Blog Archive
Collagen supplements are all the rage for helping restore hair, nails, and skin. Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, constituting about 30% of it. It’s the primary component of skin, muscles, ligaments, and other connective tissues. As you age, however, your body produces less collagen, compromising your skin’s firmness....
If you haven’t heard of collagen and elastin, it’s time you did. Your body makes these proteins to keep your connective tissues strong and your skin resilient. Believe it or not, collagen makes up nearly one-third of the protein in your body and serves as a building block for healthy,...
Science fiction films are no longer the only domain for laser weapons that annihilate their foes. Now, laser skin resurfacing treatments are banishing enemies of the skin, including fine lines, acne scarring, and more. Laser resurfacing treatments are wildly popular minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatments. They’re great for people seeking...
If you long for the plump, dewy skin you had in your youth, you can have it again! It may sound impossible once you hit a certain age and your skin has been exposed to significant stressors, from sun exposure and air pollution to questionable nutritional choices and late nights...
A combination of the elements, stress, and the number of trips we’ve made around the sun conspire to dull your skin and make its texture and resilience less than ideal. Having a strong structural skin foundation means your face looks bright and firm, while a texture that isn’t bumpy, flaky,...
Blue, red, and purple are lovely to look at in your garden, but on your legs? No way. Unsightly spider veins also come in these colors and are most unwelcome. Most people with spider veins don’t have any uncomfortable symptoms, although these tiny, damaged blood vessels sometimes cause burning, itching,...
We can all agree that there’s nothing like the feeling of the sun’s warm rays, especially after a long winter. It pays, however, to remember that without protecting your skin, you leave it vulnerable to damage from the sun. This can manifest as problems right after exposure, like sunburn, as...
Dermal fillers — noninvasive injectable treatments — do for your skin what water does for a thirsty plant. They restore smoothness, erase wrinkles, minimize folds, and give your skin a refreshed appearance so you can again feel great when you look in the mirror. At Serenity Medical Spa, Dr. Sharon...
The concept of injuring your body to improve it may sound counterintuitive, but in the case of your skin, intentional micro-injuries can kickstart the healing process. Microneedling does just that. This innovative, noninvasive treatment makes tiny punctures in the top layers of your skin with a special tool that stimulates...
When you look up the term “radiofrequency” in the dictionary, its definition focuses on electromagnetic wave frequencies used for communication, from radar to cell phones. But did you know that radiofrequency technology is also key to a revolutionary skin-tightening treatment? It’s true, and Dr. Sharon Gertzman uses the TempSure™ Envi...
Even if you feel generally positive about your body and are within a normal weight range, you still may have isolated areas that bother you, caused by fat deposits that won’t budge. These stubborn spots may have nothing to do with what you eat and how much you move. Instead,...
Are pimples, skin spots, and acne scars just the stuff of teen life? If you think so, think again. Many people continue to struggle with acne well into adulthood, or it may go away, only to return later, which means you might be struggling with acne and signs of aging...
Tattoos are no longer reserved for the occasional young adult on a wild weekend. In the last few decades, body ink has become ubiquitous, and people of all ages express themselves through a visit to the tattoo parlor. Many eventually regret their tattoos, however, and wonder if there’s any way...
Imagine if you had your own physician who was on call and ready to help you whenever you needed it, no matter what time or where you were. This type of care isn’t just something to wish for — it actually exists! At Serenity Medical Spa, Dr. Sharon Gertzman offers...
You’re fortunate now to have so many treatment options at your fingertips for improving the appearance of your skin, no matter what it is you want to change. Age-related issues are top-of-mind to many, and some of the most transformative treatments are dermal fillers. They fall under the larger category...
The world of injectable treatments that smooth your skin and make you look better — but still like yourself — is more advanced than ever. There are so many highly specialized treatment options you can choose from, and there’s nothing not to like about them. Botulinum toxin A injectables target dynamic wrinkles,...
