From left to right, dermatologists Elizabeth Tanzi, Tina Alster and Rebecca Kazin. / Photo by Sharon Natoli
Treatment rooms were designed in calming shades of white and gray. / Photo by Sharon Natoli
The waiting room of the new W Chevy Chase office./ Photo by Sharon Natoli
It’s a team effort. With Dr. T in the center, it’s, from left to right, Wendy Pittman, executive business development manager for Allergan; Kristin Coffield, patient services liaison; Georgina Eva, chief medical administrator; and Andrea Rodgers, president, Cherry Tree Strategies./ Photo by Sharon Natoli
“DONE IS A FOUR-LETTER WORD in D.C.,” noted Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi at a breakfast last week introducing W Chevy Chase, the new branch of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery (WIDL), whose clientele of the well-heeled and the powerful in the DMV, don’t want to be captured on Instagram looking unrealistically taut. Dr. Tanzi became co-director of the practice in 2001, which was founded by well-known dermatologist and director Dr. Tina Alster in 1990.
Until just a short time ago, the center of activity was the institute’s downtown K Street office. Responding to the requests/location of many of its patients, WIDL has opened its second office — in a brand-new building in Friendship Heights. At the helm of this practice is Dr. Tanzi and Dr. Rebecca Kazin, formerly medical director of the Johns Hopkins Dermatology and Cosmetic Center, who joined the team 18 months ago. With the exception of hair transplants, all the services offered at K Street, including Fraxel, IPL, Ulthera and CoolSculpting (for body contouring), Botox and injectables will be available here. A newcomer to the services menu is kybella, an injection that destroys fat cells and the look of a double chin.
The new office, which feels somewhat clinical, albeit soothing, in subtle shades of white and gray, features several private treatment rooms with the majority of the same equipment available at K Street.
“The calm vibe is important,” says Tanzi. “The procedures we do can make patients tense, and we want to do whatever possible to make them feel comfortable. I’ve been on the other side of the table for many of these treatments, so I know that it can be unnerving.”
Part of our job is being a psychologist, remarks Dr. Kazin. I’m delighted when I can remove a birthmark and a patient gets a whole new attitude about her appearance. “I can’t sleep at night unless I know I’m recommending the right treatment for every patient.”
W Chevy Chase is at 5550 Friendship Blvd., Ste. 110, Chevy Chase, Md., 240-394-8385.
