Does Kybella Work for a Double Chin?

A double chin is defined as a roll of fatty skin that is situated beneath your chin that makes it appear as if you have two chins, hence the name, double chin. This can be caused as a part of the natural aging process, genetics or a response to weight fluctuation.

The dreaded double chin can affect people of all sizes and ages – it doesn’t discriminate. Home remedies and exercises may help you feel like you’re making a difference, but the reality is that they’re never really going to produce dramatic results.

Kybella is a non-surgical procedure that is capable of eliminating a double chin and dramatically improving one’s appearance. Kybella is an injectable solution that is placed beneath the chin to permanently destroy the fat cells that cause a double chin. The active ingredient in Kybella, synthetic deoxycholic acid, is a naturally occurring molecule in our body that helps break down fat. Your metabolism processes the fat cleared from the treatment area.

Every patient is different, but the benefits of Kybella can generally be seen after as few as two or three treatments. In some cases, as many as six treatments might be necessary to receive the maximum benefit.

After your Kybella treatment, you should expect some swelling and redness. You may also experience bruising, pain, numbness and firmness in the injection site. This will normally last less than 5 days, and for some patients may last up to 14 days. You may have slight swelling of the area for up to a month.

Kybella must be administered by a highly trained professional for your safety and optimal results. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com today.

Posted: April 28, 2019 By:

Should I Get My Moles Checked?

A mole (nevus) is a pigmented (colored) spot on the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Moles can be round, oval, flat or raised. They can occur singly or in clusters on any part of the body. Most moles are brown, but colors can range from pinkish flesh tones to yellow, dark blue or black. Most people have at least a few moles. Usually, other than during puberty and pregnancy, a mole’s color and shape do not change.

If you have moles, it’s a good idea to have them checked by a dermatologist, especially if you notice any changes to them. A changing mole can be a cause for concern and should always be brought to your doctor’s attention. While it’s normal to develop new growths as we get older, a recent change in a mole’s appearance, such as darkening in color or rapid growth, or new symptoms, like itching or bleeding, could indicate that it’s turning into a skin cancer. Your doctor may recommend a skin biopsy to remove the growth and send it to the lab to find out what it is. This is a fairly simple procedure that can be done in the office under local anesthesia (similar to the numbing you get at the dentist).

Although it may sound scary, when skin cancer is caught early, it is nearly 100% curable. It is important to check your moles regularly for changes in their appearance.

Dr. Holy in Phoenix recommends using the ABC’s of moles to determine if they need further examination:

A – Asymmetry

B – Border irregularity

C – Color variations: blue, brown or black, sometimes white or red spots

D – Diameter: greater than six millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser)

E – Elevation: raised above the surface of the skin

If you’ve never had your moles checked or if you notice any of the changes listed above, contact Dr. Holy promptly for an evaluation. Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule an appointment.

Posted: April 21, 2019 By:

Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Safe?

Few of us are lucky enough to have smooth, flawless skin. Maintaining a youthful, clear complexion gets even more difficult as we age—our skin begins to show the effects of sun damage, habits such as smoking or tanning, and the natural aging process.

Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of your face by selectively targeting the superficial layers of skin that contain fine lines or deeper wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation or discoloration. Laser skin resurfacing can help improve skin tone, texture and appearance by removing dull, damaged skin and promoting the skin’s natural healing process. Following treatment, healthier, more youthful-looking skin emerges to reveal a more radiant, clear complexion.

What skin problems can laser resurfacing treat?

Laser resurfacing can be used to improve the following skin conditions:

  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Fine lines & wrinkles
  • Dullness
  • Vascular lesions
  • Precancerous growths
  • Rosacea
  • Age spots, sun spots and sun damage
  • Textural irregularities
  • Lip lines or smoker’s lines
  • Acne scars
  • Surgical scars
  • Skin laxity (sagging skin)

Side effects of laser skin resurfacing include swelling, redness and itching, which should subside within a few days. The full recovery time ranges between one and two weeks, depending on the intensity of the procedure, and several follow-up appointments will be required. For some patients, full skin pigmentation may not return until 6 months to a year after the treatment. It’s important for patients to avoid sun exposure and use sun protection.