Rodin’s “The Thinker,” Michelangelo’s “David,” and the Statue of Liberty are all examples of artistically inspired, stunning sculptures that showcase the beauty of the human form. Today, there's a way to sculpt your body with the same eye for detail and beauty so it’s more pleasing to you and devoid...
When we talk about certain health conditions, it’s common to discuss modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Modifiable risk factors are things you can do something about and change to lower your risk, while nonmodifiable ones are the things you can’t change. For example, you’re at higher risk for skin cancer...
What if there was a real and lasting solution that smoothed and tightened your skin — and even addressed crepiness — that wasn’t painful or even invasive? There is actually: It’s VirtueRFⓇ microneedling, an innovative treatment that combines the power of radio frequency (RF) energy and the benefits of microneedling...
If the signs of aging are everywhere on your face and bringing you down, it may be time to consider a versatile menu of noninvasive treatments that address a multitude of problems — injectables. Since each treats specific problems, it’s important to speak first with your doctor about which ones...
It’s profoundly disappointing to be doing everything “right,” from eating well to maintaining a challenging exercise regimen — only to observe that some lumps and fat pockets stubbornly remain on your body in the most exasperating places like your thighs or buttocks. An area that we hear many complaints about,...
Winter does a job on your skin. As temperatures plummet, you spend more time indoors, where it’s dry. Going outside means you’re hit with more dry air and harsh wind. All in all, a recipe for dry, itchy skin that looks less-than-glowing. We’ve got tips to keep your skin beautiful...
The new year is a time of promise, with most thinking about how to get healthier, break a bad habit, or adopt a good one. Whether it’s eating better, quitting smoking, or deciding to use sunscreen religiously — all great for your skin, by the way — you may also...
Faces are as unique as snowflakes — no two are alike, and they age differently. In various ways and over time, facial skin loses its elasticity and suppleness thanks to hormone shifts, damage from the elements, stress levels, and more. The wrinkles, lines, and crevices that develop as a result...
Beautiful, dewy skin is something we all admire and want, but there’s more to it than the latest cream or topical formula that promises miracles. Everything we know about making skin look fabulous is really based on scientific knowledge, and science-based treatments and at-home care products can truly transform your...
The fads surrounding skin care products are abundant — and it’s hard to tell which ingredients actually nourish, replenish, and turn back the clock for your skin and which are myths. There’s one indisputable star of the skin care world that experts agree on: hyaluronic acid (HA). Injectable and topical...
“Love handles” doesn’t sound bad — love is a good thing, right? Unfortunately, these fatty deposits on your waist and above your hips can make you feel self-conscious, especially when you wear form-fitting clothing or a bathing suit. If you’re not in love with your love handles, Dr. Sharon Gertzman and the Serenity...
Who doesn’t want to feel — and look — as vital, healthy, and youthful as possible? Time doesn’t have to be your enemy if you practice great self-care and enlist the help of your trusted physician. Dr. Sharon Gertzman partners with our patients to help them combat the aging process so...
In the anti-aging world, injectables are much-sought-after treatments that smooth and add volume to the skin, erase fine lines and wrinkles, plump up hollow areas of your face, minimize scarring, and more. But even though injectable treatments do many things, you should get your doctor’s guidance about what type —...
Wouldn’t it be great to have such beautiful skin that you did not feel the need to wear make-up this summer? It is the perfect time to get started with some simple laser procedures to even out your skin tone, tighten your pores and smooth out some of those fine...
If you find yourself longing for the dewy, soft skin you had years ago, there’s a reason you’re noticing a difference in how you look now. Your skin wrinkles and sags because it loses its elasticity thanks to the waning of two important, good-for-the-skin proteins: collagen and elastin. Dr. Sharon...
Aging isn’t for the faint of heart, as the saying goes. In addition to the hormonal changes and minor aches and pains that come with aging, your skin also starts to break down. Most people talk about the wrinkles, creases, and sun spots, but there’s another skin change that subtly...
