Cosmetic Guide to The Torso
Chest, Breasts, Abdomen, and Back
Non-Surgical Solutions for The Torso
From New York City's Cosmetic Experts
Cosmetic Procedures for The Torso
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to rejuvenating and reshaping the torso- including the chest, breasts, abdomen, love handles, and back. We understand that these areas are often just as important to our patients as the face and neck, and deserve the same thoughtful, tailored care.
Our approach combines advanced technologies to treat both the skin and the underlying contours of the torso. Whether you're looking to improve skin tone and texture- such as sun damage on the chest or acne scarring on the back- or to address concerns like skin laxity, unwanted fat, or volume loss, we offer treatment plans that target multiple layers of the skin and body. By addressing both the surface and the structure, we help our patients achieve natural-looking results that feel balanced, refreshed, and harmonious with the rest of their body.
Abdomen and Love Handles
Body Contouring
We offer non-invasive body contouring options that target both unwanted fat and build muscle definition in the abdominal area and love handles. By choosing the right technology for your specific goals, we can help sculpt a more toned and better contoured midsection without surgery or downtime.
- Emsculpt NEO: Emsculpt NEO is an advanced treatment that combines radiofrequency (RF) energy with high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to both reduce fat and build muscle at the same time. This dual-action approach makes it ideal for patients who want visible muscle toning along with fat reduction- especially in the abdominal area where definition matters.
- Trusculpt ID: TruSculpt iD uses monopolar RF energy to selectively target and permanently destroy fat cells, making it an excellent option for patients focused solely on reducing stubborn fat and circumference in the midsection. It’s particularly effective for slimming love handles and softening bulges.
Skin Tightening
Skin laxity in the abdominal area and love handles is a common concern, whether due to weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural aging process. Tightening the skin can dramatically enhance the overall aesthetic of this area- especially when combined with fat reduction or muscle-toning treatments. We offer a range of effective skin tightening procedures that can be customized to your skin type, lifestyle, and downtime tolerance.
- RF Microneedling (Potenza): RF Microneedling with Potenza is one of the most effective non-surgical options for tightening loose skin on the body. It combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate deep collagen production. While it delivers impressive results, patients should be prepared for up to 1–3 weeks of redness or pinkness in the treated area.
- Radiofrequency (RF): For patients who prefer a no-downtime solution, we recommend Emtone- a powerful RF treatment that firms skin and improves texture by delivering thermal energy to the dermis. It’s a great option for those looking for steady improvement without taking time off.
- CO2 Laser: CO2 laser resurfacing is highly effective for tightening small areas of lax skin, but due to the intensity of the treatment and significant downtime, it’s best suited for highly targeted zones. It is only appropriate for very light skin tones (Fitzpatrick type I or II) due to the risk of pigmentation changes.
- Biostimulatory Injections: Hyperdilute Radiesse injections stimulate the skin’s own collagen production without adding volume or bulk. This injectable treatment is ideal for anyone looking for a non-energy based solution and can treat a surface area of up to 300 cm² (roughly half a standard sheet of copy paper) with just 1–2 syringes spaced about four weeks apart.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a very common concern in the abdominal area and love handles, often appearing after pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or growth spurts. While they’re harmless, many patients seek treatment to improve the appearance of these marks and restore smoother, more even-toned skin.
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing: We treat stretch marks using fractional laser resurfacing with devices such as ResurFx—an FDA-cleared laser specifically approved for the treatment of stretch marks. This non-ablative laser stimulates collagen remodeling deep within the skin, helping to fade discoloration and improve texture over a series of sessions. It’s a well-tolerated, non-invasive solution that can significantly improve the look of both newer red and older white stretch marks.
Breasts and Chest
Sun Damage
The chest and upper breast area—often referred to as the décolleté—is especially prone to sun damage due to frequent exposure and thinner, more delicate skin. Over time, this can result in uneven pigmentation, sun spots, and visible blood vessels that make the skin appear aged and weathered.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): IPL is our treatment of choice for sun damage in this area because it effectively targets both brown sun spots and dilated blood vessels at the same time. By using broad-spectrum light to selectively target pigmentation and vascular lesions, IPL restores a more even, youthful tone to the skin with minimal downtime. It’s a safe and effective way to rejuvenate the chest and décolleté and is often included in our comprehensive anti-aging plans.
Wrinkles
Wrinkling and crepey skin on the chest and décolleté are common signs of aging, especially in areas with sun exposure and thinner skin. These lines can become more pronounced over time and are often resistant to improvement with topical products alone. We offer effective non-invasive treatments that stimulate collagen production to smooth and firm the skin.
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing: Fractional laser treatments, such as ResurFx, AcuPulse and PicoWay Resolve are excellent for improving fine lines and crepey texture on the chest. By delivering precise columns of laser energy deep into the skin, these treatments encourage new collagen formation, which leads to smoother, firmer skin over time.
