the world has its physical complexes, and some accept them better than others. It is our choice to seriously consider (or not) the surgery, but it is better to first learn about other possibilities before going under the knife

Regulate his black beasts

Even with healthy habits, eating well and staying active, time finally catches up with us ... and that's quite natural. Normal, therefore, that our belly is a little softer, our arms a little less tonic or our hair less dense than a few years ago. Depending on the path traveled - pregnancy, weight fluctuations, disease - this can vary greatly, especially since some aspects are genetic. Working to love oneself and to accept oneself is a beautiful goal, but when our little "faults" become disproportionately important in our lives, correcting them may in some cases be beneficial. There is a variety of options and treatments. "The most common body surgery is liposuction, which is the fourth most common aesthetic procedure," says Dr. Jacques Haddad, a plastic and aesthetic surgeon in a private clinic and at the Sherbrooke University Hospital Center. From the age of 50, abdominoplasty and breast lift in women would follow in terms of popularity. On the side of non-invasive technologies, cryolipolysis (or "CoolSculpting"), which is used to destroy fat by cold, is extremely popular: "This technology invented by scientists at Harvard University makes people very satisfied," says Marilyne Gagné, president and founder of Dermapure beauty clinics. An overview of different procedures is needed if we think about taking action

Breast lift

It's for me? This procedure is for women with a big loosening of the bust. As a result of the surgery, "we get breasts higher with a better shape, which are more stable in bras," says Dr. Haddad. Note: if you also want to improve the shape and firmness of your chest, we can complement this surgery by implant placement

Good to know According to Dr. Haddad, this surgery would have a 93% satisfaction rate! It would also be a well tolerated procedure, whose recovery lasts about a week. On the other hand, the scars are apparent, especially the first year. In terms of price, we can expect to pay between $ 5,000 and $ 6,500

If I prefer to avoid On the side of non-invasive technologies, there is unfortunately no alternative. Even if these suggestions do not offer results comparable to surgery, a fitted bra or exercises targeting the pecs can give a helping hand in terms of firmness, as well as firming creams and smoothing

Contour + Contour + Contour Gel from Jouviance ($ 75)

Rejuvenating neck and hands rejuvenation cream from NIA24 ($ 66.10)

Dragon's Blood neck and neck gel, from Rodial ($ 80)

Curvaceous bust cream, Institut Esthederm ($ 69)

Abdominoplasty

It's for me? The abdominoplasty reduces the excess skin in the stomach. "It can also be combined with liposuction to improve the contour," says Dr. Haddad

Good to know The abdominoplasty has the advantage of having a very high satisfaction rate and offering a beautiful abdominal contour. However, it is a procedure that requires a convalescence of two weeks and leaves scars, especially since it requires general anesthesia and therefore has more operational risks. The ideal candidate will have a stable weight close to their healthy weight and will be in good general shape. The price starts at around $ 8000

If I prefer to avoid When a skin loathe is bothering us, we can turn to Thermage, a technology that uses radiofrequency to tighten tissue and stimulate collagen production. According to Marilyne Gagné, this technology is often used in conjunction with the CoolSculpting to first remove a little fat, then firm the skin for optimal results. These treatments can already make a big difference

Elancyl Slim Design Slimming-Relaxing Gel ($ 50, starting March 27)

Black Tea's anti-aging body cream, from Fresh ($ 85)

Lotus Aroma Exfoliating Body Scrub Cream ($ 34)

Roller Slimming rebellious curves, Puressentiel ($ 29.99)

OGX Smoothing + Coconut Coffee Smoothing Body Lotion ($ 8.99)

Raising arms

It's for me? If you have a big excess or a slackening of the skin in the arms, this surgery is an option. We can expect good results, but also scars quite long and still visible, especially the first year after the procedure. "There may also be some loss of sensitivity in the forearms," ​​said Dr. Haddad

Good to know This procedure can also be combined with liposuction, if necessary. In terms of convalescence, we talk about one to two weeks. We can expect to pay from $ 5600

If I prefer to avoid Thermage technology to tighten the skin turns out here too an option. We can also work our muscles with exercises that target the arms: "A muscular person will have a less flaccid appearance than someone who is not," says Dr. Marie-Andrée LeBlanc, owner of the clinic LeBlanc Aesthetic Medicine 

Vaginal laser

It's for me? Virtually new to treatment, the diVa vaginal laser treats some of the discomfort that many premenopausal and postmenopausal women face: lack of lubrication during intercourse and incontinence. "Half of menopausal women have vaginal dryness," says Dr. LeBlanc. According to her, the subject remains quite taboo. Women often do not dare to talk about their symptoms, while the laser is an effective treatment. "We have had the laser since October, and so far, we have a 100% satisfaction rate for the treatment of dryness and incontinence."