The warmth of the sun’s rays feels incredible and conjures memories of good times at the beach, playing your favorite sport, and more. You can get too much of a good thing, though, and with the sun, excessive exposure can lead to signs of aging and even skin cancer. Dr....
Would you like your skin to look younger and firmer, and your face to reclaim its plump contours? You may have read about treatments that can help, but worry about the time and energy required for the treatments, recovery, and maintenance. If this has held you back, we’ve got a...
There are few things better than laying in the sun and feeling its comforting warmth. Whether you’re wiggling your toes in the grass or the sand, the warmth and light of the sun is what makes the experience special. On the flip side, the sun can also be your worst...
Do you struggle with skin issues that pose problems and affect your self-esteem? You may think that your long-established acne scars, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and sun spots are permanent, but think again. Dr. Sharon Gertzman offers a wide range of treatments that improve the feel and appearance of your skin,...
No one welcomes fat around their midsections, but why, oh why, does it happen? More discouraging still is that you can work out like mad, eat very healthily, and still be plagued by abdominal fat that refuses to budge. It used to be that there wasn’t much you could do...
One of the biggest disappointments in life is working really hard at something, but the results don’t come. It’s beyond frustrating — think cakes that fall in the oven, a lovingly tended plant that never blooms, or a test you flunk, despite studying. The same holds true when you do...
Have you experienced the supreme frustration of practicing the cleanest eating and never skipping a workout for months — maybe even years — on end, but still end up dissatisfied because stubborn pockets of fat in your “problem areas” just will not let go? Though you might feel all alone,...
Injectable dermal fillers restore a youthfulness to your face, but did you know they’re also aesthetic multi-taskers that rejuvenate other parts of body parts? Dr. Sharon Gertzman has great expertise in skillfully administering fillers to her patients and appropriately matching specific treatments to a patient’s unique cosmetic goal, and she’s...
Do you dearly wish that a textural overhaul was possible for your skin? Not only does your skin’s saggy, crepey appearance or permanent, unsightly acne scarring tank your self-confidence, how you feel about your appearance profoundly impacts your overall well-being. If you’re overweight, diet and exercise can do the trick,...
Injectable agents have revolutionized the anti-aging landscape, but sometimes it’s confusing to keep track of and differentiate between the different products available. Some smooth and relax your skin by limiting the movement of your facial muscles through the injection of small amounts of neurotoxins — BotoxⓇ is the original injectable...
Healthcare has become a quagmire of bureaucracy as well as a source of financial stress for patients and physicians alike, but one care model that’s gaining ground not only benefits both groups, but offers real advantages when it comes to quality of care, efficiency, and a patient-centered approach. Concierge medicine...
Time, stress, and the elements all take a steep toll on your skin, and their combined effects can make you look older and more tired than you are. Your concerns may be allover signs of aging or a trouble spot, like undereye bags. The exciting news is that more minimally...
Acne gives your self-esteem dual blows: pustules, excess oil, blackheads, and painful red cysts that develop deep in your skin undermine your confidence, and the scars are constant reminders of the past skin eruptions, some years old. Acne scars are usually considered permanent, but the advanced treatments that Dr. Sharon...
As you brave the winds of winter, your layers of warm clothing may keep you toasty, but they also hide body flaws — the stubborn, lumpy, bumpy problem areas that dieting and exercise just don’t seem to budge. Bathing suit weather is only a few short months from now, and...
Membership, whether it’s a book club, subscription service, or professional association, brings with it many benefits, from learning and connecting to getting exactly what you need with the least amount of hassle. Did you know there’s a patient-friendly care membership model that’s just as popular? Dr. Sharon Gerztman offers concierge...
The term “concierge medicine” is a hot one these days, but what does it really mean? At its core, this streamlined approach to patient care is truly centered around the patient. Concierge medicine offers the most customized care you can imagine, with virtually unlimited access to your doctor and much...
