Spider veins are tiny varicose veins that appear in the form of thin lines, often in a web-like or tree branch pattern. They develop when one-way valves inside the veins weaken causing blood to flow backward and to accumulate in the vein. The extra blood puts pressure on the walls of the vein causing the walls to bulge creating red, purple, or blue lines that are visible on the legs. Treatment options for spider veins range from at home self-care to minor surgery. To determine the best option for you, visit THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology so our board-certified dermatologists can provide a physical exam to assess your needs and determine which option is not only best but safest for you. A common question we receive from our patients looking for a solution to spider veins is “can lasers be used to treat spider veins?”

While the most common treatment for spider veins is a procedure called sclerotherapy, laser treatment is another effective treatment option. Both options work similarly in that they both cause scarring of the vein to close the vein by preventing blood flow so the body can remove the vein and it will no longer be visible on the skin. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a highly concentrated saline solution directly into the vein. The chemical reaction collapses the vein causing it to scar and disappear gradually over approximately three 3 to six 6 weeks, although larger veins could take longer. Laser treatment involves using a high beam of light to heat and destroy the veins.  It targets the pigment in the blood and warms up the vessel causing the body to reabsorb the vein over the course of four 4 to six 6 weeks. Although either treatment will provide the result you desire, more dermatologists are likely to recommend sclerotherapy over laser treatment. Laser treatment would be best suited for patients with a minimal amount of spider veins and those who are allergic to the chemicals used in sclerotherapy. Advantages of sclerotherapy over laser therapy include hypopigmentation (because laser therapy addresses the pigment changes can be made to surrounding areas of the skin), pain (laser treatment can feel like the snapping of a rubber band on the skin or a burning sensation whereas sclerotherapy is not painful), and number of sessions to achieve elimination of spider veins (laser treatment can require multiple sessions for full effectiveness). 

If you have spider veins and are interested in treatment options to remove them, call THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today for an appointment. Our number is 602-867-7546 or you can book conveniently online at WEBSITE. 

While spending time in the sunshine has many health benefits, exposure to ultraviolet rays can potentially lead to skin cancer. Prevention is your best defense against developing life-threatening skin cancers. Choosing to wear clothing, hats, fabrics, and sunglasses with a UPF label or UVA or UVB blockers is highly suggested for your daily use. Applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater to exposed skin is also recommended to not only keep the skin healthy but youthful looking too. In addition to skin cancer, lots of UV light without sun protection can also cause leathery skin, dark spots, and wrinkles. 

Indoor tanning, sunburns, unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays, genetics, skin type, atypical moles, organ transplant, and red hair are top factors that increase skin cancer risk. Early detection is key to the most minimal and cost-effective treatment with the highest chance of a cure. Dermatologists advise getting screened for skin cancer annually, or more often than once a year if you are at higher risk of skin cancer or have had previous skin cancers. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide but when detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%. percent. 

During a skin cancer screen, the dermatologist will inspect your skin from head to toe. Skin cancer can develop on the scalp and even between the fingers and toes and underneath the nails. Your doctor will check for any moles, birthmarks, or other noticeable skin conditions that may be unusual in color, size, shape, or texture. Some possible signs indicating skin cancer can include change in an existing mole or spot, mole or other skin mark that oozes, bleeds, or becomes crusty, moles that are extra sensitive or painful when touched, open sores that do not heal within two2 weeks, shiny pink, red, white, or translucent bumps, and moles or skin marks or even sores that have irregular borders. When conducting a self-screening, follow the melanoma model of “ABCDE”: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving. 

If you notice any changes in your skin, it is best to schedule a skin screening with your dermatologist. At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology we offer skin cancer screenings that only take about 10-15 minutes and pose no risk. Patients should not wear makeup or nail polish and wear hair loose to be able to examine the scalp. A few minutes of your time once a year is an easy and effective way to both prevent and treat early signs of skin cancer. Call 602-867-7546 to schedule your exam. For more information, visit WEBSITE.

Looking to rid your face of fine lines and wrinkles and turn back the clock to more youthful, smooth skin? Botox may be the right option for you. Botox works by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves with the goal of relaxing those muscles, so they no longer contract and therefore do not crease the skin causing unwanted lines and wrinkles. Certain factors will play a role in the efficacy of your Botox treatment. Keep in mind that it will likely take multiple treatments to make results last longer as well. Variables include your age, the elasticity of your skin, your wrinkle depth and intensity, and your metabolism. How long does Botox last? On average, Botox lasts between 3-4 months.

Botox is a protein that is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When it is injected into the muscle, it blocks signals from the nerves that cause the muscle to contract, relaxing and softening the look of wrinkles, making your skin look smoother. Botox however is temporary however, because over time the body breaks down that protein. There are a few tips to help you prolong your more youthful look for longer, maximizing your Botox results. These include avoiding sun damage, switching to low-intensity workouts (high intensity workouts raise your metabolic rate which may metabolize the Botox more quickly), reduce stress levels, moisturize the skin, and avoid nicotine. All of these are great suggestions for overall skincare too.

When looking for a Botox provider, training and experience matters. A dermatologist should be knowledgeable in the muscle, tissue, and nerve structures of the face to have precision and care about to where to place your injections for the best, and most natural looking, results. Ask for client testimonials, before and after photos, a sterile office environment, and a provider that offers follow up and touch up appointments.

To schedule your appointment for Botox injections, call THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546. For more information on Botox and how to safely and effectively smooth lines and wrinkles, visit our website at WEBSITE. Let us discuss with you how to help you achieve your skin goals and the various options of skin rejuvenation. 

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.