Kybella is a non-surgical procedure 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 the fat. Your metabolism processes the fat cleared from the treatment area. 

It’s a simple process and the whole procedure takes 15-20 minutes. It could even be performed over your lunch break. Every patient is different, but the benefits of Kybella can generally be seen after as few as 2-3 treatments. In some cases, as many as 6 treatments might be necessary to receive the maximum benefit. 

Kybella treatment should not hurt but may be a little uncomfortable. Once the chin area is sterilized, a numbing cream is applied to help with discomfort then several quick injections are administered. The Kybella procedure feels like a slight pricking sensation. Most discomfort subsides in minutes and most patients can return to work and most daily activities right away.

About 5-10 minutes post-injection some people experience a burning sensation that lasts 5-10 minutes and can be relieved by using ice packs. There is a large amount of swelling after Kybella is injected under the chin in the submental region. This is expected and is a desired outcome as the inflammation is occurring from destruction of fat cells. This swelling typically lasts 3-7 days. You may have slight swelling of the area for up to a month.

It is important that Kybella 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 website today.

Laser resurfacing uses powerful lasers to remove several layers of the epidermis, encouraging your skin to produce new, firmer and smoother skin and enhancing the production of firming collagen in your skin. Laser skin resurfacing is a proven way to help reduce wrinkles, age spots, acne scars and other blemishes as well as tighten skin and balance tone. These powerful lasers essentially burn away damaged skin, leaving your skin looking red and feeling raw for several days to weeks after the treatment. 

Laser skin resurfacing recovery varies according to several factors including the type of laser used, the location of the treatment and the individual patient’s skin type.

While recovering from laser skin resurfacing in Phoenix, you can expect to experience certain side effects. Some patients experience swelling, itching, crusting and tenderness. Redness typically lasts between 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. You may notice pigment changes in your skin which can include darker skin tones. Bleaching or peeling of the skin can help lighten darkened areas. You also run the risk of losing color in the treated area for up to 12 months after the procedure. In some patients, effects can be permanent. 

Careful skin care is required during laser skin resurfacing recovery. It’s important to use gentle cleansers and moisturizers, avoid the sun, smoke and follow any additional post treatment instructions.

Patients most often request laser resurfacing treatments for the face, since it’s first thing you, and most people, notice. Aside from smoothing and creating a uniform texture of the skin of the face, laser skin resurfacing can also be tailored to improve the skin of the neck, chest, hands or other areas that may appear irregular. Repeat sessions are almost always suggested for optimal results.

If you are considering laser treatments to improve your skin, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy. Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website today. 

Are you suffering from hair loss? Thinning hair? Baldness? At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, we offer a simple treatment to help stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is suitable for both men and women. It is a natural, non-surgical procedure that uses the patient’s own blood for the treatment of hair loss or hair thinning. Our blood plasma (PRP) contains active growth factors which can promote hair growth. Helping to restore one’s confidence, the end result is a fuller, healthier looking head of hair. 

During treatment in Phoenix, Dr. Holy draws the blood into test tubes from the patient’s arm, then spins the blood with a tool called a centrifuge. Blood is composed of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, plasma and numerous other components. The centrifuge separates these components, enriching the plasma several times over with the platelets. Once the centrifuge spin is completed, Dr. Holy is able to draw out just the plasma. With a thin needle, the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp. Then the growth factors in the blood cells do their job and hair growth is naturally stimulated.

Advantages of PRP for hair loss include:

• Simple, non-surgical procedure
• Safe and reliable results
• Very quick recovery period
• Natural looking end results

There is no risk of an allergic reaction with PRP therapy because the enriched plasma has been produced from the patient’s own blood. A concentrated amount of white blood cells make up part of the PRP which are the body’s natural defenders against infections. Infections are therefore extremely rare.

Depending upon the patient’s individual needs and treatment plan, PRP treatments can be repeated until the desired result has been achieved. Typically, regular PRP treatment every 3 to 6 months can yield very successful results.

To learn more about PRP to stop hair loss, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy. 

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, 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 website for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy. 

Acne is a common skin condition – about 85% of us will have it at some point in our lives. With the abundance of over-the-counter acne treatment products available today, it’s easy to forget that acne is not just a cosmetic issue. It’s an actual medical condition that very often should be treated by an acne doctor. Acne vulgaris is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. Acne is characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and greasy skin. It may result in scarring. The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem and, in extreme cases, depression.

So, how do you know when to call a dermatologist about your acne? Here are 5 signs that it’s time:

1. You’ve Never Been Diagnosed with Acne Before

If you suddenly begin to break out in red bumps on the face, upper chest, back or elsewhere, and you have never before been diagnosed with acne, you should contact your dermatologist.

2.  Your Acne Is Getting Worse Despite Using Over-the-Counter Acne Products  

Mild cases of acne can often be successfully cleared with over-the-counter acne products.  But many cases just don’t respond well to OTC treatments.  In this case, it’s best to see an acne doctor about prescription acne treatments.