When it comes to a skin treatment such as laser skin resurfacing, safety should always be a primary concern. When performed by a highly trained, experienced provider, laser skin treatments are safe and carry minimal risk. However, since some lasers affect skin pigment, certain laser resurfacing treatments may not be suitable for darker or tanned skin. To learn more about laser skin resurfacing in Phoenix or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting mddermsolutions.com.

Posted: April 14, 2019 By:

How Long Does Swelling from Kybella Last?

Excess fat under the chin is a common complaint among patients in Phoenix, affecting people of all ages. Submental (under the chin) fat is commonly called a double chin. It can impact the lines of the neck and jawline, add years to your appearance, and make a person who is trim and fit look older and overweight. At The Center for Advanced Dermatology, we offer a non-invasive treatment to correct this issue.

Kybella is a non-surgical procedure that is capable of eliminating a double chin and dramatically improving one’s appearance. The Kybella treatment is quick, virtually painless and requires little to no recovery time.

Some patients notice post-treatment swelling. This is common and should only last for a short period of time. For most, Kybella swelling will typically peak about 20 to 28 hours after injection and will likely dissipate after 48 hours.

On rare occasions, swelling may last a bit longer, particularly if you receive a larger dosage. Patients with large amounts of fat underneath their chin and sagging skin may experience more significant swelling and for a longer period.

Tips to Reduce Swelling

Although most patients experience swelling for just 48 hours after their treatment, the faster your swelling goes away, the sooner you can see your beautiful results. Here are a few simple tips to help reduce Kybella swelling:

  • Receive small doses of Kybella across multiple treatments. The smaller your dose is, the less swelling you will experience.
  • Don’t massage the treatment area after you receive Kybella. Touching the treatment area can lead to more swelling in some patients. It’s best to leave the area alone to ensure a speedy recovery.
  • Natural supplements such as Arnica and Bromelain may be taken before and after treatment to help reduce discomfort and swelling.

Though you may experience swelling for a short period of time, the long-lasting results of Kybella are definitely worth it. After a few treatments, your double chin should disappear! To learn more about Kybella or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

Posted: April 7, 2019 By:

Do You Peel After Micro Needling?

Micro needling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to improve skin via collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment may help with a variety of skin issues. Micro needling is most often used on facial skin to target:

  • Acne scars
  • Age spots (also called sun spots)
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Large pores
  • Other types of scars
  • Reduced skin elasticity
  • Uneven skin tone

Micro needling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. Micro needling creates a large number of tiny punctures on the skin. The idea is that pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.

It is normal for the skin to peel after micro needling treatments within a few days. When a new layer of skin is produced, the old skin begins peeling off. The peeling is typically minimal, similar to the peeling that occurs following a mild sunburn.

Another common side effect of micro needling is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days. These reactions to the micro needling treatment are so mild that you can go back to work or your regular activities immediately following the procedure. Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is a must.

After micro needling, your skin works fairly quickly to rejuvenate new tissue. Typically, you should see results within a couple of weeks.

To maintain the results of micro needling, you’ll need multiple sessions. During a consultation in Phoenix, Dr. Holy will advise you on the best treatment plan based on your individual goals. To schedule an appointment, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting mddermsolutions.com.

Posted: March 31, 2019 By:

Are Dermal Fillers Painful?

Dermal fillers allow us to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin without downtime and without surgery. However, the thought of injections makes some patients feel a bit hesitant. The good news is, dermal filler injections are not painful for most patients.

Dermal fillers can be used all over the face; the cheeks, lips, under the eyes, around the nose and mouth. This is important when discussing comfort. Injections around the eyes, lips and cheeks are typically less uncomfortable than ones made around the mouth and nasal area. The reason for this is in relation to the facial anatomy. These areas that may be a bit more sensitive to the injections have a higher number of nerves that supply the skin and deeper layers.