It seemed like a great idea — at the time. You know, the tattoo you thought was cutting edge, original, and reflective of who you were then. If you feel differently now, you’re not out of luck. There’s a tattoo removal method that’s safe, comfortable, and most of all, effective!...
You’re as young as you feel. At least that’s how the saying goes. You might have the energy and attitude of a teenager, but what if your face doesn’t match your youthful feeling? Fine lines around your lips, forehead wrinkles, and smile lines are just a few things that age...
Do you work out religiously and eat super cleanly but feel disappointed with problem areas of your body where the fat absolutely refuses to budge? You may have a tendency to retain weight in certain spots due to heredity and body type. If you struggle with having a larger belly,...
Who doesn’t love to feel the sun’s rays and warmth as we enter this much-anticipated summer season? But, it’s common knowledge that if you’re planning to be out in the sun, protection is critical in the forms of high SPF sunscreen, hats, and outdoor areas with plenty of shade. One...
We wish certain things could last forever — a stunning bouquet of flowers, an artistic masterpiece, and even true love, for example. You may have made what you thought was a permanent — and sound — decision when you got that tattoo you now truly regret. Relax. There’s a removal...
Time and the sun are the enemies of firm, glowing skin. If you’ve become discouraged by creases, sagging, and other issues that make your skin less than radiant, don’t lose hope. There’s an option that’s noninvasive, painless, and a proven success available to you. Dr. Sharon Gertzman has devoted her...
You know the drill: foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, highlighter, brows, shadow, liner, mascara, lips. You’re so accustomed to the routine, you could do it in your sleep. But there may be an essential part of your beauty ritual that you’ve overlooked. It’s one that could make your morning go faster...
The holiday season seems to start earlier every year – so it's never too early to start thinking about the best ways to enhance your look for winter parties and seasonal social events. At Serenity Medical Spa of Pennington, New Jersey, we can get you looking your best with minimal...
Anti-aging treatments like injectables and fillers are continuing to gain popularity, thanks to their noninvasive nature, low incidence of side effects, and visible aesthetic results. Injectables could become a part of your regular beauty routine. Sharon Gertzman, DO, and the aesthetics team at Serenity Medical Spa in Pennington, New Jersey,...
Imagine you’re outside on a hot, summer day, swimming in a pool or wading in the ocean. The feel of the sun’s rays on your skin may seem like the ultimate gift, a warm, welcome change from the colder days you know are just around the corner. But is it...
Whether you got your tattoo on the spur of the moment or planned ahead, it’s common to regret the decision. But the days of living with those unwanted tattoos are a thing of the past. At Serenity Medical Spa in Pennington, New Jersey, Dr. Sharon Gertzman performs tattoo removal with...
No matter how well you care for your skin, at some point, sun exposure, stress, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, age, and even your genetics are going to catch up with you. That’s when you’re going to start to notice some unpleasant changes that can alter the way you look and...
Summer is here, and with it are lots of opportunities to bask and relax in the warm sunshine. Spending time outdoors is one of the prime pleasures of summer, but if you have rosacea — a skin condition that causes chronic redness and acne-like breakouts — it can also be a...
Acne is the most common skin disease in the U.S. It affects as many as 50 million people every year according to the American Academy of Dermatology. While in some cases, acne sufferers will leave most of their acne-related memories behind once they leave the teen years and their breakouts subside, many...
Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise are certainly important steps for losing excess pounds. But sometimes, no matter how committed you are to watching what you eat and being physically active, you can still wind up with areas of stubborn fat that just won’t budge, no matter...
It’s a safe bet nobody really likes to see wrinkles when they look in the mirror. But unfortunately, as we get older, wrinkles start to become unavoidable. And that leaves a lot of us looking for ways to smooth out those creases and folds so our skin looks younger and...
It was 20 below in Chicago last week, but here in Pennington, we're already looking forward to summer with days on the beach, the boardwalk, and the pool not far into the future. Shouldn't your body be as ready as you are for warmer weather? It can be when you get one of...
