VISIT YOUR DOCTOR — OR A SPA

Varicose veins, spider veins, and cellulite can all blemish an otherwise mini-ready body. "Approximately 60% of the population is affected by spider or varicose veins during their lifetime," says Dr. Arielle Kauvar, director of New York Laser & Skin Care and a clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. Kauvar notes that while the basis of these unsightly veins may be genetic (thanks, Mom), "they will worsen with pregnancies, hormonal supplementation and occupations that require standing for long periods of time."

Even if you're affected by all three, the good news is that both spider veins and reticular veins — blue-green veins that don't bulge like varicose veins — are treatable, and new options are less intrusive. Sclerotherapy, an older technique, uses a hair-size needle to inject an inflammation-causing chemical directly into the vein; the vein eventually closes up and is absorbed by the body over a period of weeks.

A newer laser process is relatively painless and effective¬ in 95% of patients, according to Caviar. In a 20-minute session, the laser's high-intensity light is absorbed by the blood vessel, heating it from the inside out. Without breaking the outside skin, the vessel closes up and dies.

Each of these procedures can cost $200-$500 per session, and most patients require multiple sessions to erase evidence of problem veins.

As for cellulite, while the medical community isn't encouraging — "There are currently no good treatments for cellulite," says Caviar — a visit to a spa or salon might offer a more upbeat prognosis. The Cellulite Endermologie Center uses a specialized machine to perform a deep massage on the affected area, which the center claims reduces the appearance of cellulite by stimulating blood flow. And the Faina European Day Spa offers an hour-long anti-cellulite body wrap with aromatherapy (so you smell as good as you feel).

Kauvar cautions that these remedies are temporary and require continual upkeep — but who objects to having regular massages?

If you're interested in a more cosmetic strategy (and are loath to give up your summer glow), a sculpted spray-on tan may make calves and thighs appear more toned. "It's like shading," says Cindy Barshop, the owner of Completely Bare, a spa which offers the service. "It's the same thing when you shade your face to make your cheekbones more pronounced — that's what we try to do with the tan."