Ask Dr Judy: What treatments will help me feel confident in my party dress?
We speak to one of Scotland’s longest-practising aesthetic doctors, and NHS hospital consultant, Dr. Judy Todd of Synergy, to answer your urgent skincare and beauty questions…
Q: I’ve got a few parties coming up over the festive season, but I just don’t feel confident wearing a glamorous dress or having my arms on display. Are there any treatments that can help me look and feel my best in my party clothes?
A: If you’re feeling less than confident about your body, there’s no reason to let it get in the way of you enjoying the festive season, and wearing whatever you want to wear. There are lots of treatments available that work quickly and effectively to treat targeted problem areas so that you can throw on that cocktail dress without a care this Christmas.
If your clothes are feeling a little on the snug side, or you’re concerned about your skin’s texture or tone, Body FX is a fantastic treatment that gives results in as little as six weeks, so you can start now and see great results by Hogmanay. It’s a non-invasive body contouring treatment that uses radiofrequency to reshape the body and tighten the skin, for a leaner look – plus, it improves the appearance of your skin’s texture too, so you can feel extra confident in your LBD.
Book in for weekly treatments over a six-week period for best results, although you’ll see an improvement after just two treatments, as the surface of your skin will be smoother.
For common areas of concern, like the upper arms or thighs, Forma is another amazing skin-tightening treatment that’s non-invasive, with long-lasting results. Tackling lax skin to improve its smoothness and elasticity, Forma stimulates the skin’s regenerative response to produce collagen, giving skin a plumper, smoother and tighter appearance. Perfect if you’ve got a little strappy top in mind for that upcoming Christmas party.
Over the last few years, I’ve had increasing numbers of patients asking me about treating stretch marks. Most often caused by hormones, rapid weight loss or gain, or pregnancy, stretch marks leave pink, red or silver-white lines on the skin, usually on the stomach, thighs, buttocks, arms or breasts. They’re incredibly common – 80% of UK adults have them – but if they’re affecting your confidence, their appearance can be reduced.
I recommend Fractora, which is a significantly advanced method of stretch mark removal. Fractora resurfaces the skin, rebuilding your existing collagen and generating new collagen, to eliminate the appearance of most stretchmarks, anywhere on the body. How many treatments you require depends on the scope and severity of the marks, but even those with the most severe stretch marks will see a marked improvement in their appearance.
Hair removal is another treatment which becomes particularly popular around this time of year, and it’s easy to see why. During the festive season, we can make plans at a moment’s notice, and we want to be glamorous and party-ready in a flash, without unwanted body hair getting in the way. Permanent hair removal eradicates the issue, meaning you don’t even have to consider it when choosing an outfit or making last-minute plans. At Synergy, we use Diolaze XL, which is safe for all skin types, safely and comfortably removing unwanted hair from all over the body, including the bikini line, legs, arms and even around the face. We recommend four to six sessions generally, but this can vary depending on your hair colour and type, body area, and skintone. You’ll start to see a reduction in hair growth from the first session, making it easier to feel confident in skirts, dresses or sleeveless tops during the party season.
Whatever your concern, there is likely a treatment to help you tackle it and look and feel your best self this festive season—and beyond!
For more skincare tips and advice, follow Dr Judy on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.