Another factor to consider is the thickness or density of the filler. Fillers that are injected deeper (for example cheeks) require a thicker filler in order to provide structural support for the tissue and skin layers above. This can be associated with a sensation of fullness or tightness in the treatment area. This doesn’t mean it will be painful, but it is a sensation you should expect to have for a short period after your filler treatment.

The needles used for dermal filler treatments are extremely small and cause very little to no bleeding/trauma to the treatment area. Although the administration of dermal fillers is usually painless, some discomfort, swelling, redness and itching are all considered possible side effects of dermal fillers.

In general, patients find dermal fillers extremely tolerable. Patients often leave our office pleasantly surprised about how comfortable the treatments are.

To learn more about dermal fillers in Phoenix or to schedule a treatment with Dr. Holy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com today.

Posted: March 24, 2019 By:

Preparing for Botox

Once you’ve decided that Botox is the right treatment for you to achieve a more youthful, aesthetically pleasing look, you may wonder how to prepare yourself for Botox. Since treatments are relatively quick and uncomplicated, the best way to prepare for Botox is to inform yourself on what the procedure entails. Knowing what to expect is the best way to ensure your comfort and success.

Before Your Appointment: The first step in preparing for Botox treatments is finding the right medical provider. A great way to do this is to set up a consultation with a perspective Botox specialist. The consultation is a chance for you to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have.

Being Prepared for Botox Results: Although Botox is a simple, safe and quick procedure, it is important that, in preparing yourself for your Botox treatments, you have considered and prepared for all the possible results. There is a small list of potential risks and complications involved with Botox. Prepare for the possibility of temporary pain, headache or nausea by having an over the counter pain reliever on hand. Although pain is rare and typically mild and short-lived, it may help you feel more comfortable to be ready for it. Slight redness or bruising at the injection site is even less common than discomfort, but you may still want to be prepared in case you do experience either side effect. Even though preparing can help alleviate pre-Botox jitters, remember that Botox is considered one of the safest injectable treatments on the market, and for many, the benefits far outweigh the potential risks.

What to Expect from your Treatment: The day of your Botox procedure is very straightforward, and the best way to prepare is simply to know what to expect. After filling out some paperwork, you will be seated in a comfortable reclining chair. Dr. Holy will then determine where to administer your Botox injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles. The dosage amount is determined by the degree of the wrinkles and other factors. During your treatment, very low doses of the Botox product are administered via a few tiny injections into the muscles causing the wrinkles. The needles are very fine so there is virtually no pain and no anesthesia is required. The treatment is quick, usually taking only about 10 minutes and no recovery time is required. You can get on with your day right after the treatment.

To learn more about Botox in Phoenix, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting mddermsolutions.com.

Posted: March 17, 2019 By:

Are Chemical Peels Good for Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. It frequently affects teenagers but can also continue into or develop in adult life. Although common, many people do not know what acne is or what causes it.

Acne occurs when the small pores on the surface of the skin become blocked with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Each individual pore on the skin opens to a follicle beneath the epidermis. Within these follicles lie a singular hair and a sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces sebum, an oil designed to keep your skin moisturized.

When these oil glands are stimulated by hormonal changes or other factors, they become overactive and pump out excess oil. This oil combines with dead skin cells and bacteria to clog skin pores. Should these substances clump together, a plug will form. As this plug starts to press up against the surface of the skin, the body responds with an accumulation of red and white blood cells to combat any infection, and this results in inflammation and redness. Acne can occur on the face, back, neck, chest, arms and buttocks, and any other skin area with a saturation of sebaceous pores.

When topical medications do not provide satisfactory results for treating the appearance of acne, a clearer, healthy-looking complexion may be achieved with a chemical peel for acne or acne scars.

An acne chemical peel is performed by applying a chemical solution to the skin. The solution causes the skin to blister and peel over a period of several days. As the treated skin comes off, fresh new skin replaces it. This exfoliation caused by the acne skin peel eliminates or reduces the appearance of acne blemishes and scars. Acne chemical peel treatments provide benefits in addition to acne treatment by improving the skin’s pigmentation and make the skin smoother.

Most patients experience a sun burnt look with obvious peeling of the skin in the days after their first peel. This redness and peeling tends to be less pronounced with each consecutive peel. The number of treatments needed is dependent on the individual patient’s skin and the severity of their acne.

