Sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines create the most obvious and visible signs of facial aging. The more of these a person has, the older their face will look. Typically, lines first appear where the skin has a natural tendency to fold or crease as a result of a person’s most dominant facial expressions. These are known as expression lines and most frequently occur in the outer corners of the eyes, along the sides of the mouth and along the central region of the forehead.

A popular treatment to combat the signs of aging on the face is the use of dermal fillers. There are several different types of dermal fillers available including:

Collagen – Collagen fillers help restore the support structure of the face, enhancing the contours of the upper layer of skin. Collagen is the most abundant natural protein found in the body and provides structural support to skin, muscle, tendons and bone. Collagen injections replenish the skin’s natural collagen. The natural beauty of your skin is enhanced as the contour of the support structure is restored.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite – These types of fillers are designed to stimulate collagen fibers as well as volumize depleted areas. Radiesse is a well-known form of calcium hydroxylapatite filler. This is a temporary but longer-lasting type of dermal filler which works wonders for facial sculpting. It is used mainly in deep nose to mouth lines, though it also works for reshaping of the nose. It is not applied to the lips.

Hyaluronic Acid – Hyaluronic acid fillers are widely used due to their high levels of safety and reliability. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance which can be found in every living organism. As a result, it is biocompatible so side-effects are very rare. Products which use hyaluronic acid include Perlane, Restylane, Belotero and Juvéderm. Hyaluronic acid fillers come in varying levels of thickness and so they are a flexible option to improve different sections of the face.

Poly-L-lactic Acid – These dermal fillers are biocompatible and biodegradable and help replace lost collagen in the treatment area. Such products include Sculptra and are long-lasting compared to other temporary dermal fillers.

The type of dermal filler chosen will ultimately depend on the results you wish to achieve. In Phoenix, Dr. Holy will determine the best type and volume of filler needed for your particular areas of concern. Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule a consultation today.

Platelets are the cells in the blood that help tissue to heal and grow new cells. Platelet rich plasma is created from your own blood, making it a safe and natural solution for improving your appearance. Platelet rich plasma is made by a small amount of blood being drawn and placed in a sterile tube that is spun in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). This plasma now contains a high concentration of platelets and is called platelet rich plasma.

When injected into the skin, platelet rich plasma can help to heal damaged tissue and encourage growth of new healthy cells. Platelet rich plasma also stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is essential in keeping skin firm and young looking. Increased collagen can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face.

Platelet rich plasma is a simple, effective and safe way to improve your skin and your appearance. The procedure is quick (15 minutes total), relatively painless and requires no post procedure care or time off from daily events. Because the platelet rich plasma is made from your own cells, there is no risk of allergy or rejection and you’ll get natural looking results.

Platelet rich plasma injection requires little recovery time and usually no downtime at all. On the first day after treatment there may be some redness. On the second day the redness usually subsides, the skin may swell, and the texture may become rough like sandpaper. By the third day, the swelling should be gone leaving just the sandpaper-like texture for 5 to 7 days.

Results begin to show in three to four weeks as new collagen is added to the treatment areas, and these results continue to build for months. Three treatment sessions are generally recommended, spaced 1-2 months apart, to achieve the best outcome.

Platelet rich plasma therapy can be combined with other treatments to best target a patient’s individual goals and achieve younger looking skin. During a consultation in Phoenix, Dr. Holy will personally evaluate your skin issues and describe the treatments that would be most helpful for you. To learn more about the benefits of platelet rich plasma, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting mddermsolutions.com.

The term “jowls” refers to the skin along the lower jaw, especially when fleshy or sagging. The primary cause of jowls is simply natural aging. As you age, your skin loses vital proteins called collagen and elastin, which keep the skin firm and smooth. The body produces collagen at a slower rate as you age and stops producing elastin shortly after puberty. Because of the loss of these proteins, gravity starts to affect the shape of the skin, pulling down on it and causing the sagging due to less protein keeping the skin firm. Repetitive facial expressions also play a part in creating jowls.

