Bikini Season.
Two words that many women dread hearing after a long winter. This time of year, I see many patients concerned about how they can get their bodies to look their best for bikini season. While there is no magic “one-size-fits-all” approach, there are steps most women can take to help improve and rejuvenate their shape.
Here are five effective ways to get yourself bikini ready as we head into the summer season:
1. Exercise:
Sounds like a big “duh”, right? This should be obvious, but what isn’t as obvious is that you could be a lot more efficient in how you achieve results. There are different exercises to consider rotating into your workouts that help tone and shape your figure, as well as lose overall inches from your body. Using low weights, try lunge exercises that work your thighs and glutes—both are large muscle groups that when developed burn mega calories (to say nothing of the toning and firming benefit in these critical areas). Also keep in mind that not all ab exercises are created equal. Roman chair sit-ups help to isolate and strengthen all areas of your core and firm the muscles of lower back, which so nicely complement the shape of your behind.
2. Have problem areas despite exercise?
CoolSculpting will have you looking your best by that first pool party. This non-invasive procedure is FDA-approved to target love handles, the abdomen, thighs, saddlebags and we have seen excellent results in other areas as well. By using controlled cooling, CoolSculpting can get rid of stubborn fat that has resisted diet and exercise. CoolSculpting can safely and effectively reduce about 20-25% of an area’s subcutaneous fat per treatment without surgery, needles, anesthesia, or downtime. The number of treatments necessary varies with the individual patient’s anatomy and goals, as determined at consultation. Overall, most patients see a positive change in their body after a few weeks, but we always recommend allowing 6-8 weeks for the final outcome to be evident.
3. Non-invasive skin procedures:
Whether you have sun damage and freckles, bothersome wrinkles, acne scarring or just want a fresher complexion and younger look, now is the perfect time of year to benefit from these non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments. Ultherapy is the only FDA-approved non-invasive treatment for lifting the skin on the neck, chin and brow. Popular among Hollywood celebrities of a certain age, a typical treatment takes an hour and a half and uses focused ultrasound to activate collagen deep within your skin. Ultherapy maintains the youthful shape of your face with no surgery or downtime.
There are several other non-invasive options for improving your skin’s appearance that you may want to consider. The MixTo laser, a Co2 fractional laser, is a laser treatment that improves wrinkles and skin’s overall texture, and the SkinPen is a microneedling device that stimulates the natural production of new collagen and elastin. What makes this so unique is that it can be used on all skin types to treats fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation and other skin texture conditions on all parts of the body. Either of these treatments will produce a meaningful and visible improvement in your skin’s appearance without making you look weird or changing who you are in the mirror (as long as you choose your provider well).
4. A little nip and tuck?
It may be that life and personal circumstances have left you lost in a body you just don’t recognize and is out of harmony with how you feel about yourself. If a Mommy Makeover, breast enhancement procedure or liposuction procedure is on your mind, you’ll want to budget about six weeks for a full, bikini-ready recovery.
5. Start a tailored, preferably medically managed, skincare program STAT!
Face it ladies, when you’re in your bikini or one of summer’s more revealing fashions, it’s just as important that the skin of your legs, arms and upper chest and back look as healthy and glowingly smooth as your face. Starting now, periodic exfoliation with a skincare regimen tailored to your skin’s specific needs will assure that by summer you truly love your look.
Remember that before you undergo any cosmetic procedure to research and find an experienced, qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon that you feel comfortable with. If improving your body for bikini season is on your mind, know that there are options available for you. The sooner you begin to properly care for yourself for bikini season, the sooner you will start to look and feel even better about yourself.
