Non-surgical body contouring refers to cosmetic treatments which are non-invasive that are used to help individuals eliminate fat, shape or contour areas of the body, and tighten skin. Lipolysis, the medical term for destruction of fat cells, is one example of technology used for nonsurgical body contouring.

Neuromodulators (Botox, Daxxify, Dysport, Jeaveau, Myobloc, Xeomin) are nonsurgical, cosmetic injectables that are used to temporarily lessen or eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Commonly treated areas include frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. These cosmetic injections

A neurofibroma is a benign, non-cancerous, nerve tumor that presents as a soft, flesh colored, bump on or under the skin. It can occur in isolation as a non-worrisome skin growth or rarely, when numerous lesions are present, as an association with a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis. Most

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a rare condition that causes scar-like changes to the skin. Morphea commonly presents as oval lesions on the trunk (chest, abdomen, and/or back). It can also present as a linear stripe on the arms, legs, and even the forehead or scalp. In its initial inflammatory

Molluscum, or molluscum contagiosum, is a common viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). This benign condition typically presents with pink, round bumps with a central indentation. The number of bumps can range in number (few to hundreds) and in size (1-6mm). The bumps can

A mole, also known as a nevus (plural: nevi), is a very common skin growth. Moles develop as a result of clusters of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in the skin. Although a mole can be present at birth (called a congenital nevus), most nevi appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure used for skin rejuvenation. During treatment, a pen-like device studded with tiny needles are used to make precise, microscopic punctures in the skin. The tiny wounds do not leave scars but instead trigger the

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive procedure where micro-crystals are used to gently exfoliate and remove the outermost layer of skin. As the procedure treats only the top layer of the skin, it is relatively painless and requires minimal recovery time. It is commonly used to treat dull complexion, discoloration,

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but very aggressive form of skin cancer. It commonly presents as a rapidly growing nodule or bump on a sun-exposed site such as the face, head, or neck. Merkel cell carcinomas can range in color from flesh colored to red, purple, or blue. This type of aggressive skin cancer

Melasma is a common skin condition where affected individuals develop splotchy, irregularly shaped, brown patches on the face. Common areas of involvement include the forehead, cheeks, nose, jawline, chin, and upper lip. It typically affects women between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more common in

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer originating from the pigment producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. Though not as common as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is more deadly because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas can have various appearances.

Male-patterned baldness or androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss affecting men. The condition can start as early as late teens or early twenties but typically is more common in older men. By 50 years of age, approximately 50% of white men will have some degree of male pattern hair

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick (commonly the deer tick). Early symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, body aches, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.

Lupus is a group of autoimmune diseases where the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue leading to inflammation and damage in the affected organs. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood cells. Types of lupus include: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)This

Lipomas are common fatty tumors that present as soft or rubbery lumps or bumps underneath the skin that are easily moved. They can occur as a solitary lesion or multiple lesions (often occurring in families). Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body where fat tissue is present, but are most common on the

Lichen simplex chronicus is a condition where repeated scratching or rubbing of a site creates a localized, itchy, thickened, leathery patch of skin. Lichen simplex chronicus can present as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions—usually in areas that are easy to reach. The most commonly involved

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition most commonly affects the genital skin. The affected areas become thin, white, crinkled, irritated, and/or intensely itchy. Blisters and sores can also form. Left untreated, the condition can lead to scarring and increase an individual’s risk for skin cancer,

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (such as the mouth and genital region). On the skin, it presents as small, pink to purple, itchy, flat-topped papules. Though the rash can appear anywhere (including on the genital skin), favored sites

Lice are tiny insects that live on human hair and clothing fibers and can be seen with the naked eye. These tiny bugs attach to the hair and feed on human blood, causing intense itching in the affected areas. People can suffer from 3 different types of infestation: head lice (pediculosis capitis), body

Lentigo is a benign skin growth that resembles a freckle. It is usually a tan or brown spot that is flat or slightly raised. It can vary in size and shape and can occur as a singular lesion or as multiple lesions (lentigines). Lentigines have been classified into several types depending on their characteristics,

Laser therapy is a broad term that describes treatments that use a single wavelength of light to target specific cells in the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy, resulting in damage to the targeted cells and also triggering the skin’s repair mechanism, thereby stimulating collagen production.

Laser skin resurfacing are cosmetic laser treatment commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, and scars. The procedure can be further subclassified into 2 categories: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers are more invasive. In this procedure, a highly concentrated beam of

Laser hair removal is a procedure used to remove unwanted facial and body hair. Lasers deliver concentrated beams of light which are absorbed by the pigment in hair follicles. The light energy is converted into heat, which ultimately damages the hair follicles, leading to decreased or absence of hair

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition characterized by rough, bumpy skin most often found on the back of the arms, thighs, and cheeks. It is a common finding in those with dry and sensitive skin. It typically affects children and teenagers and can improve or resolve over time. The condition is

Keloids are thick, firm, hard growths due to excessive scar tissue formation. They differ from ordinary scars and hypertrophic scars in that the scar tissue extends and spreads beyond the original wound margin. Rarely, these growths can occur spontaneously, even without any preceding skin injury. Keloids

Intertrigo is a common rash found in the folds of the skin. Common areas of involvement include the groin, in the folds of the abdomen, and under the breasts. Because of the friction, warmth, and moisture in the skin folds, the affected areas become red and raw. Symptoms can also include itching and

Intense pulsed light therapy is a non-invasive, non-laser therapy that uses high intensity pulses of visible light to achieve skin rejuvenation. IPL delivers light energy which is converted into heat energy, resulting in damage to targeted cells in the skin. The damage also stimulates new collagen production.

An infantile hemangioma is a kind of vascular tumor made up of blood vessels, commonly called a “strawberry birthmark.” The vascular tumor can be superficial (growing on the skin surface), appearing as a bright red, bumpy, lesion. It can also be deep (growing under the skin), presenting as a bluish

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that typically affects young children. It is most often caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Affected individuals present with sores that break open leading to honey-colored crusts and scabs. Though lesions can be found

A hypertrophic scar is a thickened, raised, oftentimes pink or red scar. Hypertrophic scars can be symptomatic - causing burning, itching, or discomfort. These thickened, raised scars are more likely to occur in areas where there is significant tension on a healing wound; examples include the back, chest,

Topical retinoids are available in many over the counter skin care products as well as prescription strength medications. They work to treat a variety of skin care problems ranging from fine lines and wrinkles to acne breakouts and psoriasis. Common side effects of using topical retinoids include: dryness,

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition which presents with deep, painful nodules or lumps under the skin. The painful nodules can rupture, leading to drainage of pus and blood. Over time, the painful nodules can connect, forming tunnels under the skin. The condition often results

Our body is continually growing new hair. As new hair grows, the old hair is shed. It is usual for an individual to shed or lose between 50 to 100 hairs a day. Hair loss occurs when excessive shedding (beyond the typical 50-100 hairs a day) or when the hair follicles become dormant or destroyed, resulting

Granuloma annulare is a harmless type of skin rash that often presents with ring-shaped lesions. Although the condition can appear anywhere on the skin, favored sites are the hands, feet, elbows, and ankles. It is typically found in children, teenagers, and young adults. Granuloma annulare is more prevalent

Gential herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of the herpes simplex virus- herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Either type can cause genital herpes, but HSV-2 is responsible for