Fat around the jowls is extremely hard to get rid of through diet and exercise. The only way to remove fat on the face and jaw used to be through surgery – typically liposuction or through a facelift. Kybella is the first non-surgical method to decrease jawline, chin and neck fullness.

Kybella is an injection that destroys fat cells and increases collagen production, reducing fat around the jowl area. Most facial injections and dermal fillers are used to add volume back into the face, not remove it. But Kybella is made up of deoxycholic acid, a natural substance that breaks down fat cells and shrinks fat pockets. This is the same substance our body uses to break down dietary fat.

This procedure is administered through a series of injection treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Two to three injection sessions may be needed for optimal results.

With minimal downtime, no loose skin and an increase in skin firmness, Kybella is a fantastic way to chisel the jawline and shave fat (and years!) off your face. Most patients experience some swelling the first week after their injection with low risk of other side effects.

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

Are you looking for a non-surgical approach to smoothing your body contours? The Verjú laser system is a new revolutionary device designed specifically for body contouring without surgical treatment.

This clinically-proven, non-invasive treatment that painlessly reduces inches and removes stubborn body fat has revolutionized the way we approach body contouring. The Verjú method is safe and effective; requires no needles, no incisions and no recovery time.

Unlike other technologies, Verjú uses Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to stimulate the body’s fat cells and create pores in the cells’ walls. Through these pores, the lipid material (the fat) is released, allowing the cell to collapse to a smaller size. Also unlike other technologies, the process does not kill or remove the fat cell. Surprisingly, the fat cell is not the enemy; it’s the size of the fat cell that is harmful to your health.

Verjú laser treatment is completely painless and requires no downtime. Following the treatment, you can immediately resume your regular physical activities with no discomfort. Depending on the size and complexity of your targeted areas, follow-up sessions may be recommended.

Verju is ideal for patients who:

• Would like to reduce fat in troublesome areas
• Would like to get rid of their cellulite
• Are looking for non-surgical solutions

If you are interested in body contouring with Verjú, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy. During a consultation in Phoenix, Dr. Holy will examine your areas of concern and evaluate your body contouring goals to determine if Verjú is the right treatment for you. To learn more about this exciting new body contouring treatment, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

There are so many skin smoothing beauty treatments available today, it can be difficult to decide which treatment might be the best choice for you. Do you need Botox to smooth your wrinkles, or are fillers a better option?

When you’re searching for the optimal treatment to combat the signs of aging on your face, it is important to understand the differences between Botox and facial fillers – what they each treat and how they work. Whatever you choose, both forms of treatment can help you to refresh and maintain a natural, youthful appearance.

Botox – Botox is a neurotoxin that blocks nerve activity where it is injected, stopping the neurotransmitters responsible for muscle movement from working properly. This popular wrinkle treatment works on specific types of wrinkles known as dynamic wrinkles. Typically most visible when your face is in motion, these wrinkles are created by repetitive facial expressions that occur daily, and eventually etch themselves into your face. Botox breaks the communication chain between muscles and nerves, leading to forced muscle relaxation.  With consistent use, Botox can soften noticeable wrinkles and help prevent new ones from forming.

Fillers – Facial fillers, which are often called dermal fillers, can also be used to prevent or eliminate signs of aging. Like Botox, fillers are an injectable wrinkle treatment, however, they are a completely different type of treatment to address completely different types of wrinkles. Fillers are ideal for what are known as static wrinkles, which, unlike dynamic wrinkles, can be seen even when your face is relaxed. Static wrinkles are smile lines, lines along the sides of your nose (nasolabial) and minor forehead lines. When fillers are injected into these wrinkles they fill the creases, making them less noticeable or even eliminating them altogether. Fillers also stimulate collagen growth, so if you are diligent with your treatments, you can not only address existing lines, but prevent new ones from forming.