- Ultherapy Décolletage Treatment: Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment FDA-cleared to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolleté. It uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen deep within the skin without affecting the surface. This treatment is ideal for patients looking to tighten and lift the skin on the upper chest with no downtime.
Scar Treatment
Scars from breast surgeries- such as breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction- are the most common types of scars we treat in our office. While these procedures can produce great results, the presence of visible scarring can be a concern for many patients. Our approach to scar treatment is highly personalized, taking into account scar severity, skin tone, and the healing stage.
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing: We use a combination of advanced laser technologies to effectively improve the appearance of surgical scars. Fractional lasers such as ResurFx, AcuPulse (CO₂), and PicoWay Resolve are selected based on your skin type and the depth or maturity of the scar. These treatments work by stimulating collagen remodeling and breaking up irregular pigment and texture. For scars that are red or vascular in nature, we often combine these lasers with vascular treatments such as the Nd:YAG laser to target visible blood vessels and reduce redness.
Stretch Marks
The breasts are one of the most common areas where stretch marks develop, especially during periods of rapid change such as puberty, pregnancy, or post-surgical swelling. While these marks are harmless, this is one of the most common areas that patients seek treatment for stretch marks.
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing: Fractional laser resurfacing is our go-to treatment for breast stretch marks. Using devices like ResurFx, we stimulate collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers of the skin to gradually fade discoloration and improve texture.
Natural Augmentation
Fat injections have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional breast implants for patients seeking a more natural approach to breast enhancement.
- alloClae: alloClae is an advanced structural adipose tissue filler made from donor-derived, sterilized adipose cells and extracellular matrix. It’s designed for subcutaneous injection to provide natural volume enhancement in the breasts without surgery or liposuction. It’s particularly suited for patients who don’t have sufficient body fat for conventional fat transfers or prefer a gentler alternative to structural implants
Bra Fat
Bra fat refers to the stubborn pockets of fat that protrude just beneath the arms and around the bra line- an area that can be especially frustrating for many women when wearing fitted clothing or bras. This fat often persists despite healthy diet and exercise, but we offer effective, non-surgical options to reduce and smooth this area.
- TruSculpt ID: TruSculpt iD uses monopolar radiofrequency energy to permanently destroy fat cells in targeted areas like the bra line. It's ideal for patients seeking a comfortable, non-invasive treatment with no downtime. Over a series of treatments, patients often notice a slimmer, smoother contour that enhances the fit and appearance of clothing.
- Kybella: Kybella is an injectable treatment made of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance that breaks down and absorbs fat. It’s a great option for smaller, localized fat pockets in the bra area. A series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart can permanently reduce fat.
Back
Sun Damage
The back is one of the most commonly sun-exposed areas of the body- especially during warmer months- yet it’s often overlooked in daily skincare routines. Over time, cumulative sun exposure can lead to sun spots, uneven pigmentation, and visible blood vessels that affect the overall tone and texture of the skin.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): IPL is a highly effective treatment for sun damage on the back, targeting both brown pigmentation and red vascular lesions at the same time.
Back Fat
Fat along the upper and mid-back- especially around the bra line- is a common concern for many women. This area tends to be resistant to diet and exercise and can create visible bulges that affect the way clothing fits and feels. We offer effective, non-surgical treatments to target and smooth back fat for a more contoured silhouette.
- TruSculpt ID: TruSculpt iD uses monopolar radiofrequency to permanently destroy fat cells in targeted areas, making it an excellent option for reducing bra bulges and smoothing the back. The treatment is comfortable, quick, and requires no downtime. Patients typically see noticeable improvement in contour after a few sessions.
- Kybella: Kybella is an injectable treatment that dissolves small, localized fat deposits using deoxycholic acid. It’s a great choice for more focused areas of back fat- particularly near the bra line.
Acne Scars
The back is a common site for both active acne and the scars it can leave behind- especially after cystic breakouts. Acne scarring on the back can appear as dark spots, pitted or raised texture, and uneven tone, and can make patients feel self-conscious about wearing open-back clothing. We offer multiple effective treatments to improve the tone and texture of acne-scarred skin.
- Chemical Peel: Chemical peels use medical-grade acids to exfoliate the top layers of skin, promoting cell turnover and fading post-acne pigmentation. Peels can be an excellent entry-level treatment for improving the appearance of superficial acne scars and discoloration on the back, often used in combination with other procedures.
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing: Fractional laser treatments, such as ResurFx, are highly effective for treating deeper acne scars. By delivering controlled laser energy into the skin, these treatments stimulate collagen production and resurface uneven texture. Over a series of sessions, scars become smoother, and skin tone more even.
- Microneedling: Microneedling uses tiny, controlled punctures to stimulate the skin’s natural healing response and rebuild collagen in scarred areas.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.