Dermabrasion is a popular procedure for those desiring smoother skin and improvement to their appearance. Skin imperfections often include fine lines, sun damage, acne scars and uneven texture. Performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, dermabrasion is considered a low-risk procedure for treating these skin conditions. Dermabrasion can be successful at treating many other issues too including liver spots, melasma, wrinkles, stretch marks, precancerous skin patches and removal of tattoos. Dermabrasion is an exfoliating and resurfacing technique that uses an abrasive rotating instrument to remove the outer layers of skin, usually on the face, that will produce new skin as it heals. 

Some minimal dermabrasion side effects include acne breakouts, loss of freckles, changes in skin tone, redness, rash, swelling and temporarily enlarged pores. Rare dermabrasion side effects include excessive scarring, also known as keloids. A keloid is a raised scar that is caused by excess collagen in the skin during healing. Keloids are quite common but are not harmful. Dermabrasion often causes treated skin to temporarily become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation), lighter than normal (hypopigmentation) or blotchy. These problems are more common in people who have darker skin and can sometimes be permanent. Redness and irritation are common dermabrasion side effects as well. Many patients will experience the sensation and look of a mild sunburn after the procedure. Avoiding sunlight and adding a moisturizer will help the irritation subside within one week. 

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dermabrasion. Skin type and medical history may preclude dermabrasion from being the right option for you. Prescription acne medication use within the past 6-12 months as well as active acne or any recent facial cosmetic surgery or radiation treatment will eliminate dermabrasion as the best course of treatment. 

To get the smoother, softer skin you’ve been hoping for and to find out if dermabrasion is right for you, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or WEBSITE for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Platelet-rich plasma therapy has quickly become one of the most sought-after treatments for a variety of medical, rehabilitative and cosmetic conditions. Medical professionals and celebrities alike have endorsed its efficacy as an innovative way for the body to heal by using its own natural components. PRP has become a popular choice in treatment for hair regrowth, strengthening of inactive hair follicles and scalp rejuvenation.

PRP is a three-step process: blood draw, blood processing and blood injection. PRP is derived from your own blood. After blood is drawn, it is spun in a centrifuge to isolate the PRP. The PRP is then delivered via injection to the scalp for hair growth. Platelet rich plasma initiates repair and attract stem cells to the injection site with the intent of growing new hair. Most patients require 3 treatments, with an average of about a dozen injections per treatment. A recent study shows that the average number of follicle units increased from 71 to 93 after 4 PRP treatments. For best results, consistency is key. The hair restoration process includes 3 PRP injections over 4 to size weeks with regular maintenance injections every 4-6 months.

In a 2017 study, patients affected by male-pattern baldness were given PRP injections on the right side of their head and saline injections on the left side. The results on the right side were concluded as “hair loss reduced with evidence of new hair growth. Digital image analysis showed an overall improvement in hair density and quality as hair became thicker, normal hair. An improvement in hair density, quality and thickness was noted. Our data suggests that PRP injections have a therapeutic effect on male pattern hair loss with no major side effects and high patient satisfaction overall.” 

For PRP to be successful for new hair growth, several factors need to take place. The first, finding the root cause of hair loss. Did you know that both men and women are affected by hereditary hair loss? In fact, 35 million men and 21 million women experience some form of hair loss or noticeable thinning. Many have reported significant hair loss as a negative side effect from prescribed medications, ranging from thyroid medication to weight loss supplements to cancer treatments. Eliminating medications or supplements that may be causing hair loss is key. It is also recommended to stop using any blood-thinning over the counter medications or herbal supplements the week before your appointment. Starting treatment at the early signs of hair loss is important too. For those with inflammatory skin issues or conditions that have caused scarring on the scalp, PRP would not be recommended. Men and women afflicted by androgenic alopecia, more commonly know as male or female pattern baldness, and those with recent hair shedding or loss will benefit most from PRP treatment. 

Although PRP treatments have been performed since the 1980s, there is still relatively limited clinical proof to its effectiveness because PRP specifically for hair growth is relatively new. The greatest factors for PRP success include providing treatment in conjunction with oral supplementation and topical treatments such as Rogaine, Propecia, and even LED light therapy. Combined, the success rate is about 70-90% among patients. Patients are likely to see results between 6-12 months, with some noticing improvement after just 3 months of treatment. PRP is a suitable option for most people as not everyone is a candidate for hair transplants. In general, scientific case studies have proven PRP to be effective for new hair growth and improved hair thickness. 

To determine if PRP is the right hair treatment for you, please contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or WEBSITE to schedule an in-depth analysis and examination of your scalp. Our team can provide answers to your questions and help set realistic expectations accordingly to achieve the best results.

Dermatology is a medical specialty. Like traditional health care, most services a dermatologist offers are covered by insurance. 

Coverage for dermatology services can vary from policy to policy. The guideline insurance companies use to determine whether they will pay for a service or not is medical necessity. To be considered medically necessary, the visit must be to evaluate, diagnose or continue treating a medical condition. Most major medical plans will cover medically necessary treatment by a dermatologist. 

