Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery | Cosmetic Dermatology in Washington, DC

Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi on Dr. Oz: A Better Cleansing Bar Makes a Big Difference

admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:26:21 +0000

Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi on Dr. Oz

A cleansing bar can be practical and economical addition to any good skin care regimen. But many people have been using the same type of soap for years without ever thinking about why.

Scientifically, we know that the skin is constantly changing which is why something as simple as changing your soap can make a big difference in results from a skin-care routine. Formulations of bar soap have advanced significantly from the generic bar that we remember from childhood. In fact, there is a good bar cleanser for every skin type. To make the process a little less overwhelming, I have put together a few favorites, depending on the skin type.

Sensitive Skin: People with sensitive skin have trouble with irritation from many products. Often, the irritation arises from fragrance or harsh detergents in the soap. A favorite recommendation from dermatologists everywhere is Dove Soap for Sensitive Skin. It is unscented and has mild cleansing ingredients that gently clean the skin without excessive irritation. It’s always a good idea to follow cleansing with a gentle moisturizer to soothe sensitive skin.

Oily Skin: To help remove oil without overly stripping the skin, one of my favorites is Neutrogena Transparent Facial Bar. The key ingredient here is glycerin, which has superior rinsing qualities. It cuts through the oil and rinses completely. Although the box says “facial” bar, it can be used on the chest and back in the shower for excessive oil in those areas too.

Acne-prone Skin: For people dealing with blemishes, a good cleanser is an important part of an anti-acne skin care routine. The ingredient benzoyl peroxide has been used for ages against acne because it removes oil, exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and kills the bacteria that lead to breakouts. PanOxyl 10% bar packs in a whopping 10% benzoyl peroxide (so it’s very strong) and can be used in the shower for face, chest and back acne. But beware! Since the “peroxide” part will bleach material, I always suggest that my patients use white towels when drying off after using this bar.

Dry Skin: For people with dry skin, the best bar cleanser to use is Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar. This product was actually created by dermatologists to help treat people with the driest skin types. Often, soap will strip the skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and chapped. The Cetaphil bar cleanses the skin gently, removing debris while leaving the important emollient layer of the skin behind so the skin remains soft and supple.

However, some people who think they have “dry” skin on their chest and back do not have dry skin at all. They may have a common condition called Tinea Versicolor. This is a common skin condition caused by excessive amounts of a fungus that occurs naturally on the skin. Although this is a fungus found on everyone’s skin, when it increases to a large amount (caused by heat and humidity), the skin develops discolored, flaky oval patches, typically on the chest, abdomen or back. People may say that their “skin doesn’t tan in these areas” after the summertime. There are a lot of people with this condition wasting money on moisturizers to fight their “dry” skin, as Tinea Versicolor does not respond at all to moisturizers. A good, over-the-counter remedy is to try a cleansing bar containing 2% Pyrithione Zinc (Noble Bar). It works by keeping the fungus in check so the discolored, flaky reaction does not occur.

Click here to watch Dr. Tanzi’s latest segment on Dr. Oz.

Liposonix: Fat Destroying Body Contouring Treatment In Washington DC Area

admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:23:39 +0000

The Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery is introducing Liposonix for patients interested in reducing fat through body contouring. The Liposonix system is an FDA-cleared device that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound energy to reduce fat beneath the skin in the abdomen and flanks without harming the surrounding tissue. The body naturally processes and permanently removes the destroyed fat cells over a period of 8 – 12 weeks. A single treatment may result in an average waist circumference reduction of approximately one inch. Unlike most treatments on the market, LipoSonix is completely non-invasive without liposuction or cutting involved, and no recovery time required. The Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery is one of the first centers in the United States to offer LipoSonix™, and the only facility in the DC metropolitan area to do so.

The physicians at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery lead the industry in advanced body aesthetic treatments. We are excited to add LipoSonix™ to our extensive tool kit. We are recommending LipoSonix™ for those with at least one inch of pinchable fat. For those with more fat, we recommend CoolSculpting which is another highly effective non-invasive treatment available at the institute.

Call us at 202-628-8855 to schedule an Liposonix consultation and treatment today!

Get Ready For Spring With Our Body Contouring Procedures

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:34 +0000

Now is the perfect time to schedule one of our many body treatments:

Bella Contour

Bella Contour system is a unique technology which combines resonant ultrasound, electrical current and lymphatic drainage. The Bella Contour has been proven safe and effective solution for fast, targeted body contouring in common problem areas, such as the abdomen, “love handles”, buttocks and thighs. The treatment stimulates the fat cells, causing the release of lipids which are then eliminated as part of the body’s natural metabolic process.[More...]

CoolSculpting

The science behind CoolSculpting, called Cryolipolysis™, was developed by dermatologists at Harvard Medical School. Their research demonstrated that fat cells are naturally more sensitive to the effects of cold. By using advanced tissue cooling technology, CoolSculpting can destroy fat cells through a controlled cooling process leaving the surrounding tissues unharmed.[More...]

Thermage

Thermage is a procedure that stimulates your skin to produce more and better collagen, which makes it tighter and healthier-looking. With minimal treatment discomfort and no recovery, tighter, smoother skin, an overall more youthful appearance can be achieved. [More...]

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a new type of cosmetic procedure that does not require surgery. It is designed to reduce the appearance of loose, sagging skin to create a more youthful, yet natural, appearance. The procedure works deep within the skin and does not cause any damage to the outer layers. Using medical grade, highly focused ultrasound technology, Ultherapy tightens, firms, and lifts the skin on the face and neck. [More...]

Get a Quick Fix for Valentine’s Day with XEOMIN®

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:00 +0000

(Photo Credit: freshandagelessblog.com)

Dr. Alster and Dr. Tanzi are both Key Opinion Leaders for Merz Aesthetics and serve on the Medical Advisory Committee for XEOMIN®, which is premiering in Washington, DC at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in advance of the product’s nationwide launch.

