There are many top aging skin myths dermatologists wish patients would stop believing. One popular myth is that expensive or luxury brands are better. The psychology of assuming something is of better quality just because it has a higher price tag is not necessarily true. Products have advantages or disadvantages based on ingredients and your skin’s reaction to those ingredients. Most topical creams are just that, topical, meaning they do not penetrate deeper layers of skin. Even facials do not usually provide significant change to the skin in relation to anti-aging regardless of the cost. On the other end of the spectrum, patients should not seek the fountain of youth in their kitchen cabinets. DIY treatments, or even organic products, are not necessarily effective anti-aging ingredients. Just because something is natural does not mean it is right for your skin. Poison ivy is natural, but you would not want to rub it all over your body. Another myth debunked is that it is best to use every product in a skin care line. While a combination of cleansers, toners, moisturizers and serums can provide balance to your skin, it can also cause redness and irritation especially if too many products begin to clog your pores.

The reality of aging skin is that it is best to seek the advice of a dermatologist for a customized treatment plan. At minimum, dermatologists recommend daily use of a sunscreen, a cleanser for your face along with full makeup removal (Vaseline is inexpensive makeup remover that also hydrates the skin) and a retinol product addition to your regimen.  

The best way to get your skin to glow is from the inside out. Changing your diet to “eat the rainbow” of colorful fruits and veggies as well as lean protein, eliminating dairy, reducing sugar intake, drinking lots of water to hydrate and detoxify the skin and maintaining a consistent fitness routine that will increase blood flow to improve circulation of oxygen and nutrients all while doing wonders for your skin. 

For more aging skin myths, realities, and remedies, schedule an appointment with THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology to evaluate your skin. Call 602-867-7546 or book conveniently online at WEBSITE.

To help men develop healthy skin care routines, dermatologists recommend these solutions for men: check the labels and ingredients on the products you use, be aware of your shaving technique, check your skin regularly for any changes that include spots or moles that may be early indicators of skin cancer, and daily you should cleanse, moisturize, and protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or higher when you plan to be outdoors. Men’s skincare has come a long way from your grandfather’s skincare routine of washing his face with the same old bar of soap and soaking up blood with bits of toilet paper from shaving nicks. Today, men are encouraged and enticed with a wide variety of over-the-counter cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliators, razors, shaving cream, beard oil, and even popular cosmetic dermatology treatments that include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, fillers, laser therapy, tattoo removal, Botox, and facials, also dubbed “macials” or (facials for men). These facial treatments address the greatest of concerns for men that include ingrown hairs, flaky skin, razor burn, deep cleansing, blood circulation, and overall rejuvenation.  

Men deserve smooth, clear, and more youthful-looking skin as much as women do. However, men often fare better than their female counterparts when it comes to aging. Although once an overlooked demographic as skincare was akin to a woman’s nightly beauty regimen, many brands now advertise specifically to men and have begun to educate men on solutions for men: face facts. Men have different skin than women; in fact, men’s skin is about 25% thicker than women’s skin. Men also fortunately have a higher collagen density that aids in skin cell turnover. While men are blessed with the benefits of skin that appears more plump and supple for longer, they also are prone to oily and greasy skin due to testosterone levels which can lead to clogged pores and congested skin. Men are also more likely to have irritated skin, mainly due to shaving and razor burn. Skincare solutions for men should include fragrance free and non-comedogenic products that protect the skin while shaving and a moisturizing after-shave product. Remember to care for extra sensitive parts of the face too, such as the thin skin around the eyes and the lips. These areas are susceptible to dehydration and wrinkles. Choose a good eye cream and lip balm to combat fine lines while nourishing the skin. 

As the largest organ of the body, skin covers all of us from head to toe. From scalp treatments to pedicures, men will benefit from timely maintenance and investment in their skin. To take the guesswork out of a skincare routine that works best for you, set up an appointment with a dermatologist at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology. Allow our experts to customize a treatment plan that will give you natural, healthy, glowing, yet masculine skin. Call 602-867-7546 or book online at WEBSITE. 

While facelift surgery is considered the gold standard for the most dramatic and effective treatment for loose and sagging skin, there are less invasive options to try before going under the scalpel. For those with mold to moderate loose or sagging skin, benefits of non-surgical treatments include a shorter procedures, less expensive, quicker recovery time, and fewer risks overall. 

