Moles are very common, especially in people who have fair skin. Moles are flesh to brown colored nodules that are an overgrowth of skin cells known as melanocytes. Although moles are like tumors in that they are both an overgrowth of cells, moles are almost always benign—non-cancerous. If the risk of being cancerous is not a main factor, when should a mole be removed?

One of the top reasons to visit a dermatologist is for a skin cancer screening, an important part of skin cancer prevention. Dermatologists will look for certain criteria when determining why or when a mole should be removed. A mole is known medically as nevus or nevi. Moles are classified into 4 types: congenital moles, dysplastic nevi, acquired nevi and spitz nevi. Congenital moles are present at birth or develop during infancy and are almost always benign. Dysplastic nevi are considered abnormal moles due to being large, having uneven edges or an uneven surface. These moles can be discolored and continue to grow over time. Dysplastic nevi are the most common type of moles that can develop into melanoma. Acquired nevi are moles that appear after you are born, often from sun exposure or a change in hormone levels common in adolescence or pregnancy. These account for most moles on the skin and are usually harmless. Lastly, spitz nevi can be hard to distinguish from melanoma unless your dermatologist performs a biopsy. These moles are often raised, pink and dome shaped. 

During an individual’s lifetime, moles may change in appearance; hair may grow out of them, and they can change in size and shape, darken, fade or disappear. Atypical or abnormal moles will be a warning sign to your dermatologist and may be cause for the mole to be removed. Your doctor will follow what is known as ABCDE protocol to recommend the removal of a mole:

Asymmetry: Moles are usually symmetrical all around. If a mole is asymmetrical, it may be a sign of skin cancer. 

Border: Regular moles are clearly defined on the skin. Moles with blurred, jagged or otherwise difficult to define borders may be cause for concern. A scalloped shaped mole may indicate irregular cell growth that will likely require a biopsy. 

Color: Most will be consistent with one color, usually brown, tan or even black; if the color of the mole is irregular such as red, white or blue, your dermatologist could determine these are warning signs of skin cancer.

Diameter: Normal moles are no bigger than the size of a pencil eraser. If a mole is larger, your dermatologist may have it removed to err on the side of safety. 

Evolving: Regular moles should not change in shape or size or consistency of color; any of these changes is a cause for seeing a dermatologist for evaluation. Evolving moles are an early sign of skin cancer. 

Most moles are harmless, only in the case of precancerous or cancerous growth should moles be removed either in part as a biopsy or completely. Although not medically necessary, some patients have moles removed for cosmetic reasons because they find them unsightly or a nuisance. 

To have your moles evaluated during a skin cancer screening, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology by either 602-867-7546 or WEBSITE to book your appointment. 

Your face makes your first impression. In its youth, the face is plump with collagen, naturally tightened with elastin and beautifully contoured. It is no secret that as we age, skin begins to wrinkle and loses volume. With advances in dermatology, your face doesn’t have to tell your age any longer. If you are looking for dramatic solutions to wrinkles, scars and aging skin, CLIENT NAME offers a variety of wrinkle treatments via laser just for you.

Wrinkle treatment lasers are optimized for different skin issues and types. Patients usually turn to cosmetic laser procedures for the following concerns: superficial wrinkles, deep fine lines and wrinkles, eyelid drooping, bags under the eyes, upper lip wrinkles, acne scars, improvement to skin tone and texture, and overall rejuvenation. Laser resurfacing treatments direct short, concentrated pulses of light to irregular skin, removing it layer by layer while encouraging collagen and elastin production below the surface of the skin. Laser treatment for wrinkles include ablative and non-ablative options. Non-ablative lasers are considered gentler because their energy penetrates to deeper layers of skin and tissue while ablative lasers treat the surface of skin targeting superficial wrinkles. Non-ablative treatments include Erbium and Pulsed-Dye lasers. Erbium treatments can be used for ablative and non-ablative options promoting collagen while targeting fine lines, skin laxity and age spots. Pulsed dye lasers heat the skin and absorb pigmentation to reduce redness, rosacea, broken capillaries and hyperpigmentation. Ablative treatment options include the aforementioned Erbium and CO₂ laser treatment. CO₂ is considered the most powerful of laser wrinkle treatments due to its extreme effectiveness. This aggressive option is best for deep fine lines and wrinkles. Fractional lasers are also an effective option bridging the gap between ablative and non-ablative procedures working on both the epidermal and dermal layers of skin. Fractional lasers can be used anywhere on the body but are most beneficial on the neck, chest, and hands.