The best candidates for acne chemical peel treatments are people with superficial acne or acne scars. Individuals with severe or very active acne may not be good candidates for acne chemical peels.

It is important to speak with your dermatologist to determine whether or not a chemical peel is right for you. There are instances when a chemical peel is not recommended, such as during pregnancy or if you have cut or broken skin. It is also not advised to have a chemical peel if you have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea.

Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy.

Posted: March 10, 2019 By:

Do Chemical Peels Help with Wrinkles?

A chemical peel treatment is a procedure that involves the application of a chemical to the face, neck or hands. A predefined chemical solution is applied to the treatment area to diminish imperfections by peeling away the skin’s top layers. It also stimulates the production of new collagen for a smoother, more even complexion.

Chemical peels can be used to treat:

  • Fine Wrinkling
  • Dry Skin
  • Skin Texture
  • Acne
  • Uneven Pigmentation
  • Mild Scarring
  • Sun-Damaged Skin
  • Age Spots
  • Freckles
  • Dark Patches

There are three main types of chemical peels; light, medium and deep, categorized by the differing levels of “peeling” and utilizing varying amounts of chemicals for the desired results.

A light chemical peel is most commonly performed, and is the mildest of the peel formulas that uses Alpha hydroxy acids. You may experience a slight tingling or warming sensation of the skin. AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to achieve the desired results.

A medium chemical peel is performed using a trichloroacetic acid. Medium deep peeling can sting mildly with much warmer sensations on the skin. Because of deeper penetration, it can remove larger wrinkles and precancerous skin lesions; however, this peel can also make the skin temporarily look like a sunburn.

Deep chemical peels, using Phenol acid, are rarely performed. The application is very painful and is done under a general anesthesia.

While chemical peels can help with mild to moderate wrinkles, severe wrinkles may not respond well to chemical peel treatment. They may require other kinds of procedures such as laser treatments or Botox.

Chemical peels are generally performed in our Phoenix office. Immediately after a chemical peel treatment, the surface of the skin will appear whitish, and you may experience a warm to hot sensation followed by a stinging sensation. Cool compresses can be applied to help alleviate any discomfort. In the following days, the skin will feel tight and dry. After 4 to 6 days, the tight skin will begin to peel. After about 7–10 days, the skin should appear normal again.

During a consultation at The Center for Advanced Dermatology, Dr. Holy will discuss an appropriate treatment plan with you based on your specific skin problem and desired results. Contact us at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule your chemical peel treatment today.

Posted: March 3, 2019 By:

How Long Does Kybella Last?

If you’re like many patients in Phoenix, you may be self-conscious or dissatisfied with the skin and fat under your chin. A double chin can be difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone, but Kybella can help to get rid of excess fat in a non-surgical, non-invasive way.

How Kybella Works

Dr. Holy utilizes small, virtually painless injections of Kybella to help your body naturally remove fat. Kybella is made from deoxycholic acid, a natural product from within your body. This helps to absorb fat by destroying the fat cell’s membrane. Without a cell membrane, the fat cell ruptures and your body naturally removes it.

Kybella Results

Through a series of approximately 4-6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart, Dr. Holy will administer small amounts of Kybella. Each injection session takes about 15-20 minutes, and results will be evident within a few weeks. The end-result will be a loss of chin fat and a firm, youthful look that you will love.

Kybella will reduce your double chin and improve the appearance of your neck and jawline. The results gained with Kybella are permanent because the fat below your chin won’t return so you can enjoy the permanent results of Kybella as long as you maintain a healthy weight.

However, the contoured appearance of the neck may change if you gain a significant amount of weight. This could cause the fat cells that remain to get larger, and once again create some fullness in the chin.  But since there are fewer fat cells, the fat will be proportionately less than you had before. The great thing about Kybella being a product that your body naturally creates is that you can have touchup injections when needed without the fear of a reaction or any adverse effects

If you’re interested in Kybella treatments in Phoenix, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

Posted: February 24, 2019 By: