Amy B. Lewis, M.D. graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania. She then received her Medical Degree, with the highest honors, from the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Lewis then moved to the New York area for a medical internship at Cornell/New York Hospital and completed her Dermatology residency at Downstate Medical Center as Chief Resident. She returned to Yale for a fellowship in Dermatological Laser and Reconstructive Surgery. After completing this specialized training, Dr. Lewis began working in private practice, while also performing several clinical studies pioneering Dermatological lasers at the Washington Institute for Dermatological Laser Surgery. She then settled in Manhattan, where she has built a premier private practice specializing in Cosmetic and Laser dermatology.

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Dermatology is a hot topic year-round but even more during the wintertime. Haute Beauty expert Dr. Amy Lewis reviews the top skin treatments that are most desirable during the colder months – sclerotherapy, QWO and CoolSculpt. Here’s what she had to say:

What makes Sclerotherapy, QWO, and CoolSculpt winter treatments?

All 3 of these treatments are great for the winter. In general, during the winter people tend to spend more time indoors and wear more clothing. This allows for more private

Sclerotherapy is the process of injecting unsightly “veins” that usually occur as we age and appear on the legs, thighs, and ankles. The process involves injecting each vein/vessel with a solution that essentially irritates or inflames the walls of these small vessels, which then self-destruct, collapse and die off. With sclerotherapy, it often needs to look worse before it looks better.

As the unwanted vessels are disintegrating, the vessels can initially look darker, more pronounced, and inflamed.

You may also experience minor bruising and swelling of the injection sites. It can take a few weeks for the vessels to recover and that is why it is ideal to be done in the winter when you are not showing off your beautiful legs.

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Coolsculpting is the process of freezing fat cells, which liquefies the fat and is excreted naturally from the body. The adipose cells that are destroyed and removed this way are gone permanently. However, after a treatment of Coolsculpting, the area may be tender and swollen. More importantly, the results are not seen instantly, it can take the body several months to complete the full process. This makes it a great procedure to work on during the winter, then come summer your results will have kicked in and you will be looking swimsuit ready!

BUTT First, are you ready to face those dimples? Get to know QWO, the first and only FDA-approved injectable for cellulite. Cellulite is a skin condition caused by strong fibrous bands that pull the skin downward. QWO works to dissolve the bands. With three quick treatments, spaced three weeks apart, visible results may be achieved in ten weeks! And injections take as little as 10 minutes. Like other treatments, injection site bruising does occur but resolves within several days. Winter is the perfect time to “fix the fanny” allowing time to keep bruising covered while QWO does its magic over several months.

Which is most popular in the wintertime?

All 3 are very popular, but Coolsculpt is always a fan favorite. Since there are often several areas of concern, starting in the winter allows for time to body sculpt wherever needed. You will be “cooked” and sculpted in the time for shorts, tank tops and bathing suits to reveal the new you.

Do any of these call for specific post-care treatment?

All of these treatments may require minor post-care. After sclerotherapy, gently massaging the area can promote healing, as elevating the legs as able for over the next few days. Ice can be used if there are any areas of tenderness.

The bruising after QWO can be treated with topicals. There can also be some tenderness that can be treated with ice and decreased activity.