If you’ve been treating your acne consistently and your breakouts aren’t getting better, or if your acne seems to be worsening, you should contact your doctor. Your dermatologist can prescribe an acne medication that will give you better results, and will have helpful advice regarding proper acne skin care and home treatment.

3. You Have Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Acne, Nodules or Cystic Breakouts  

If your acne is moderate to severe, or very inflamed, skip the over-the-counter products altogether.  They just aren’t strong enough to improve acne at this level and you’ll waste time and money on products that won’t work for you.

Nodules and cysts are very severe forms of breakouts and should always be evaluated by a dermatologist. These deep blemishes can easily cause scarring, so they should be treated promptly.

4. You Think Your Acne May Be Caused by a Medication  

Certain medications, such as steroids and birth control pills, may cause acne. If you are taking any medications and your skin begins breaking out, let your doctor know.

5. You Are Extremely Upset or Depressed About Your Skin  

Let’s face it — acne can affect more than just your skin, it can affect your life! At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, Dr. Holy has treatment options available that can not only improve your skin, but also help you deal with the feelings of frustration and despair that can come along with acne.

Don’t wait! There’s no reason to just accept acne breakouts. With the right treatment, you can see your skin start to improve in just a few short weeks. Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website today to schedule an appointment.

Psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune disease that causes a dry, reddish and scaly rash. Originating from the Greek word psora, meaning being itchy, psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Normally, skin cells reproduce every 21-28 days. With psoriasis, skin cells reproduce at a much faster rate of 2-6 days. The accelerated cell production causes constant shedding of the skin as the older skin cells are replaced with new skin cells. There are various types of psoriasis that can develop from various triggering agents in all parts of the body and require specific treatment based on the severity of the psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) is the most common form of psoriasis, affecting 80-90% of patients who develop the condition. Characterized by dry, itchy raised and inflamed red lesions covered in silvery white scales, plaque psoriasis appears on the surface of the skin most commonly on the knees, lower back, scalp, nails and elbows, but can appear anywhere on the body. The flaky white skin cells build up on the inflamed area and over time are dislodged and shed.

Inverse psoriasis is found in skin fold areas that are subject to irritation due to sweating and rubbing of the skin such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts or other folds around the genital and buttock area. Bright red lesions, without the white flaky scales, that may appear shiny and smooth in texture are generally the first symptoms of inverse psoriasis.

Guttate psoriasis first appears in childhood/young adulthood and forms many small red spots on the skin, generally on limbs and the scalp.

Pustular psoriasis is a less common form of psoriasis characterized by white blisters of non-infectious pus that surround patches of red skin. 

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the rarest form of psoriasis. Common among individuals who have unstable cases of plaque psoriasis and undefined lesions, erythrodermic psoriasis is an inflammatory form of psoriasis that develops on most of the body’s surface and causes extensive skin shedding, severe itching and pain.      

Dermatologist Dr. Holy specializes in identifying and treating psoriasis and creating the best possible results for psoriasis patients in Phoenix. While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, proper treatment is dependent on the severity, type and location on the skin affected by the psoriasis. Topical treatments, phototherapy and/or systemic medications are common treatments recommended for psoriasis patients. To learn more about psoriasis or to find out how Dr. Holy can help you, contact Med Eye Aesthetics at 602-867-7546 or website.

Microdermabrasion is one of the easiest, safest and most effective anti-aging treatments you can get. The treatment exfoliates dead skin cells and leaves fresh new skin in its place. As microdermabrasion is gaining in popularity and accessibility, it is important to understand the side effects that can happen with this type of skin rejuvenation treatment. Microdermabrasion is considered very safe with only the rarest cases causing anything besides brief, mild side effects. Of course, it’s always best to be prepared for the potential consequences of a treatment, no matter how small. So, here’s a closer look at the most common side effects of microdermabrasion:

Pigmentation Issues: One possible side effect of microdermabrasion is discoloration of the skin, particularly for people who have a darker complexion. Following the treatment, it is possible to see slight unevenness in the pigmentation.

Redness: Some people who have had microdermabrasion notice redness of the skin following treatment. This condition isn’t permanent and usually resolves itself in just a few days.

Dryness: Microdermabrasion may cause dry or flaking skin. In most cases, this dry skin condition goes away after just a few days.

Itching: Itchy skin is another temporary side effect of microdermabrasion. 

Purging: Purging is a side effect of acne microdermabrasion. The exfoliation of the treatment opens the pores, exposing the bacteria. This exposure brings on an acne surge, but it is a temporary reaction to the treatment and will go away in a few days.

Although microdermabrasion is a very safe procedure, you do need to be aware of potential side effects. It’s important to choose a doctor who is experienced with the treatment, ensuring that the right safety steps will be taken. Microdermabrasion in Phoenix with Dr. Holy will leave you with great looking skin with minimal, if any, side effects. To learn more about microdermabrasion or to schedule an appointment, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website.

Most mothers-to-be know the basic dos and don’ts of pregnancy: Get plenty of rest, no smoking and no drinking – but what about aesthetic procedures like Botox? 

