A New Beginning: Facial and Body Treatments

Sometimes we have certain features about our body and skin that we might want to improve. I don't think we should be ashamed or afraid to put our "best foot forward." This hub will highlight some frequent imperfections that women and men share, and the treatment available to solve these problems.

Once a person decides to follow through with a treatment, they should research and book a consultation with a few specialists to find the doctor who's the best fit.

I also included over the counter treatments for those that aren't quite ready yet to make a more permanent decision.

Aging, sun exposure and hormones may be causes that affect the color, quality and texture of skin.

Recommendation: A glycolic or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peel. The mildest form will lightly exfoliate the top layer of skin, leaving a fresh, glowing appearance in minutes. Stronger strength in the range of 20-70 percent will be done by a doctor. These peels can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream, allowing you to incorporate them in daily routines. During the treatment, skin may feel tingly and there might be some redness. Regular peels are recommended since it will constantly renew the skin. Furthermore, peels are good for all skin tones depending on the strength.

Acne can cause scars and depressions in the skin, making it look older than it otherwise would.

Recommendation: Microdermabrasion; it gently exfoliates the skin. A device will deliver fine micro crystals and air through a tube to the skin, resulting in a polished resurface of the skin. There is no downtime to microdermabrasion and it should take less than an hour in a doctors office. There are also over the counter microdermabrasion kits, those are more gentle and are for people with minimal scars.

For depressions in the skin, injectable fillers such as hyaluronic acids that can plump the skin back up, giving it a more smooth, uniformed appearance.

Sun exposure, smoking, drinking, and aging contribute to fine lines and wrinkles

Recommendations:

1. Piruvex Peel; this is a chemical peel containing piruvex acid, an alpha-ketoacid found naturally in vinegar and honey. The lactic acid promotes skin thickening, and activates collagen and elastin, so the skin appears younger.

2. Botox; one of the most popular treatments used to reduce lines in the face. The way botox works is that it relaxes the muscle, which helps reduce forehead wrinkles, laugh linesm frown lines. Treatments are very fast and pain/downtime are minimal. Botox begins to work within 7-10 days and last 3-5 months.

3. Hyaluronic Acid fillers can also aid to fill deeper wrinkles. The acid is injected into lines and wrinkles, plumping then up. The results are seen immediately. There might be redness, although a dental freezing (Lidocaine) is used to void the pain. The results last 6months-a year.

Sun damage, acne rosacea, cortisone medications, genetics, all can contribute to spider veins in the face, neck, and chest.

Recommendation: Vascular lasers can deliver light energy to the damaged area. The blood vessels would absorb the light causing it to coagulate. This also requires a post-treatment application of a soothing cream to alleviate any skin discomfort. Sun exposure should be avoided during this period in order for the skin to heal and the chance of discoloration.

Can be caused by a variety of sources

Recommendation: Intense Pulsed Light or chemical peels can help the hyper pigmentation causing dark patches under the eyes. For hyper pigmentation concerns, the laser treatment would be ideal. For fat loss that creates that hollow and shadow effect, soft tissue fillers can plump back up the area.

Genetics, and aging can result in thin lips

Recommendation: Hyaluronic acid fillers can plump lips, making them fuller. They can also add definition to the border of the lips, creating a more defined look. Results can last from 6months-one year.

Slow metabolism, stress, decreased exercise and overeating can can contribute to excess fat and cellulite on the abdomen, thighs and "love handles".

Recommendations:

1. Ultrashape: Non surgical and non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound technology to break down fat celss, without anesthesia or sedation. Results are seen within the 1st week and continue to progress over a period of 28 days. The treatment can be maintained, as long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained.

2. SmartLipo: Laser-assisted liposuction. The technology melts and liquefy fat within fat cells, which thickens and tightens the skin. Unlike traditional liposuction, smart lipo requires only local anesthetic and the recovery time is shorter. Most people are back to their daily routine within 3days.

3. VelaSape: Smoothes, slims, and contours by reducing cellulite and firming. This treatment combines radiofrequency, infrared light energy and vacuum and mechanical massage. It works by increasing the metabolism of stored energy, increase lymphatic drainage and reduces the size of fat cells. This method requires several treatments to achieve an ideal shape.

Pregnancy, weigh loss can result in saggy skin on the stomach

Recommendation: Thermage is a non-surgical treatment that uses radio frequency to heat up the deeper layers of the skin to tighten collagen and stimulate new collagen growth. The treatment takes 1-2 hours. The results are seen immediately but continue to improve from 2-6 months after. The results can also last for years with maintenance treatment.

Pregnancy, weight gain or loss, genetics, can result in stretch marks

Recommendation: StarLUX 500, a laser treatment that can reduce or eliminate stretch marks. There is no downtime and it's non-invasive. The treatment works best on new stretch marks.

Genetics, pregnancy and aging can cause varicose veins in the legs

Recommendation: Sclerotherapy is the best treatment for varicose veins. The treatment consist of using a series of injections that will cause the veins to harden, break up, and fade without damaging the skin. The treatment takes only minutes with no downtime or pain involved. However it is noted that strenuous activities should be avoided or prolonged periods of inactivity. In addition, air travel for up to 3 weeks post treatment should also be avoided.