

Ready To Treat Your Acne & Acne Scars?

If you would like to take the next step toward a more confident you, Dr. West invites you to reach out and schedule a personalized acne assessment! Our team would be happy to meet with you to discuss your many incredible skin rejuvenation options offered at The West Institute.