Dr. Mark Richards, Plastic Surgeon in Washington, D.C.
Many people who would like to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of a cheek lift or facial resurfacing laser surgery can’t afford to take the necessary time out of their lives and routines. Injectable treatments offer these people a more convenient — although less long-lasting — course of action, producing some of the benefits of more intensive cosmetic surgery without the need for anesthesia or time off from work. Other patients use injectable treatments in conjunction with surgical restructuring procedures. These injections are designed to reduce or eliminate the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and creases in the face, and include such well-known treatments as BOTOX ® Cosmetic and Restylane® injections. At his Maryland and Virginia-area practice, Dr. Mark E. Richards helps his clients from across the nation decide which of these methods are best suited to their individual needs. These convenient and effective methods of restoring your skin’s healthy smoothness can change your appearance quickly and easily.
As our skin ages, it gradually loses some of the collagen that it once produced in abundance. Collagen, a connecting protein whose long fibers form the mesh of tissue that holds skin cells together, is a crucial factor determining the texture and appearance of the skin. Thus, as collagen levels decline, the skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag and crease. A dermal filler injection such as Restylane®, a popular treatment at Dr. Richards’ Bethesda, Maryland practice, can temporarily mitigate this process by filling the depressions of scars and wrinkles from within. The injected solution plumps up the skin, smoothing out lines and giving it a more supple appearance. This technique can be especially effective when used to reduce the appearance of the nasolabial folds that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Unfortunately, the benefits of a Restylane® or other filler injections does not last forever. The body metabolizes the injected material over time, so additional injections may routinely be needed to sustain the results. The duration of the effects varies from person to person; some find the wrinkles returning within a few weeks, while others continue to enjoy their smoother facial skin for years. While the precise mechanics of this phenomenon have not been fully worked out, it is generally accepted that a number of factors, including age, genetics, the condition of the skin, and the area treated, determine how long the benefits of filler injection treatment last.
Both Restylane® and our other popular dermal filler choice, JUVÉDERMâ„¢, are composed of hyaluronic acid, a sugar that is naturally produced by the body. They have been used by cosmetic surgeons for several years and are carefully formulated so as to avoid causing allergic reactions. Both have also been shown to stimulate collagen formation and thereby create long-lasting improvement with each treatment. To learn more about Restylane® and the hyaluronic acid treatments we offer, please contact our friendly and professional staff at Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute today.
Unlike Restylane® injection treatment, which works by plumping up the skin with injected fillers, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections work by adjusting the behavior of the muscles underneath the wrinkled skin. Specifically designed to eliminate the appearance of heavy frown lines in the brow, this treatment provides highly effective but temporary relief from the angry, concerned appearance that some people develop with age. Indeed, BOTOX® Cosmetic is so easy and effective that it has become one of the most frequently performed procedures at the Virginia and Maryland area office of Dr. Mark E. Richards.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is inserted into the muscles of the brow via a few very small injections in one quick procedure — usually five minutes or less. The tiny amounts of toxin then disrupt the activity of the overly tense muscles, smoothing the brow and leaving it fresh and young-looking once more. Despite the fact that it is derived from a toxin, BOTOX® Cosmetic is completely safe, virtually painless, and only very rarely causes serious side effects. The effects will become visible within a few days after the treatment and last up to four months, at which point the injection can be repeated. If you would like to try out this immensely popular treatment for yourself, please contact Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute about setting up a free BOTOX® Cosmetic consultation at our Maryland and Virginia area offices.
Botox® Treatment Visualizer ToolSculptra®Aesthetic is now being offered by Dr. Mark E. Richards at Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute, after recent approval by the FDA for cosmetic use. Dr. Richards is a Sculptra® Aesthetic – trained physician & is utilizing this dynamic treatment option for those patients looking to replace & restore lost collagen and deep soft tissue as a result of the natural aging process. Sculptra® Aesthetic is advantageous in the correction of facial: folds, hollows, wrinkles & other contour deficiencies of the face for its ability to gradually create attractive natural-looking results that can last well over 2 years. For most patients, a treatment regimen of 3 sessions dispersed over a period of 5 months is suggested to garner optimum results. Sculptra®Aesthetic is comprised of poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA, which is naturally absorbed by the body and has been used safely in medicine for over 30 years. To find out if Sculptra®Aesthetic is an advantageous treatment option for you, please contact us directly and schedule your 1-on-1 consultation with Dr. Mark Richards.
RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler can be very beneficial for patients looking to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth) and those who are experiencing hollowness in the cheeks. This exceptional dermal filler can also smooth out wrinkles and fine lines and even improve signs of mild scarring along the face. One of the biggest advantages of RADIESSE® is that it is designed to stimulate your own natural collagen. By allowing your skin to continue replenishing itself, the results of RADIESSE® can be extraordinarily long-lasting – up to one year and even more in some cases.
RADIESSE® is FDA-approved to mix with lidocaine, which can make for a more comfortable treatment process. It is composed of many of the same minerals that are natural to the human body. The RADIESSE® injections are administered with an ultra-fine needle in the areas targeted for treatment. Total treatment time is usually only about 15 to 30 minutes. While there may be some redness and swelling in the target areas after the procedure, these effects should fade within a few days. There is typically no recovery time necessary after RADIESSE® treatment, and most patients are able to resume normal daily activities immediately. While the results of RADIESSE® are not permanent, they can be maintained with occasional follow-up treatments.
For help deciding whether a hyaluronic acid treatment such as Restylane® or a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment would best suit your needs, please take a moment to contact the premier plastic surgeon in the Maryland and Virginia areas, Dr. Mark E. Richards. He and his staff will also be happy to speak with you about other procedures that interest you but are not discussed on this site.
Mark E. Richards
Ageless Impressions - Plastic Surgery Institute
11300 Rockville Pike Suite 912
N. Bethesda, Maryland 20852
Phone: (301) 468-3458
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"My experience with Dr. Mark Richards, has been absolutely wonderful. What I really appreciated most was the personalized services I received from him and his staff. In addition, I have a wonderful body."
Ms. B is a 45 year old female who had body disproportion. Even after losing 30 pounds through diet and exercise, her body disproportion persisted. She selected Dr. Richards to perform Vaser LipoSelection of the abdomen, flanks, back, and inner thighs to provide contour and proportion to her body. What a success! She was snug in a size 14 when she began her mission to "get into shape" and now comfortably wears size 9-10 pants. Ms. B is extremely pleased with her "new body", can see the results of her exercise regime, and gets compliments every day.
See firsthand how Dr. Richards has helped patients across Northern Virginia, Maryland, the Washington, D.C. area, and the entire nation with his advanced cosmetic surgery techniques. View our online video gallery and learn how the transformations happen.