Botox, also called botulinum toxin type A, is made from the bacteria that causes botulism. When botulinum toxin is injected beneath the skin, it blocks nerve activity in the muscles or paralyzes them, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity, lessening the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. The effects of Botox last about 3-4 months. 

Despite little research to determine what, if any, effect Botox could have on pregnant women and their unborn children, obstetricians and cosmetic doctors overwhelmingly recommend that their pregnant patients should not get injections of the popular drug. 

Part of the reason there is so little research about certain procedures during pregnancy is that in order to weigh the effects of the process, doctors and scientists would have to perform the procedures on pregnant women and there is no medical justification for Botox during pregnancy. The risk is just not worth the possible results. Natural skin changes during pregnancy, caused by the combination of hormones and increased blood flow, will make your face “glow” anyway. 

During pregnancy, it is a good idea to avoid any non-essential services or procedures. In medicine, there are many unknowns and you don’t have 100% certainty as to all the interactions between drugs and the body. So why take the chance? It is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to pregnancy and the unborn child. 

If you are considering Botox in Phoenix and would like more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy, please contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website today. 

The Verju laser system, also known as body contouring laser treatment, is a simple, non-invasive procedure used to painlessly reduce inches and remove stubborn cellulite. Verju is among the best laser body contouring treatments available.

The Verju method is safe and effective; it requires no needles, no incisions and no recovery time. Verju targets your stubborn fat areas and painlessly emulsifies the fat cells under your skin. Verju safely causes the release of fatty lipids from within fat cells, causing the fat cells to collapse and shrink to a smaller size, which reduces the circumference and the appearance of cellulite. The fatty lipids then enter the lymphatic system where they are broken into free fatty acids and used as energy in the cardiovascular system. As the Verju low-level lasers gently penetrate the skin and release fatty lipids, they build dermal collagen for smooth and beautiful results. 

This cellulite and fat reduction treatment can be used on multiple areas of the body. While it is most commonly used to treat the thighs, buttocks, flanks and lower abdomen, it can also be used on the arms and the sides of the abdomen.

Common reasons for undergoing the Verju laser treatment are to:

• Reduce stubborn, unwanted fat in the tummy, thighs or other areas
• Remove or reduce cellulite
• Improve overall body shape
• Balance the look of the legs, hips or other areas
• Supplement other weight loss plans

Verju is a relaxing, painless process. Because Verju is completely noninvasive, it will not cause any discomfort whatsoever either during or after treatment. After your Verju laser appointment, you can immediately return to your regular activities without any discomfort. Follow-up sessions may be recommended, depending on the size and complexity of the treatment areas.

If you are interested in Verju laser treatment in Phoenix, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy. Contact us today by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting website. 

Moles are growths or lesions found on the skin and come in various shapes and sizes. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin: the facial area, as well as arms and chest areas, and can be in groups or by themselves. They can be present at birth or can begin to appear over time. Moles are bothersome to some people and can even lead to dangerous health risks. Mole removal can help people wanting to improve their appearance and reduce associated health risks.

The mole removal process, whether for cosmetic or preventive reasons, requires a fair level of surgical skill to prevent unpleasant scarring. It is best to seek the professional services of a dermatologist. Never attempt to remove a mole on your own. 

Concern over the presence of moles on the skin is mainly an issue of appearance for most people. In Phoenix, Dr. Holy can remove moles from skin using one of several techniques. If a mole is suspicious looking, Dr. Holy can run tests to determine if the mole is cancerous and/or should be removed. If a mole begins to crack, bleed, ooze or becomes itchy or painful, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology promptly to schedule an evaluation.

You may choose to remove a mole for health, cosmetic or comfort-related reasons. The type and size of mole being removed determines what technique is used.  

Scalpel Excision: The most basic type of mole removal is the scalpel excision that can be performed quite simply in Dr. Holy’s office. This mole removal process begins with numbing the area with an anesthetic, cleaning the area to prevent infection and then using a scalpel to remove the blemish. Stitches are generally used with this technique. 

Cauterization: If the mole is only slightly raised from the skin, Dr. Holy may choose to cauterize the blemish off your skin instead of using a scalpel. First, the area will be numbed and cleaned and then a burning tool will be used to burn away the blemish and its base. This procedure does not require stitches; the burned skin will heal over time, although it will likely leave a light scar.

Laser Excision: This method of mole removal is the least likely to leave noticeable scarring. This procedure is similar to scalpel excision, only a laser is used in place of a scalpel to remove the mole and base. Lasers also decrease the chance of infection because they make cleaner cuts. This method does not require stitches since the laser will evaporate the colored cells of the blemish without cutting into the skin. While scarring is not an issue for this technique, it is important to know this is not a method used for treating deep moles because the laser does not penetrate deeply enough.

Patients who have moles removed may be concerned about their moles growing back. It is possible for moles to grow back if all the deep mole cells are not completely removed. However, it’s difficult to predict in which moles this will happen. If a mole does grow back, it can be easily removed again with a simple office visit to THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology. 

If you have a mole you would like evaluated for removal, contact us today at Phoenix or website to schedule an appointment.