Summer in Washington, DC fills up fast. Rooftop dinners, weekend trips to the shore, outdoor events, family gatherings: there is always something on the calendar. Thinking about looking your best this season is completely reasonable, but surgery and a recovery window are hard to schedule between now and Labor Day. The good news is that some of the most effective non-surgical cosmetic treatments at Bruno|Brown Plastic Surgery require zero downtime, take under an hour, and deliver results you will actually notice. Here are four worth knowing about.
A 15 to 30-Minute Reset with No Recovery
Botox is one of the most requested non-surgical treatments for good reason. It works, it is fast, and when administered by a skilled physician, the results look natural. Botox uses botulinum toxin to temporarily relax the small facial muscles responsible for repetitive expressions, including the ones that create forehead lines, crow’s feet, and the vertical lines between the brows sometimes called the 11s. The injections themselves take approximately 15 to 30 minutes, and patients walk out and return to their normal day immediately.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most patients begin to see results within three to seven days, with improvements lasting about three to four months. Over time, muscles may train themselves to contract less, which means some patients find treatments can be spaced further apart as they maintain a consistent schedule. At Bruno|Brown, the goal is always a natural result: to look like yourself, just more rested.
Where can Botox be injected for the best results?
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Glabellar lines (the 11s between the brows)
- Bunny lines on the nose
- Lip lines and chin dimpling
- Neck bands (platysmal bands)
Restore Volume and Definition in 30 to 60 Minutes
While Botox addresses lines caused by muscle movement, dermal fillers work differently. They restore volume to areas that have lost fullness over time, or add definition to features that could benefit from more structure. As we age, the face naturally loses fat, collagen, and bone density, which can create a hollowed or tired appearance under the eyes, in the cheeks, and around the mouth. Hyaluronic acid fillers, made from a substance that occurs naturally in the body, restore that volume and create a more refreshed look without surgery.
Fillers can also be used to subtly enhance the lips, define the jawline, or soften the nasolabial folds that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Treatment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and results are visible immediately. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, most hyaluronic acid fillers fall within the 6 to 18 month range for longevity, though results can vary depending on the product used, the area treated, and individual factors like metabolism.
What are common areas to get dermal fillers?
- Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
- Cheeks and midface volume loss
- Lips and lip borders
- Nasolabial folds
- Jawline definition
- Chin projection
Cleanse, Extract, and Hydrate in One Summer-Friendly Session
Summer takes a toll on skin. UV exposure, humidity, sweat, and the daily application of sunscreen leave pores congested and skin looking dull even when you are diligent about your skincare routine. A HydraFacial is one of the most effective ways to reset, and it is one of the only professional skin treatments that is genuinely appropriate year-round, including in the heat of a DC summer.
The treatment uses patented vortex-fusion technology to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin in three steps during a single 30 to 45 minute session. There is no peeling, no significant redness, and no recovery period. Most patients leave with skin that looks visibly brighter and smoother, with no reason to hide at home afterward.
What happens during a HydraFacial?
- Step 1 Cleanse and Exfoliate: Dead skin cells and surface buildup are gently lifted using vortex technology, improving texture and preparing the skin for extraction.
- Step 2 Extract: Painless vortex suction clears congestion, blackheads, and impurities from pores without the irritation of manual extraction.
- Step 3 Hydrate: The skin is infused with personalized serums including hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants tailored to your skin type and concerns.
According to Medical News Today, HydraFacial is suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin and can address congested pores, dehydration, fine lines, oily skin, mild hyperpigmentation, and early signs of sun damage. Most providers recommend a short window of sun avoidance: typically 24 to 48 hours: after treatment, which is easy to plan around during a busy summer schedule.
Non-Surgical Body Contouring with No Surgery Required
If there are specific areas of your body that diet and exercise have not quite addressed: the lower abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, or under the chin: SculpSure is worth a conversation. It is a good fit for patients who are close to their goal weight but want to address stubborn pockets of fat that persist despite a healthy lifestyle.
SculpSure is the world’s first FDA-cleared laser device for non-invasive lipolysis of the abdomen, flanks, back, inner and outer thighs, and submental area. Each treatment takes about 25 minutes. There are no needles, no incisions, and no downtime. You can come in on a Tuesday and carry on with your week as normal.
The treatment uses controlled laser heat to damage the structural integrity of fat cells beneath the skin. Those fat cells are then eliminated naturally through the body’s lymphatic system over the following weeks. Many patients start to see results as early as six weeks following treatment, with optimal results typically visible at 12 weeks. Because the fat cells are destroyed rather than simply reduced in size, the results are considered long-lasting as long as weight remains stable.
SculpSure is not a weight loss treatment. According to Cynosure, the manufacturer, it is intended for patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle but have stubborn fat in specific treatable areas. Our team will evaluate whether you are a good candidate during your consultation.
Where areas on my body can SculpSure target?
- Abdomen
- Flanks (love handles)
- Back
- Inner thighs
- Outer thighs
- Submental area (under the chin)
As leading DC plastic surgeons, our schedule can fill up quickly during summer months. If you have been thinking about any of these options, now is a good time to reach out and we will help find a time that works around your plans.
Bruno|Brown Plastic Surgery serves patients throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Board-certified plastic surgeons and among the best plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. James R. Bruno, MD, FACS and Dr. C. Coleman Brown, MD, FACS have been named top rated plastic surgeons by both Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine.
Schedule a consultation with some of the top DC plastic surgeons to discuss non-surgical ways to amplify your look this summer.
Key Takeaways
- Botox, dermal fillers, HydraFacial, and SculpSure are all available at Bruno|Brown with zero to minimal downtime and session times of 25 to 60 minutes.
- Botox results typically begin within three to seven days and last approximately three to four months, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers generally last six to eighteen months depending on the product and treatment area, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- HydraFacial is safe year-round including summer and addresses congested pores, dehydration, fine lines, and sun damage in a single 30 to 45 minute session.
- SculpSure is the world’s first FDA-cleared laser body contouring treatment. Results begin around six weeks post-treatment with optimal results at 12 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Botox and fillers at the same appointment?
Yes, Botox and dermal fillers are frequently combined in a single appointment. The two treatments address different concerns: Botox relaxes muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, while fillers restore volume and structure: and they complement each other well. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, botulinum toxin injections can be performed quickly during a single office visit, making it practical to combine with fillers in the same session when clinically appropriate. Your provider at Bruno|Brown can advise on the right combination for your goals.
How soon before a summer event should I schedule Botox?
Most providers recommend scheduling Botox at least two weeks before a major event. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, neurotoxins generally take effect in three to five days but full and final results are typically visible within seven to ten days, with some providers advising patients to wait a full two weeks. Scheduling ahead of time also leaves room for a touch-up if needed before your event.
What is the difference between a HydraFacial and a regular facial?
A HydraFacial is a medical-grade skin resurfacing treatment that uses patented vortex-fusion technology to cleanse, extract, and infuse the skin with active serums in a standardized process. A traditional facial relies on manual techniques and varies widely by provider. According to Medical News Today, HydraFacial is specifically classified as a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment, distinguishing it from conventional spa facials in both technology and consistency of results. It is also sometimes referred to as hydradermabrasion.
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