Although everyone is different, we all have “problem areas” or parts of the body that we feel self-conscious about. Some beauty issues are a bigger cause for concern than others, but we’re all the same when it comes to having insecurities.
The good news is that most problem areas can be improved in some way, helping to boost confidence and self-esteem. From injections to laser treatments, let’s take a look at what you can do to correct the most common problem areas.
Belly Bulge
A muffin top, a tummy pooch, a mini beer belly, call it whatever you want. The fact that you’d rather it wasn’t there remains the same. It seems everywhere you look, people are in search of ways to get a flat abdomen. They’re willing to try anything: planks and crunches or funky-tasting teas, all in an effort to say goodbye to their stubborn belly fat.
When diet, exercise, and teas don’t do the trick, there is a way to win the battle of the bulge. Coolsculpting is a non-surgical treatment that helps to eliminate unwanted fat from the tummy area (and other parts of the body) by freezing it away. Cold temperatures destroy fat cells and once those cells are destroyed, they’re gone for good.
Coolsculpting is ideal for people who have just a little bit of extra, unwanted fat in the abdominal area. If you’ve got a considerable amount of weight to lose, you’re most likely better off waiting until after you’ve lost the majority of the weight to give Coolsculpting a try.
Spider Veins
Your veins work hard, helping blood to move through your body. The thing is, you might wish they’d be a little less noticeable. Spider veins develop when blood isn’t able to travel through the veins as easily it as it should. The veins become slightly enlarged and are visible just beneath the surface of the skin. Depending on their locations, spider veins can make you feel pretty self-conscious. That’s especially true if they are on the face.
Treatment options for spider veins include laser treatments such as Laser Genesis or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The laser energy causes the veins to collapse so that they end up fading away. Any blood that previously flowed through the problem veins is redirected.
“11s” and Other Wrinkles
You never forget the first time you notice a wrinkle on your face. For some people, the “11s,” or the two vertical lines that form between the eyebrows, are the first sign that they are getting older. Others notice crinkly crow’s feet at the corners of their eyes. No matter which wrinkles you saw first, you probably weren’t happy to see them.
A variety of treatments are available for wrinkles. The 11s and crow’s feet are can be temporarily fixed with Botox injections. The active ingredient in Botox keeps your facial muscles from making the specific movements that lead to lines and wrinkles, usually for about three months.
Other types of wrinkles, such as the lines that run from the nose to the mouth, can be temporarily corrected with an injectable filler, such as Juvederm or Restylane.
Injections aren’t the only way to cope with wrinkles. Laser treatments can also help.
Age Spots
Also known as sun spots, age spots look like overly large freckles. They can form on the face, hands and any other area of the skin that gets regular sun exposure. One way to fight back against age spots is to reduce the time you spend in the sun and to get in the habit of wearing a sunscreen daily.
Treatments can also help to fade existing age spots. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels help to exfoliate the outer layer of skin so that new skin cells can take their place. The exfoliation helps to remove hyperpigmented cells, leaving you with a more even skin tone.
Scars
Scars develop when the skin tries to heal itself after an injury. Usually, scars are made up of collagen fibers. Depending on how much collagen the body produces in response to an injury, a scar can be raised and very visible or flat and less noticeable. Some people develop scars that look sunken into the skin. These sunken-in “icepick” scars are typically caused by acne.
Whether you have raised or icepick scars, there are ways to minimize their appearance. Laser treatments for scars help to remove the excess collagen fibers, creating a smoother look. If the scars are sunken in, injectable fillers can help to level them, reducing their appearance.
About Dr. Ran Rubinstein
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He offers patients a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options at his practice in New York and can work with you to help you choose the starter cosmetic treatments that will help you reach your goals and reduce your problem areas. Dr. Rubinstein offers patients a variety of procedures, from fillers to rhinoplasty, at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, PC in Newburgh, New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, call 845-863-1772 today.