At The Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, we are committed to making sure that our patients understand their choices for achieving the most effective results for their specific needs. Contact us today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy and learn how Botox or fillers can rejuvenate your face.

There are so many aesthetic treatments available today, it can be difficult to decide which treatment might be the best choice for you. Do you need Botox to smooth your wrinkles? Or are fillers a better option?

When you’re searching for the optimal treatment to combat the signs of aging on your face, it is important to understand the differences between Botox and facial fillers – what they each treat and how they work. Whatever you choose, both forms of treatment can help you to refresh and maintain a natural, youthful appearance.

Botox – Botox is a neurotoxin that blocks nerve activity where it is injected, stopping the neurotransmitters responsible for muscle movement from working properly. This popular wrinkle treatment works on specific types of wrinkles known as dynamic wrinkles. Typically most visible when your face is in motion, these wrinkles are created by repetitive facial expressions that occur daily, and eventually they etch themselves into your face. Botox breaks the communication chain between muscles and nerves, leading to forced muscle relaxation.  With consistent use, Botox can soften noticeable wrinkles and help prevent new ones from forming.

Fillers – Facial fillers, which are also called dermal fillers, can also be used to prevent or eliminate signs of aging. Like Botox, fillers are an injectable wrinkle treatment, however, they are a completely different type of treatment to address completely different types of wrinkles. Fillers are ideal for what are known as static wrinkles which, unlike dynamic wrinkles, can be seen even when your face is relaxed. Static wrinkles are smile lines, lines along the sides of your nose (nasolabial) and minor forehead lines. When fillers are injected into these wrinkles, they fill the creases, making them less noticeable or even eliminating them altogether. Fillers also stimulate collagen growth, so if you are diligent with your treatments, you can not only address existing lines, but prevent new ones from forming.

At The Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, we are committed to making sure that our patients understand their choices for achieving the most effective results for their specific needs. Contact us today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy and learn how Botox or fillers can rejuvenate your face.

Dermatology is a field of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting skin, hair, nails, sweat and oil glands, and mucus membranes (inside the mouth, nose and eyelids). The extent of services provided is broad – ranging from acne, infections, genetic disorders and skin cancer to cosmetic issues such as scars, hair loss, tattoo removal and aging.

Some of the most popular dermatology procedures include:

Botox – Botox is one of the most popular procedures performed today. Botulinum toxins temporarily relax the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles, softening their appearance.

Facial Peels – Chemical peels combat skin issues related to damaged layers of skin from sun exposure, scarring or other issues by removing dead skin cells to smooth the skin and give it a healthier glow, treating pigmentation and acne scars.

Laser Hair Treatments – Traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, tweezing and electrolysis can be painful, time-consuming and only temporary. Lasers provide a gentle, non-invasive and long-lasting solution to unwanted hair.

Laser Skin Resurfacing – Laser resurfacing uses high-intensity light to improve the look of wrinkles and scars by tightening loose skin.

Dermal Fillers – Fillers such as collagen and hyaluronic acid reduce lines and wrinkles, provide volume and definition to lips and cheeks and improve the appearance of scars.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – PRP therapy involves injection of the patient’s own platelets and fibrin for the treatment of wrinkles or scars in the face, hands and neck.

Microneedling – Microneedling is a minimally invasive anti-aging skin treatment technique that stimulates your skin, helping it to heal and reverse the signs of aging. This procedure involves puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile micro needles to promote the production of collagen and elastin.

Microdermabrasion – This procedure sands down the skin using a coarse instrument to remove the top layer of skin cells and reveal the fresh new skin underneath.

At The Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, we are here to provide the best and latest dermatological procedures to help you look and feel your best. Contact us today at phone or website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy.