Good to know Each patient is assessed to determine if she is a candidate for this treatment. His PAP test must be up to date. The procedure itself takes about three minutes and does not require anesthesia. According to Dr. LeBlanc, there is no recovery, but sexual intercourse, whirlpools, and spa dips should be avoided for the next 48 hours. The treatment is done three times, with an interview once a year thereafter. It costs around $ 3700 in total, then $ 1200 $ for this interview

If I prefer to avoid Before considering the laser in case of drought, our doctor may start by prescribing a vaginal estrogen in the form of cream, tablet or ring, for example. In pharmacy, one can also obtain a lubricant or a vaginal moisturizer. As for incontinence, perineal physiotherapy may be attempted, but the results would not be as immediate

Hair transplant

It's for me? "The hair transplant targets men and women suffering from androgenetic alopecia, so hereditary and hormonal," says Dr. Yves Hébert, general practitioner in hair restoration. The hair loss should be light to moderate, and our hair, well supplied to the back of the head: this is where the surgeon removes transposed grafts where it seeks more thickness

Good to know Although it is impossible to obtain the same hair density as before, we can still find a certain volume. The procedure, however, leaves traces: in the case of a conventional band surgery, there will be a long linear scar at the back of the head. In follicular excision surgery, the grafts are removed more dispersively on the scalp at the back of the head. "The disadvantages lie especially in the discomfort surrounding the surgical process and in the social withdrawal of a few days necessary for convalescence," says Dr. Hébert. We will have to pay at least $ 4500 for this procedure

If I prefer to avoid Depending on our degree of baldness, we can use finasteride, a medication taken daily that acts on the hormonal cause of the condition, or minoxidil, a foam applied twice daily directly on the scalp to stimulate the blood circulation and promote better nutrition for the follicles. Another alternative, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), involves injecting plasma extracted from our own blood into the scalp in order to regenerate the hair follicle

photorejuvenation

It's for me? "The best and most recognized treatment for pigment spots in the world is IPL, also known as" pulsed light "or" photorejuvenation, "says Marilyne Gagné. He puts on a light which releases his energy in order to eliminate the stain, and is used as much on the face as on the cleavage or the hands

Good to know Thanks to this treatment, we can expect a decrease in pigment spots of about 50 to 100%, according to the expert. One or three treatments are generally carried out according to the quantity of stains to be treated and their progress. It is best to proceed in winter (or at the latest in June), as exposure to the sun should be avoided for at least six weeks before treatment. The procedure itself lasts about 30 minutes and costs around $ 300

If I prefer to avoid It is possible to fade some pigment spots using good care at home. "In terms of active ingredients, retinol, vitamin C and glycolic acid really come to work the spots," says Marilyne Gagné. Do not forget that the serums for the face are equally suitable for the cleavage and the hands! And wearing sunscreen daily will help us greatly reduce the appearance of new spots

Chanel's rich hand texture cream ($ 70

Reversa anti-stain lightening serum ($ 49

Dark Spot Rescue hand cream from Vaseline ($ 6.77

Lacquer and body lotion with turmeric, from Volition ($ 48

To be treated abroad

Medical tourism seems to be gaining momentum in recent years; but are there concrete benefits to being treated in another country? If the idea of ​​saving money on our surgery while combining recovery and vacation can be tempting, there are other factors to consider. "We can not always guarantee or control the quality of care and infrastructure," warns Dr. Haddad. When it comes to health and beautiful results, especially in the case of cosmetic surgery, it may be playing with fire. "There is also the issue of post-treatment follow-up," says Dr. LeBlanc. In case of complications, it will take a flight of several hours to return to see his surgeon. One think about it