Softening of crow’s feet, flattening scars and erasure of fine lines can all be accomplished with wrinkle laser treatments. To determine which wrinkle laser treatment is right for you, schedule an appointment with one of our trusted, board-certified dermatologists at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology by calling 602-867-7546 or book online at WEBSITE. Sensational skin is just a phone call or click away!

Did you know that according to the American Academy of Dermatology it is typical to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day? Hair loss is more common than most people realize. Hormones, age, genetics and medications are just a handful of reasons one might experience hair loss, from minimal to severe. Types of hair loss are mainly categorized in 4 ways: anagen effluvium, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and FPHL/MPHL (female and male pattern hair loss). Anagen effluvium is caused by medications that poison the growing hair follicle, such as chemotherapy and even some thyroid and anxiety medications. Telogen effluvium is caused by an increased number of hair follicles that are forced into a resting phase then excessively shed due to some sort of trauma or stress. Alopecia areata is sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches. Female and male pattern hair loss or baldness, as well as androgenetic alopecia, are the most common types of hair loss with hair thinning over the top of the head and on the sides. 

Thinning hair can be a huge cause of concern and possibly embarrassment for both men and women. Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) injections for hair loss are a relatively new treatment option in dermatology. Platelet-rich plasma is a non-surgical process that uses a patient’s own blood drawn from the arm, placed into a centrifuge and spun to separate the blood into 3 layers (plasma rich in platelets, platelet-poor plasma and red blood cells), and then uses only the plasma rich in platelets (PRP) via injection into the scalp. PRP has approximately 5 times the number of platelets found in ordinary blood that include the following growth factors used to stimulate hair growth: platelet-derived growth, transforming growth, insulin-like growth, vascular endothelial growth and keratinocyte growth. With these essential proteins and regenerative cells, PRP can restore damaged tissue. 

After the PRP process is explained, patients commonly ask “is PRP for hair loss painful?” The procedure typically consists of 20-30 tiny “pokes” and is performed under local anesthesia to help alleviate pain at the injection site, especially as the scalp can be one of the more sensitive areas of the body. Mild discomfort should be anticipated with tenderness and swelling to subside within 3 to 5 days, with no need for recovery time. The scalp may continue to be sensitive for weeks or even months, especially if multiple treatments are needed. Most patients require a total of 3 treatments in 5-to-6-week intervals. The treatment is quick, relatively painless, and imposes little to no risk or adverse reaction. 

If you are interested in how PRP for hair loss can benefit you, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology specializes in the most advanced options for hair restoration and hair loss treatment. Hair loss can be reversed with treatments offered by our board-certified dermatologists. Give our office a call today at 602-867-7546 to see if you are a candidate for PRP treatment. To learn more about PRP and other services we offer, visit WEBSITE.  

Dermal fillers are typically used to plump up the skin while diminishing facial lines and adding volume and desired fullness to the face. The face is made up of 4 structural parts: skin, fat, muscle and bone. As dermal fillers are injected under the skin, it is possible to alter or induce trauma to the parts that form the face. Although dermal fillers are generally considered safe, dermal fillers are not immune to potential side effects. 

Dermal fillers can be composed of a variety of substances that are both natural and synthetic. Hyaluronic acid is commonly recommended as a dermal filler because it is naturally produced by the body and is therefore unlikely to cause adverse side effects. In the rare event that a person has a negative reaction to the hyaluronic acid injections, or if they are unsatisfied with the appearance, a special solution can be applied to the skin to dissolve the injection.  