Whether you love her or hate her, it’s hard not to admire Gwyneth Paltrow’s glowing, youthful skin. Her skin secret, and reportedly one of her beauty obsessions, is microneedling. And she’s not the only celebrity touting the benefits of this noninvasive skin rejuvenation procedure. Naomi Watts, Jennifer Aniston, and at...
As many as 33% of men and women who get tattoos later have regrets. And at one time, a tattoo was a permanent and indelible reminder of their questionable decision. Now, though, laser treatment provides a second chance for those with second thoughts. But not all tattoo removal lasers are...
Whether you’ve just started noticing the signs of aging or you’ve been battling jowls and turkey neck for a while, you have more options than ever to go back to younger-looking skin. In fact, with the help of an expert doctor and a regularly scheduled treatment plan, you can keep...
Our skin’s primary function is to serve as our first line of defense against environmental elements. It keeps us safe day in and day out. Taking proper care of your skin is one of the best ways to keep yourself looking young and healthy. Dr. Sharon Gertzman offers a plethora of skin-care...
Laser hair reduction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorbs the light, a process which destroys the hair. Before getting this treatment, you should consider some of the following pre-operative recommendations. If you are...
Do you look as good as you feel? Come in to Serenity Medical Spa and let board-certified physician Dr. Sharon Gertzman refresh your look with one of our many available dermal fillers such as Radiesse, Restylane, Restylane Lift, Belotero or Restylane Silk. You will be amazed at the instant gratification! Radiesse and...
Non-surgical injectable treatments, whether they be dermal fillers like Radiesse, Restylane, or Sculptra, or anti-wrinkle muscle inhibitors like Dysport, can do wonders for the aging process. These wrinkle solutions avoid the recovery time and commitment required with more invasive procedures. Radiesse, Restylane, and Sculptra can smooth and fill facial creases...
The ProFx laser is an exciting treatment for skin resurfacing that couples the safety of an Nd:YAG laser with the efficacy of a CO2 laser. This new technology allows Dr. Sharon Gertzman to see amazing improvements in acne scarring and deep wrinkles without the risks associated with CO2 lasers. Those who have...
If you are looking for a permanent way to achieve facial hair removal, laser technology offered by board-certified physician Dr. Sharon Gertzman is an effective option worth considering. When you come into our Pennington office for facial hair removal, Dr. Gertzman will apply a small amount of gel to the area being...
Over the years, there have been several improvements to laser skin resurfacing technology. Until now, procedures like Fraxel and CO2 lasers never really got to the level of effectiveness necessary to make them a desirable procedure for Dr. Sharon Gertzman. Thanks to the weekend skin peel, skin resurfacing can provide...
Here at Serenity Medical Spa, we have a variety of convenient and effective ways to treat freckles and dark spots. Using the latest in light technology, we can permanently remove those spots from your face or other parts of your body. For mild to moderate sun damage, you would receive Intense...
Most people assume the only way to erase fine lines and wrinkles is with Botox Cosmetic. However, at Serenity Medical Spa, board-certified physician Dr. Sharon Gertzman offers a similar treatment called Dysport, which is also comprised of botulinum toxin type A but is seen to be faster acting. Like Botox,...
Having smooth, healthy skin is important for a positive self-image. People who look older often feel older as a result, but this feeling doesn’t have to be permanent. Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler that can melt away years from your appearance. Radiesse can be used to correct multiple skin issues. It...
In several observational studies, Dysport seems to last longer than Botox, giving some patients over six months of smooth, wrinkle-free skin. Botox is typically known to lose effectiveness after about three months, which is essentially half the time of Dysport. There are virtually no side effects, other than a slight...
Photodynamic therapy is a popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure designed to remove facial blemishes. Many people have skin blemishes due to sun damage, redness, natural aging and a skin condition called rosacea. These blemishes can be caused by overexposure to the sun or simply genetics. With photo rejuvenation, skin along the...