There are many options to choose from, but the most notable surgery-free options to treat loose and sagging skin include dermal fillers, laser treatments, radiofrequency treatments, and ultrasound treatments. Varying degrees of these options will provide the modest to the most improved results for tightening and lifting. Injectable dermal fillers help restore the loss of collagen by plumping and firming the skin. Fillers such as hyaluronic acid are easily customize and not only increase volume but also lift areas of the skin. Laser skin tightening uses infrared light radiation to heat collagen within the skin, changing properties of the outer layer of collagen while stimulating the production of new collagen. Types of laser treatments include ablative, non-ablative, and fractional lasers and are dependent upon the severity of sagging and laxity in the skin. Radiofrequency treatments provide similar benefits to laser treatments by promoting and boosting collagen but are performed with electrical-based energy versus light. To penetrate deeper layers of the skin, ultrasound treatments are recommended. While ultrasound energy also stimulates collagen production, it has the bonus of a mechanical lifting effect to firm and improve neck and facial skin while also tightening and reducing jowls. Like ultrasound treatments, Eurothreads is a non-surgical technique where dissolvable threads are inserted into the dermis layer of skin to lift and tighten the skin. This treatment option is best for loose and sagging skin in the lower half of the face whereas dermal fillers are better reserved with the top half of the face.

Most surgery-free options to treat loose or sagging skin involve stimulating the body’s creation of new collagen, the natural protein produced by the body that gives skin it’s youthful glow, firmness, and elasticity. If you are looking for options to rejuvenate and refresh your skin, allow us at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology to detail our treatment choices and help you select the best fit for you. Schedule your consultation by calling 602-867-7546 or booking online at WEBSITE.

Whether you have started to notice laugh lines at the outer corners of your mouth, crow’s feet around the eyes, or the inevitable forehead wrinkles staring back at you in the mirror, as you see the signs of aging grace your face you may be wondering if cosmetic surgery is worth exploring. Once upon a time facelifts were reserved for the elderly but that is not the case anymore. Patients who opt for a facelift are becoming younger and younger. In fact, people in their mid-forties often have the best results but the optimal age to consider a facelift depends on a variety of factors. 

The best candidates for a facelift are those between the ages of 40 to 60 with noticeable signs of aging. These symptoms include sagging or loose skin in the face and neck, deep crease lines and folds around the nose and mouth, drooping jowls, sunken or hollow cheeks, and extra fat deposits along the chin or jawline. If done properly, a facelift can help take ten years off your appearance. Types of facelift procedures include a mini facelift, deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, mid-facelift, neck lift, and traditional facelift. Depending on your aesthetic goals and the condition of your skin if you are in your thirties or forties you might opt for a mini facelift or one of the facelift options that targets a specific region of the face or neck. A full facelift is more ideal for moderate to severe signs of aging that may be more suitable for patients who are a little older. Everyone ages differently and at different rates. If you find you are at a point where you are unhappy with your reflection and are tired of temporary solutions, you are likely at that age, whatever that number may be, to consider a facelift.

Age is just a number, but with facelift options at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology you won’t have to look it. If you are in good physical health, you are able and willing to commit to the recovery process, and you are emotionally ready to change your appearance that includes tightening the skin, restoring volume, removing excess fat, and rejuvenating your features for a fully refreshed and more youthful look, it is time to consider a facelift. Take the first step to loving your appearance again by scheduling your consultation with THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology by calling 602-867-7546 or booking conveniently online at WEBSITE.

Facelift surgery is known to help patients look up to 10 years younger. While a facelift can provide stunning, dramatic and life changing results, realistic expectations are an important part of the process. Although likely a primary reason, age is not the only factor when considering facelift surgery. For optimal results, the best candidates for surgery are usually between the ages of 40 to 60 years old but it is possible for patients to be older. Aging impacts people to different degrees for a variety of reasons including genetics, diet, skincare, ethnicity and other factors. Age is but a number after all and other considerations such as smoking habits, cardiovascular function and overall health will determine the likelihood of any complications during surgery. 

Candidates for a facelift need to meet certain criteria prior to surgery. One of these will be the ability to undergo the stress and duration of the surgical procedure including the anesthesia and recovery. Studies regarding facelift results with women of varying ages have shown that candidates over the age of 60 generally had the same complication rate as their younger counterparts. Ultimately the doctor’s clearance regarding a clean bill of health for withstanding surgery without complications will determine eligibility. 

Facelift surgery is designed to improve visible signs of aging on the face and neck. Typical signs include sagging skin and excess wrinkles especially in the lower face and jowls. Although there are no strict requirements regarding age limit, a patient does need enough flexible skin for maximum success. 

To find out if facelift surgery is right for you, no matter your age, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology invites you to come in for a full evaluation of facial anatomy, physical health, and what you hope to achieve with surgery. Book your consultation today by calling 602-867-7546 or filling out our patient request form here at WEBSITE. Let us help guide you to achieving the most natural results possible, no matter your age. 

If almost every woman has cellulite, why does it not look like it? Not every picture, video or real-life encounter is airbrushed. Is it true that almost every woman has cellulite? Cellulite is indeed very common; upwards of 90% of women have some degree of cellulite. Often referred to as “orange peel skin” or the dreaded “cottage cheese thighs” women tend to develop this harmless skin condition known as cellulite that causes lumpy dimples in the skin on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. 