Common side effects following dermal filler injections include redness, swelling, pain, bruising, itching and rash. It is rare to experience severe dermal filler side effects, but patients should be aware of any potential issues before moving forward with the procedure. Dermal filler side effects can include infection, leakage of filler at the injection site, development of nodules, movement of the filler to another area, injury to blood vessels, double vision, dry eyes, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and weakening of muscles in the face, head and neck. Ensuring the patient does not have any dermal filler allergies before treatment as well as knowing of any medical conditions or use of medications and supplements are excellent safety precautions. The best way to prevent any dermal filler side effects is trusting your treatment to a board-certified and experienced dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Dermal fillers are safe and effective in the right hands. 

THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology offers a team of caring and qualified professionals who will offer you dermal filler options that will give you natural, beautiful, and safe results. Call 602-867-7546 or visit online at WEBSITE to see a full list of services that will restore volume, smooth out lines, and rejuvenate your skin. 

Wishing you could enjoy all the benefits of a facelift without the surgery? Liquid facelifts provide youthful rejuvenation that is personally customized and easily reversed versus a surgical facelift that may leave you with a less natural, over tightened look. 

Liquid facelifts are minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and touted as a less expensive and less risky alternative to a traditional facelift. Liquid facelifts are a combination of injectables and treatments administered to achieve the same top-level results you would expect from facial surgery without the permanency. In the event you do not love the results from your treatment, hyaluronic acid can dissolve the injectable. As we age, we lose both fat and muscle in our face. As collagen production stalls around age 25, the once youthful fullness of the face loses some of that smooth and supple firmness. 

Combining neurotoxins and fillers help to smooth wrinkles, hydrate and plump the skin, erase smile lines and crow’s feet, reduce mild sagging, and stimulate collagen. The effects of a liquid facelift last an average of 8 months but really depend on which treatments you choose. Typically, patients opt for a combination of Botox along with volumizers to re-contour facial features or fill in hollow areas under the eyes. Some of these include Restylane, Voluma, Lyft, Sculptra, Kybella and Juvederm. Botox lasts an average of 4 months while fillers that restore volume last from 9 months up to 2 years. The added beauty of the procedure is that you can achieve your goals in one session with touch-ups when necessary to enjoy results longer term. 

​​​​​​​In order to determine if you are a candidate for a liquid facelift at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology, we encourage you to come in for a complimentary consultation. Call 602-867-7546 or book online at WEBSITE. During that time, we will discuss your specific areas of concern and the best course of treatment. If you want natural looking results that will erase years off your face, contact our office today to learn more about how a liquid facelift will benefit you. 

Microdermabrasion and microneedling are both skin resurfacing treatments aimed to repair and rejuvenate the skin. The main difference between microdermabrasion and microneedling is the layer of skin that is treated. Microdermabrasion works on and removes the top layer of skin (epidermis) whereas microneedling penetrates the layers just below the skin (dermis). Microdermabrasion is 1 of the top 5 non-surgical dermatology treatments requested by patients. Additionally, microdermabrasion is generally performed on the face but microneedling can be used on the face, scalp and body.  

In microdermabrasion, a dermatologist uses a mechanical device to exfoliate the surface of the skin with sodium bicarbonate crystals to scrub away dead and dull skin cells leaving a polished look. The goal is smoother, brighter and more even toned skin. Microdermabrasion compares favorably to dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing. Because skin regenerates every 30 days, microdermabrasion treatments will need to be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks for continual improvement. 

Microneedling reaches deeper into the skin using fine needles to create microscopic punctures to induce collagen produced naturally in the body. The goal is for the body to recognize the “wounds” and repair itself. While collagen and elastin are stimulated, the millions of fine micro-channels created in the skin by microneedling begin to carry up to 80% more topical nutrients to feed the cells in the dermis, basically giving a reboot to the cellular function of the skin. 

