Aesthetics

Age spots, also known as brown spots, liver spots and solar lentigines, are a common sign of aging. Flat, oval areas of pigmentation, age spots tend to appear on parts of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, shoulders and feet, that are exposed to the sun. Most common in people older than 40, they can be freckle-sized or more than a half-inch in length, and range in color from light brown to black. When age spots are grouped together, they appear even larger.

Spider veins (telangiectasias) are small, thin blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They usually develop on the face or legs, and may look like a series of thin tree branches or strands of a spider web. Although most spider veins are only a cosmetic issue, for some people they can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and leg-cramping.

Thermage® therapy uses a unique form of radiofrequency energy to tighten loose or sagging skin. According to its manufacturer, Solta Medical, Inc., benefits of Thermage treatment "include the smoothing of wrinkly or uneven skin, better definition of facial features around the eyes, jaw and neckline, and even the smoothing and toning of unsightly bulges, dimples and wrinkles on the face and body." Thermage radiofrequency therapy is U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved for eyelid treatments.

Cellulite is a cosmetic skin condition involving the accumulation of fatty deposits under the skin. It presents as areas of dimpled or puckered skin, most often appearing on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. This condition affects nearly 8 out of 10 women over the age of 20, as well as some men. Women more commonly develop cellulite because of the way fat is distributed in the lower half of the female body. Cellulite appears to have a genetic component since individuals who have family members with cellulite are more prone to develop the problem.

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive skin-exfoliation procedure designed to treat sun damage, scars, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. In addition to its cosmetic benefits, microdermabrasion helps to enhance circulation and lymph flow. Results are immediately visible, and there is no downtime for the patient, who can immediately resume regular activities. Performed in-office, microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia, and can be combined with other procedures such as chemical peels or laser treatment.