Dark under eye circles can make you look tired, sick or worn-down. While you can conceal your dark circles with cosmetics, you can also visit your dermatologist to learn about treatments that can reduce them. Once we determine the cause of your under eye circles or bagging skin during your consultation, we will review your treatment options. Dark circle treatments include:

Laser Therapy: For most patients, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments cause little to no downtime and effectively reduce or eliminate their dark under eye circles. The treatment improves the texture of the skin under the eyes and removes any excess pigmentation that can be causing the circles. Laser treatments also stimulate collagen production beneath the surface of the skin, which can make the skin in the area thicker, meaning circles are less likely to be visible.

Injectable Fillers: Injectable fillers such as Belotero, Juvederm and Restylane replace lost volume to fill hollows below the eyes and smooth out bulges. These fillers typically last about 4-6 months, depending on how individual patients metabolize the material. Hyaluronic acid, the primary material most commonly used in modern cosmetic fillers, occurs naturally in the body, is safely metabolized with time, and is hypoallergenic.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels can be effective in reducing dark circles by exfoliating the surface layer of the skin and revealing healthier underlying skin. Most dermatologists recommend a series of medium-depth peels containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for dark circle reduction. Within a few days of treatment, superficial layers of skin will peel off, revealing healthy underlying skin. Once the peeling process has ended (approximately 7 days), you should notice a reduction in your dark circles.

Dark circles under the eyes appear for many different reasons. The under eye area may have a hollowed look due to genetics, volume loss due to aging or from environmental and health factors such as excessive sun exposure or habits such as cigarette smoking that can affect the skin internally and externally. If under-eye dark circles are getting you down, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy.

All people have some form of pigmented spotting on their skin. Whether you are born with these spots or develop them over time through aging or sun exposure, it’s very important to monitor your skin and discuss any changes in your skin spots with a dermatologist. While most spots are harmless, some may be a sign of skin cancer.

Here’s a brief overview of the most common forms of skin spots (along with best treatment options):

Freckles – Freckles are tiny, flat, circular spots that are typically beige or brown in color. They typically appear in groups along areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun like the face, arms and legs. Freckles often become darker after sun exposure and significantly lighten up in the winter months. Options to get rid of freckles include topical skin care products (such as retinoid creams and vitamin C serums) and laser skin resurfacing treatments (such as Fraxel).

Age Spots – Also referred to as sun spots or solar lentigines, age spots are flat brown spots that appear when the skin is chronically exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or from tanning beds. Age spots commonly form on areas of the body that are most frequently exposed to the sun like the face, hands, neck, chest, arms and legs. Treatment options for age spots include topical products, chemical peels, laser treatments and microdermabrasion.

Moles – A mole is a growth on the skin that can be flesh-colored, brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Moles can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) which is why it’s critical to monitor any moles you have for changes. We recommend monitoring the mole for changes to the ABCDE’s: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolving. Malignant moles should be removed by an excision or Mohs surgery, and non-cancerous moles can also be surgically removed if desired by the patient.

Melasma – Melasma is a common skin disorder that creates dark discoloration patches along the skin. Melasma generally manifests itself in a brown or gray discoloration across the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin or upper lip, and is most often uniform and symmetrical on both sides of the face. Most melasma is caused by hormonal changes within the body. It can be treated with topical skin treatments, chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Laser treatments are often not recommended because laser heat can actually make melasma symptoms worse.

If you would like Dr. Holy to evaluate your skin spots, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule an examination.

Excess fat under the chin is a common problem, 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 in Phoenix, 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 improve one’s appearance. This innovative treatment is the first and only injectable to be approved by the FDA to eliminate the appearance of a double chin. How does it work? The Kybella injectable is comprised of deoxycholic acid, a chemical that is used to help absorb fats which the body naturally produces. When this chemical is directly injected into the tissue under a patient’s chin, the deoxycholic acid destroys the walls of fat cells, which ultimately causes the tissue to slowly dissolve as it is metabolized by the body, allowing the tissue under the chin to achieve a more sculpted appearance.

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. Given that this injectable treatment destroys fat cells in the treated area, the results that Kybella produces are long-lasting and will not require additional treatment sessions.

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.