Sun exposure triggers melasma      Melasma is a common skin problem. It causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It can also appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck. Women are far more likely than men to get melasma. It is so common during pregnancy that some people call it the “mask of pregnancy”. Hormones are believed to trigger melasma. People with darker skin, such as those of Latin/Hispanic, North African, African-American, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent are more likely to get melasma. What causes melasma? What causes melasma is not yet clear. It likely occurs when the color-making cells in the skin (melanocytes) produce too much color. People with skin of color are more prone to melasma because they have more active melanocytes than those with lighter skin. People who have a blood relative who had melasma are also much more likely to get melasma. Common melasma triggers include: Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun stimulates the melanocytes A change in hormones Cosmetics: Skin care products that irritate the skin may worsen melasma. Treatments for melasma: Hydroquinone or other lightening agent Tretinoin and corticosteroids Other topical medicines Procedures: chemical peels such as Melanage or Melanage Mini, and microdermabrasion Reference: American Academy of Dermatology - www.aad.org Melanage Peel     Filler and Injectable: IS filler the right choice for you      Also called soft-tissue fillers, dermal fillers, soft-tissue augmentation As we age, our skin loses its youthful fullness. Fillers help to restore fullness to the face, lips, and hands. Fillers are popular for several reasons. Patients like that they can return to everyday activities immediately after getting most fillers. They like the immediate results that many types of fillers deliver. Patients also like that they can get this treatment during an office visit. Some fillers require a few office visits. Uses: With the number of fillers now available, dermatologists can diminish signs of aging that appear on the face, lips, and hands. Fillers can effectively: Restore fullness to cheeks, hollow areas under the eyes, and deep creases. Diminish scars. Erase fine lines. Plump lips. Lift the brow or a downturned mouth. Rejuvenate hands. What must I do after getting filler? Most patients can return to their everyday activities after leaving the office. To reduce any redness and swelling from the injections, your dermatologist may recommend icing the area for 15 to 20 minutes before you leave. Before you leave the office, you should be able to apply makeup. After leaving the office, you should: Wait until the next day to exercise or do any other strenuous activity. Stay out of the sun and do not use a tanning bed or other type of indoor tanning. Avoid touching the treated area for three days, unless you receive instructions to massage the area. One filler, poly-L-lactic acid, requires you to gently massage the treated area for about 5 minutes several times a day for 1 to 2 weeks. Your dermatologist will tell you if you need to massage the area. Warning If you decide that fillers are right for you, it is important to know that injecting a filler is a medical procedure. Having a filler injected in a non-medical setting can be extremely dangerous. To protect your health, you should never get a filler injected at a: Non-medical spa. Party. Salon. Someone’s home. Reference: American Academy of Dermatology - www.aad.org Botox Juvederm Treatment     Special Offers          Patient Testimoinals      "I recently had an appointment at the Sterling office. Booking the appointment over the phone was easy and fast. Upon arrival, I found the front desk staff to be pleasant and efficient. My wait time was minimal in the waiting room and well as in the back room, which is always a nice thing with any doctor's office. When I did meet with the doctor, we discussed my issues and overall felt like all my questions and concerns were thoroughly answered before I left. No complaints, and will definitely be coming back if need be and recommending this practice to my family and friends." - Anonymous Source: www.google.com Click here to read more patient testimonials      Please come and check with us before you start on any new skin regimen! Our aestheticians' skin care consultation is free. Call for a complimentary skin care consultation today! Centreville Office:  PHONE: (866) 808-3140 Sterling Office:  PHONE: (866) 808-3320 Website: www.dermdocs.com ©2015 Dermatology Associates of Northern Virginia All rights reserved.