Other differences between microdermabrasion and microneedling include the type of skin issues you are looking to resolve. Microdermabrasion can effectively treat superficial skin conditions such as wrinkles and fine lines. Microdermabrasion is also successful at tackling dull complexion, uneven skin tone and age spots. Microneedling treats scarring from acne and surgeries. If you are an acne sufferer, microneedling breaks down the scar tissue on the top portion of the dermis. This increases platelet growth attracting white blood cells to the needle sites promoting healing and scar reduction. Scars will smooth out and the skin will plump up. Microneedling thickens the dermis over time which helps other skin conditions like rosacea and broken capillaries. Lastly, clinical studies have shown that microneedling is more effective than ablative treatments like microdermabrasion for more severe skin issues. 

Both microdermabrasion and microneedling will improve the complexion without invasive surgery, Botox, or fillers. To learn more about the beautifying benefits of microdermabrasion and microneedling, schedule your appointment by 602-867-7546 or online WEBSITE with THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today.

What is Botox? Botox is an FDA approved injectable muscle relaxer used to treat wrinkles and facial lines. It is the most recognized injectable cosmetic brand and is available in 95 countries worldwide. Botox is composed of botulinum toxin type A which is a type of bacteria produced by Clostridium botulinum. Small target doses of this toxin block certain nerve signals paralyzing the muscles, so they don’t contract. When these muscles are relaxed and not being used, facial creases, frown lines, crow’s feet   and forehead*/ wrinkles will begin to fade. 

You may be surprised to know that Botox can be used for other purposes beyond facial wrinkles. Botox can help with a variety of issues including chronic migraines, neck spasms, jaw issues such as TMJ, muscular disorders, overactive bladder, excessive armpit sweating known as hyperhidrosis, eye issues such as uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm) and misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), and nerve conditions.

Investing in cosmetic procedures can be costly. When weighing the pros and cons of treatment options, patients want to know how long Botox will last. After the initial Botox treatment, Botox starts to take effect in as early as 3 to 4 days with noticeable improvement to the skin in 10 to 14 days. Results will last an average of 3-4 months with even greater results maximized with frequent treatment. And with repeat injections, Botox will continue to weaken those isolated muscles while the untreated areas around the injection areas will maintain full volume, giving you the best of eliminating fine lines and wrinkles with the fullness and youthfulness in other facial features. With repeated treatments, you will likely find that regular Botox maintenance will be less frequent over time as the muscles have essentially been trained not to bring about the wrinkle forming expressions as aggressively as before you began Botox treatment. 

To learn more about the benefits of Botox, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology by 602-867-7546 or WEBSITE. Your age, elasticity of your skin, depth of the lines and wrinkles you want to see erased and a variety of other factors will determine how Botox will work for you and how long it will last. THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology welcomes you to meet with our board-certified dermatologists to ensure you are receiving the highest level of care, safety and effectiveness to beautify your skin. 

You have probably heard the expression “nothing lasts forever.” But that isn’t true when it comes to advances made in the world of plastic surgery. Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for permanently destroying the fat cells under the skin that cause the appearance of double chin. Wish as we may, double chin and drooping jowls cannot be hidden away with makeup and any unique hair or fashion choices. Submental fat on the face is noticeable and unwanted. 

If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your facial features while eliminating fat, Kybella offers a non-surgical way to get rid of unpredictable and often unchangeable fat. Kybella is targeted at specific areas of the face allowing the main ingredient, deoxycholic acid, to damage and flush away the cells resulting in a slimmer and smoother contour of the face, at the chin, jawline and neck area. 

Kybella results are meant to last a lifetime. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they will not regenerate. However, any areas that have not been treated by Kybella or other interventions, such as liposuction, can accumulate fat. Maintaining a healthy weight with diet and exercise after treatment is imperative to long lasting results. The number of Kybella treatments and vials will be determined after a consultation with your provider. Some patients require multiple treatments and often combine Kybella injections with other surgical and non-surgical options to achieve their ultimate appearance goals. 

A double chin does not have to last forever and with Kybella you can be assured you will say goodbye to submental fullness for good. To schedule your consultation with THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology, call our office at 602-867-7546 or submit a request online at WEBSITE so that we may provide you with a list of our aesthetic services to customize the right cosmetic treatment for a younger looking and healthier you.

