Frequently Asked Questions
We are proud to introduce the SkinPen® to our practice. It is the first microneedling device to be cleared by the FDA. Microneedling stimulates the wound healing process and ultimately remodels the skin’s scar tissue. It is safe, effective and will leave your skin looking and feeling renewed.
Our office currently has four different types of FDA approved neurotoxins, otherwise known as botox, that help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Each type varies slightly in molecule size and price per unit but they all deliver incredible results that last between 3-6 months. Please visit the injectables websites listed below for more information.
Common insurance that we are NOT in network with include:
- BlueChoice
- Connect Network
- Optimum Choice
- Sure Fit
- Medicaid
- Medicare combo plans
Please visit our Insurance Page to learn more about the plans we participate with.
Please bring your
- Insurance Card
- Photo ID/Driver’s License
- Referral (if required by your insurance plan).
It is also helpful to bring former pathology reports, especially if the results were abnormal, and updated medication lists.
For both shave biopsies and excisions it is recommended that patients only apply Vaseline and a bandaid throughout the healing process. After the first day, you may shower normally with no restrictions. It is recommended that you avoid public pools to reduce the risk of infection. After excisions, exercise may be limited due to the location of the sutures (for example, sutures on your shoulder would reduce lifting weights overhead at the gym). Sutures should be removed in office 10-14 days after the excision. If you have any signs of infection, please give our office a call at 703-461-7500 and we can call in an antibiotic cream to your desired pharmacy.
Acne topical creams and gels should be applied in a pea-sized amount to the entire face. It is easiest to put a pea-sized amount on your finger tip then dot it on different areas of your face and lastly rub it in. This helps you to get an even spread across your entire face. Medicated acne washes, such as Benzyl Peroxide, should be used at opposite times of day from topical gels to reduce drying. For example, if you use a prescription-strength wash in the morning then you should apply your topical Retin-A in the evening. Oral antibiotics should always be taken with food and sun-exposure should be avoided while taking Doxycycline.
Unfortunately, cosmetic procedures are NOT covered by insurance. To learn more about cost and which procedure is best for you please give the office a call at 703-461-7500 for questions or schedule a consultation appointment.
We recommend that patients stop taking anti-inflammatories, such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen, one week prior to coming in for an aesthetic procedure to help limit the chance of bruising at the sites of injection. Also, a homeopathic medication known as Arnica can help to reduce pain and bruising before and after procedures. We carry both Arnica Pellets and Gel in the office.
Our office carries a selection of Dermal fillers that help to plump skin and combat the effect of volume loss in the cheek and chin area. These injectables contain Hyaluronic Acid which restores the volume beneath the surface without surgery. Fillers can also be used to add volume and fullness to the lips. For more information on our fillers please visit the websites below.
To protect your skin from the harmful damage of the sun we recommend sunscreens that contain Zinc Oxide or SPF 30+. Zinc Oxide provides broad spectrum defense and helps to prevent sunburns, while SPF measures protection from UVB rays. In the office we carry a variety of sunscreens, many of which contain high percentages of Zinc Oxide. We offer a variety of brands including Elta, Tizo, ISDIN, and our own tinted and non-tinted formulations. Find what works best for you and work to apply it daily! Remember to reapply every 2 hours that you are exposed to the sunshine for maximum protection.