A new alternative to BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport®, XEOMIN® was developed by Merz Aesthetics and is one of the latest treatments for wrinkle reduction on the market today. XEOMIN® (incobotulinumtoxinA) has been approved by the FDA for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows) in adult patients.

Unlike BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport®, XEOMIN® has a low protein count which is beneficial to patients who have allergic reactions to other dermal injections. XEOMIN® provides clinical results comparable to BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®. The physicians at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC will be among the first nationwide to offer XEOMIN®.

Like BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®, XEOMIN® is administered to targeted areas through injections with an ultra-fine needle. XEOMIN® is composed of a highly diluted form of botulinim toxin which prevents facial muscles from contracting and forming wrinkles and frown lines. Daily activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure as there is no post-treatment recovery. Results become noticeable in a few days and typically lasts several months.

If you are interested in a more relaxed and youthful appearance in time for Valentine’s Day, please call us at our Washington, DC office at 202-628-8855 to schedule an appointment for XEOMIN®.

Dr. Tina Alster Discusses XEOMIN The New Botox Alternative Created by Merz Pharmaceuticals

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:16:44 +0000

Watch Dr. Tina Alster discuss XEOMIN on WUSA9 with Anita Brikman!

Winter Slimming With CoolSculpting

admin — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:16:23 +0000

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive technology that is clinically proven to reduce unwanted body fat. In contrast to liposuction, which involves an invasive surgical procedure and significant recovery, CoolSculpting involves no needles, surgery or downtime. During the procedure, a non-invasive applicator delivers precisely controlled cooling to the treatment area to specifically target underlying fat, leaving surface skin tissue unaffected. Procedures last about one to two hours, depending on the number of areas treated. Patients can elect to undergo additional procedures for more pronounced effects if they desire. The physicians at the Washington Institute for Dermatologic Laser Surgery did many of the initial studies presented to the FDA for its final approval of this procedure.

On average, each CoolSculpting procedure results in a 20% reduction of fat in the treated areas and patients can start to see results as soon as three weeks following treatment, with the most dramatic results occurring over a period of two to four months in most patients. Clinical studies involving hundreds of patients show that, for properly selected patients, CoolSculpting is an effective way to reduce fat without the pain, risk, and recovery time of surgical procedures. The result is noticeable, natural-looking fat reduction in the treated areas.

The CoolSculpting breakthrough is based on extensive scientific research that demonstrates that fat cells are more susceptible to extreme cold and are selectively, painlessly, and permanently destroyed. This process is known as Cryolipolysis™ (cold lipolysis). Starting several weeks after the procedure, cooled fat cells begin a process called apoptosis (natural cell death) and begin to shrink and disappear.

In concert with the trend toward less invasive cosmetic procedures over the past several years, CoolSculpting offers a safe, effective and completely non-invasive alternative to liposuction and other surgical treatments. (How cool is THAT?) As always, and especially since this procedure is relatively new, it is important to seek out an experienced and qualified practitioner to help you look your best.

Call our office today at 202-628-8855 to schedule a CoolSculpting consultation to see if this procedure is right for you.

Dr. Tina Alster on Washington Business Report Discussing her Career & Launch of SKIN IS IN

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:49:41 +0000

Watch Dr. Tina Alster discuss her career and the launch of SKIN IS IN ABC7′s Washington Business Report with Rebecca Cooper!

Dr. Alster on Television Discussing Her New Skin Care Line, SKIN IS IN

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:23:02 +0000

Watch Dr. Tina Alster discuss her career and the launch of SKIN IS IN By Dr. Tina Alster on TBD Channel 8′s Let’s Talk Live!

SKIN IS IN By Dr. Tina Alster – Launch Party Photos

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:52:19 +0000

SKIN IS IN By Dr. Tina Alster Launches

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:15:20 +0000

Dr. Tina Alster

World-renowned dermatologist, Dr.Tina Alster has launched her skin care product line, SKIN IS IN™. Having served as the consulting dermatologist to Lancôme, Clarisonic, and numerous cosmetic and laser companies, Dr. Alster has influenced new product development and industry direction. This combination of extensive clinical and research experience along with over two decades in dermatologic practice make her uniquely qualified to customize skin care regimens for a wide range of ages and skin types. This exciting new skin care line combines advanced formulas with Dr. Alster’s extensive industry expertise to provide all ages and skin types with a comprehensive skin care regimen you can believe in. After 20 years of cherry-picking skin care products and prescribing skin care regimen for Washington, DC’s power elite and their families, Dr. Alster cuts through the hype and delivers her customized skin care plan in easy-to-use kits for every child, teen, woman and man.

k.Zone for Kids
t.Zone for Teens
FaceTime for Women
FaceTime for Men
d.Sensitize for Sensitive Skin
i.Rejuvenate for Eyes

SKIN IS IN™ products are made in the USA from the highest quality ingredients available on the market and without all the things you don’t need: animal-testing, fragrances, dyes, parabens, petrochemicals, and comedogenic and allergy-causing irritants. SKIN IS IN™ by Dr.Tina Alstergives skin nothing more than what it needs and nothing less than it deserves.

SKIN IS IN™ products are available for purchase at the flagship store on K Street in Washington, DC and also online at http://www.SkinLaser.com/SKINISIN. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of SKIN IS IN will benefit The Sturge-Weber Foundation, the only nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving treatment for port-wine stains, Sturge-Weber syndrome, and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

If you haven’t seen the article by Judith Beerman for The Georgetown Dish yet, please click here to take a look! There is also a nice article by Andrea Rodgers, our Marketing & Media Relations Director on her website, Miss A. Please click here for that article.