It has been said that the eyes are the window to the soul. Unfortunately, sometimes the reflection of our own eyes in that window can show tired, sagging and puffy eyes. The good news is that signs of aging can be reversed with fillers under the eyes. From tired to refreshed in less than 30 minutes, under eye filler, also known as dermal filler or soft tissue filler, is a hyaluronic acid injection used to improve the appearance of hollow or discolored under-eye areas. Common brand names of this hyaluronic acid are Restylane and Juvederm. Fillers under the eyes are most effective for those who have varying degrees of sunken eyes that are casting shadows under the eyelid. These effects are usually due to age and genetics versus lifestyle options.  

Fillers under the eyes can build up the deep indentation areas and fade dark circles without the need for surgery. Tear trough fillers are generally safe and less invasive than surgery which would involve fat grafting and fat repositioning. Because the surface of skin under the eyes is a small, thin area, most patients only require one to two syringes of filler per session. Syringe costs vary but average around $1,000 each. Fillers under the eyes are not permanent but last anywhere between 6-18 months. 

Benefits of fillers under the eyes include brighter under eye area, plumper skin, more youthful look, less need for under eye concealer and makeup, and best of all, immediate results. Dermal fillers build collagen and elastin, smoothing the overall complexion and adding volume. Fillers under the eyes provide a natural effect and easily blend softy into surrounding skin while erasing the signs of fatigue. Although fillers under the eyes are generally administered in the thin layer of skin right under the eyes, combining dermal fillers can transform the appearance of the face. For example, research has shown that dermal fillers that are injected into the elevator muscle of the chin are not only effective for lifting the lower lip but can also provide a refreshing look to the cheeks and eyebrows. 

The best way to determine if fillers under the eyes or a combination of dermal fillers will best suit you, schedule a consultation with THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology. Our dermatologists will help you customize a treatment to keep your skin bright, healthy, and moisturized. Call 602-867-7546 to schedule your appointment and relieve the plaguing issues that fillers under the eyes can easily resolve. For more benefits and treatment options for radiant, nourished skin, visit us online at WEBSITE.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells. Typically, skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface, eventually falling off. The typical life cycle of a skin cell is one month. For patients with psoriasis, this production process may occur in just a few days. Because of this, skin cells don’t have time to fall off. This rapid, overproduction leads to the build-up of skin cells. This build-up of cells causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Inflammation and redness around the scales is a common symptom. Typical psoriatic scales are whitish-silver and develop in thick, red patches. Sometimes, these patches will crack and bleed.

Psoriasis symptoms differ from person to person and depend on the type of psoriasis. There are 5 official types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. There are also subcategories of psoriasis types, which appear differently depending on where it is located on the body. Scales typically develop on joints, such elbows and knees, although they may develop anywhere on the body including the hands, feet, neck, scalp and face. Less common types of psoriasis affect the nails, the mouth and the area around genitals.

Symptoms of plaque psoriasis, the most common form of the disease, include:

• Red, raised, inflamed patches of skin
• Silver-white scales or plaques on the red patches
• Dry skin that may crack and bleed
• Soreness around patches
• Itching and burning sensations around patches
• Thick, pitted nails
• Painful, swollen joints

Not every person with psoriasis will experience all of these symptoms. Some people will experience entirely different symptoms if they have a less common type of psoriasis. 

Most people with psoriasis go through cycles of symptoms. The condition may cause severe symptoms for a few days or weeks, and then the symptoms may clear up and be almost unnoticeable. Then, in a few weeks or if made worse by a common psoriasis trigger, the condition may flare up again. Sometimes, symptoms of psoriasis disappear completely. 

Psoriasis triggers include infection (such as strep or a cold), stress, cold weather, smoking, certain medicines and many others. If you have psoriasis symptoms it is important to seek treatment from a qualified dermatologist. Dr. Holy in Phoenix can help you treat the condition based on your individual symptoms and needs. Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment or for more information.