ProFractional laser resurfacing is an advanced technique that uses the power and accuracy of lasers to revitalize skin. The benefits of this technique include the removal of fine lines and wrinkles, sunspots, acne scars and surgical scars. For rejuvenation purposes, the ProFractional laser is excellent for resurfacing the skin for a...
Though aging is a natural part of life, it often can leave us looking much older and more tired than we actually feel. Decreased volume and elasticity in the skin and the formation of wrinkles and lines are often caused by a loss of collagen and elastin protein. Radiesse is a volumizing...
Ultherapy is a non-surgical ultrasound tightening treatment for your skin. It’s used to reverse the effects of the aging process of your skin, and it is completely safe and clinically proven. Ultherapy makes use of the regenerative process of your own body to treat the skin. The skin around the...
PicoSure tattoo removal, an FDA-approved procedure, makes use of laser technology for removing unwanted tattoos. In the PicoSure tattoo-removal procedure, short energy bursts used. These bursts are measured in picoseconds, a unit of time that represents a trillionth of a second. They cause tattoo ink to break down into small...
Radio wave or radiofrequency surgery is used to remove warts, moles, skin tags, and more. The procedure utilizes radio waves that pass into your skin to reshape or remove a lesion. Depending on the type of the lesion, the electrodes used are either a wire loop, fine needle, or scalpel...
Everyone has a different facial structure and defining features. For some, it is their eyes; for other, it might be their lips. Unfortunately, the signs of aging are unavoidable. We are all subject to them as we grow older. The first signs of aging, much to everyone’s misfortune, appear on...
Most fitness goals usually involve looking more toned and losing weight. The feeling of being able to look and feel great is one like no other. Hence, you make exercise and meal plans that you follow religiously. Often, it happens that you follow your plan diligently and lose weight but...
Waxing, shaving, and threading are among the most common ways to eliminate body hair, but the hair on the face, arms, and legs always come back, making these practices tedious and incredibly annoying. Wouldn’t it be great if you had the option to get rid of all of your excess...
Botox is one of the most popular anti-wrinkle and anti-aging cosmetic treatments in the world. It provides men and women a means of reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines without a surgical procedure. The unprecedented success of this treatment has led to quite a large number of misconceptions...
Sculptra is an injectable that is composed of poly-l-lactic acid, an active ingredient that is used for rejuvenating collagen production. It can help you improve the look and texture of your skin for a more youthful and vibrant appearance. WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER THE TREATMENT This treatment is a safe...
For many years, liposuction has been the most popular treatment for removing excess fat deposits. Overtime, innovations have been made to improve the effectiveness of the procedure and enhance the results. These innovations lead to different types of liposuction techniques. One such technique is SmartLipo, a laser based liposuction procedure...
ProFactional laser resurfacing is one of the most advanced resurfacing treatments available on the market. The focused laser energy is used to remove the top layers of the skin. The primary objective of laser skin resurfacing is to make the skin smoother, tighter, and more even in tone, texture, and...
Have you ever imagined what it would have been like if you didn’t have to do your makeup every morning and have more time to do other things to get your day started? Fortunately, that dream is now possible. You may be asking yourself, “how can that be?” The answer...
Rosacea is a very common skin problem that millions of people have to deal with everyday. This condition will persist until it is given proper medical and personal care. It usually presents itself in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years old and women are more prone to...
In order to properly understand the benefits of medical acupuncture, we first have to understand what it is. Acupuncture is a holistic technique that hails from traditional Chinese medicine that dates back 2500 years ago. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just used for pain relief. Instead, it is used...
The demand for non-invasive alternatives to cosmetic surgery has grown exponentially in the last few years and is projected to continue growing for the next five years. Among the fastest-growing treatments is microneedling, a minimally invasive treatment that triggers the body to create new collagen and elastin by creating tiny...