Cellulite is nothing to be ashamed of and women everywhere are realizing more and more that their worth is not tied to the flawlessness of their skin. The good news is that the myth that women develop cellulite due to toxicity buildup, bad eating habits and poor lifestyle has been dispelled. Many factors contribute to cellulite beginning with the simple fact that you are a woman. Female hormones play a huge role as estrogen increases the activity of fat cells and stimulates enzymes responsible for fat growth. Men and women have different collagen structures. Combined with weaker connective tissue and larger fat cells, women naturally store the perfect trifecta necessary to create cellulite. Men have a tighter structure of connective tissue that is formed in a crisscross pattern that helps maintain the smoothness of the skin whereas the connective tissue for women is formed in vertical columns allowing for fat to press against or bulge over the columns altering the appearance of the skin. Women also have 3 layers of subcutaneous fat compared to just 1 layer in men. In addition, cellulite for women is attributed to genetics, body fat percentage, decrease in collagen, poor blood circulation and natural aging. 

Almost every woman has cellulite, and it is not something that should affect your day-to-day life. Muscle tone and a healthy diet may help to improve the appearance of cellulite. Treatments that boost collagen production are also beneficial options for addressing cellulite. If cellulite is a true concern, it’s best to contact a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your options as there are several treatments that can help but they require a physician’s intervention. Your body and your goals are as unique as the treatment combinations available to you. 

At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology, we care about helping you reach body positivity for both the health and appearance of your skin. For a full list of our dermatological services, click here WEBSITE. To schedule an appointment, contact our office by calling 602-867-7546.

Lasers in dermatology can be used for more than just hair removal. Laser treatments can be used for all sorts of skin conditions including pigmented lesions, tattoo removal, facial wrinkles, scars, sun-damaged skin, acne, rosacea, birthmarks and broken blood vessels. Laser skin resurfacing delivers a supercharged solution to effectively produce better, firmer skin.  

Dermatologists at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology will work with you to find the best laser treatment option for you. Many patients benefit from repeat procedures or a combination of treatments. While microdermabrasion, micro needling and chemical peels may help you achieve similar results, laser treatments are considered the gold standard for providing dewy, rejuvenated skin faster. Resurfacing laser treatments are categorized as ablative, non-ablative and fractional. These lasers harness the power of heat and light to improve skin imperfections.

Ablative lasers are considered the most powerful because they remove both the dermis, the top layer of skin, and part of the dermis, second layer of skin. Ablative lasers deliver an intense wavelength of light to the skin. The controlled vaporization of skin cells stimulates the growth of collagen, a protein that improves skin firmness and texture. As the epidermis heals and regrows, the treated area appears smoother and tighter. Wrinkles are softened, fine lines fade, sunspots are lightened and the skin looks younger and refreshed.

Non-ablative laser treatments are gentler and far less invasive than the ablative lasers. Non-ablative lasers, also referred to as non-wounding lasers, deliver energy beneath the skin’s surface, deeper into the tissue without destroying it. They work to stimulate collagen production just like ablative lasers but because they do not injure the outer layer of skin, it will take multiple treatments to achieve the same effect. 

Fractional lasers differ in that they deliver heat and light in a pixelated way, meaning that instead of targeting or destroying skin on 100% of the skin, the laser beam is divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones that target a fraction of skin at a time, giving patients a medium option between the ablative and non-ablative treatment options. 

Want to know more about laser treatments for an airbrushed glow? Call THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or visit our website at WEBSITE.

While there are many over- the- counter topical ointments and creams available, toenail fungus rarely responds without prescription strength solutions. Dermatologists can treat toenail fungus with prescriptions to begin a successful treatment regimen. However, if you would like to try home remedy solutions first, many people have found success with the following: VapoRub, snakeroot extract, tea tree oil, oregano oil, olive leaf extract, ozonated oils, vinegar, Listerine, garlic, and adjustments to diet including an increase to protein and iron intake. 

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is very common. Signs and symptoms include scaling or buildup of the skin below the nail, easily broken corners or tips of the toenail, flakiness or pitting in the nail’s surface, yellow spots on the bottom of the nails, distorted toenail growth, toenails that lift away from the cuticle, thickened nails, loss of toenails, foul smelling odor and white, yellow, or darkened streaks on the surface of the nail.

Fungal nail infections can spread to other nails and the skin causing dermatological issues or ringworm. Fungi are common in damp places. Toenail fungus symptoms can be prevented by a few simple practices including keeping your feet dry. After bathing or swimming, be sure to wash thoroughly with soap and completely dry your feet. Change socks or hosiery daily and change out shoes regularly. Wear shoes that fit properly. Wear synthetic fiber socks that provide wicking to reduce moisture. When trimming your toenails be sure to clean the trimmer before use and cut straight along the top of the nail without rounding the edges. Common cuts or tears to the nail occur from accidental or aggressive trimming. Public communal areas such as hotel rooms or showers, locker rooms, pools, and any general area you may be barefoot presents an opportunity for fungus to grow. Avoid going barefoot and opt for flip flops instead. 

Beyond cosmetic concerns, a severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to the nails. Widespread infection of toenail fungal infection is concerning for those with diabetes or chronic conditions that weaken the immune system. If toenail fungus spreads to the skin causing it to crack, bacteria can enter in causing cellulitis, a condition that causes red, swollen, and tender skin. The spreading of fungus from the nails can also cause athlete’s foot around the surrounding skin. 

Tired of foot pain or the unsightly look of those discolored toenails? To find relief from toenail fungus symptoms and more, schedule your appointment today. THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology is dedicated to your care and comfort. Call 602-867-7546 or WEBSITE to book now. 

If you search online long enough, you will find a variety of creams, ointments, exercises, and treatments for cellulite. You will also find many articles that end with the fact that all women have cellulite, and you will just have to embrace the inevitable. But is that true? Is there no fix for cellulite, or at least mild improvement? What really works?

Here is the deal-it really is normal and natural to have cellulite. You should not let the appearance of cellulite diminish your confidence and distract you from all the ways you truly are beautiful. Often referred to as “cottage cheese thighs,” cellulite is the lumpy, dimpled flesh on the hips, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks that forms when fat cells below the skin push up against the skin’s connective tissues. In women, the fat cells and connective tissue are arranged vertically. If the fat cells protrude into the layer of skin, this gives the appearance of cellulite. In men, the tissue is stronger and has a crisscross structure with less subcutaneous fat which means they are less likely to develop cellulite. With that, women often assume fat, or extra weight, is the culprit for cellulite but the number on the scale rarely coincides with how much cellulite you have. 

Regular exercise, drinking plenty of water and eating well are not only the best options for an overall healthy life but can go a long way to easily and naturally reducing the appearance of cellulite. Adding muscle and plumping the skin with hydration from foods and water can really do wonders for your skin’s laxity and smoothness. You may also find that dry brushing or using a fascia blaster can help fade the look of cellulite. For the most effective option, it would be worth your time to seek the advice of a dermatologist. Laser treatment options have proven to be effective. The heat provided by the laser can reduce the thickness of the subcutaneous layer, releasing some the connective tissue known as fibrous septae that pulls the skin down causing cellulite, stimulating collagen production to help plump the skin and improving the skin’s elasticity and texture. Non-laser treatments include both radiofrequency and injections. Seeking the experience and skill of a board-certified dermatologist will help you determine which treatment option would be most effective for you. 

To have your skin evaluated, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or WEBSITE. THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology offers many advanced techniques and procedures for your body concerns. You can achieve your aesthetic goals of smoother and firmer skin with a variety of effective options. To learn more about cellulite treatments and the best ways to refresh and revitalize your skin, give us a call today!

Kybella has been dubbed the “double chin eliminator.” While Kybella is designed to eliminate small pockets of excess fat below the chin, it is not the right procedure for everyone. For some patients, it may not offer enough of a dramatic change, and you may elect to combine a Kybella procedure with another cosmetic treatment such as dermal fillers. Fillers at the jawline in addition to Kybella can help define the area between the face and the neck. 

Who is a good candidate for Kybella? Good candidates are those who have extra fullness below the chin. Kybella is a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid that is injected into a targeted area to break down and absorb fat. Submental fullness, double chin, is often associated with being overweight but once you have reached your ideal or stable weight, you may find that genetics and aging are the real culprits for the extra fat left behind. If diet and exercise have been prioritized and stubborn fat remains, you may be a good candidate for Kybella. Skin elasticity is another consideration for Kybella treatments as Kybella does not treat sagging skin and is not the most effective treatment for tightening of the skin. If you have a significant amount of fat below the chin, liposuction may be a better option. However, Kybella is also a great alternative for those who want visible, lasting results without invasive surgery. Lastly, good candidates will also rule out anyone with microgenia, a weak chin bone condition caused early in life, or anyone with neck muscle conditions. In some cases, Botox may be recommended for those who are not good candidates for Kybella. 

Good candidates for Kybella will also be aware that results will be achieved over time. Best results may require 6 treatments over 6 months to achieve. Kybella does not require any prep work by the patient ahead of time so the only thing you need to do is set your appointment. THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology has a team of board-certified dermatologists ready to answer your questions and provide you with solutions for a better contour and the vision you hope to see when you look in the mirror. Call today at 602-867-7546or book online at WEBSITE.