Some of the most commonly covered conditions are:

• Skin cancer
• Rashes
• Psoriasis
• Port wine stain removal
• Acne
• Skin or fungal infections
• Eczema
• Warts
• Hives
• Skin allergies
• Keloid scars
• Shingles

Cosmetic treatment for things such as skin blemishes or tattoo removal are generally not covered.

Before going to the dermatologist, you will need to make sure you are covered. If you have health insurance coverage through an employer, you can ask your Human Resources Manager or the person in charge of benefits. Or, you can contact the insurance company directly by calling the Customer Service Number that is usually located on the back of your insurance card.

If you determine that dermatology is covered by your insurance, check to make sure that your dermatologist of choice is in network. Using physicians that are in network will usually save money over using an out of network provider. You can call the physician’s office with your health insurance information to verify whether or not the provider is in network or not. You may also be able to find this information on the insurance company’s website.

Some insurance companies require their subscribers to receive a referral from a primary care physician before seeing a specialist. If a referral is not secured before a specialist visit, the dermatology appointment may not be covered or paid at a lower rate. This is also important to determine before scheduling your dermatology appointment. To learn more about insurance coverage for dermatology services in Phoenix, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or website.

It is estimated that over 50 million Americans suffer from acne every year, 25% are left with permanent scarring. Acne is the most common skin condition and affects 80% of adolescents. According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology there are a variety of ways to treat acne scarring. These methods include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, radio frequency, punch techniques, fat transplantation, skin needling, stem cell therapy and laser treatment. Skin resurfacing for acne scars can be treated in a variety of ways, but laser treatment is one of the most effective and increasing popular solutions due not only to technology but the body’s natural way of healing itself by replacing the scarred tissue with clear, healthy skin cells.

The newest forms of laser skin resurfacing for acne scars offer a safe and effective way to visibly reduce or eliminate acne scarring. Lasers pulse intense light or heat into the skin, penetrating it layer by layer, removing damage. This very precise and targeted form of treatment allows the skin’s natural healing process to produce more collagen, regenerate skin cells and shed damaged tissue, causing the skin to rejuvenate itself. Laser treatment options to resurface skin for acne scars are categorized as ablative or non-ablative fractional laser treatment. 

Ablative laser treatment for resurfacing acne scars carefully removes the top layer of skin, known as the epidermis, by heating the skin as the tissue breaks apart. This option works similarly to a chemical peel. Patients will generally have to wait about 7-10 days before seeing results but usually only one treatment is needed, and the results are permanent. For this reason, ablative procedures are also described as more aggressive and penetrative versus non-ablative. Non-ablative treatments heat up the underlying skin tissue to promote collagen production. Because this option does not remove skin, recovery is mild. Patients desiring the non-ablative option for less aggressive, more shallow acne scarring may require multiple treatments for desired results. 

If you are ready to put the confidence draining days of acne scarring behind you, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to find out which skin resurfacing for acne scars technique is best for you. Clear, healthier, younger looking skin is possible for everyone. 

With winter quickly approaching, it is important to know how to properly care for your skin during the chilly winter months. The change of seasons can be very stressful on your skin, especially when going from warmer summer months to cold, windy, and drier winters. This transition most commonly makes your skin look dull and older than its years, but it can also spur flare-ups of skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Decreased temperatures mean a drop-in humidity levels, taking moisture not only out of the air, but also out of your skin. 

One of the biggest mistakes people make with the change of seasons is neglecting to adjust their skin care routine, if they even have one in the first place. The good news is that there are simple changes you can make to prevent the stress of wintry weather from affecting your skin:

Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet – The best high-antioxidant fruits and vegetables will help feed your skin from the inside out and keep it looking its youngest most beautiful best. Since dry winter weather robs your skin of moisture, it’s important to increase your intake of water and other fluids. Avoid caffeinated drinks like soda and coffee, which can have a diuretic effect. Some studies have also shown that dietary fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 may help dry skin by replenishing your skin’s natural oils, so consider incorporating these foods and supplements into your diet.

Don’t Crank Up the Heat – Turning up the heat indoors seems like a natural response to chilly winter weather, but raising the thermostat indoors dries the air and skin out even more. The result is dry, flaky skin that is itchy and uncomfortable.

Start Using a Humidifier – To remedy a dry home, bring in a humidifier and set humidity level between 45% and 55% to infuse the air with enough moisture for you skin to reap the benefits.

Take Warm (NOT Hot!) Showers – A long hot shower may feel heavenly on cold mornings, but it strips out the water and natural oils in your skin, thus drying it out. Limit showers to 15-minutes or less, using warm water, rather than hot water.

Avoid Harsh Soap – Deodorant and antibacterial soaps can be especially harsh on your skin, compromising your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Instead, opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers.

Don’t Ditch the SPF – So, you won’t see sunny skies as much—that doesn’t mean that UV rays have gone away. UV rays are almost just as powerful in overcast skies and the winter sun can reflect off the snow, particularly at high altitudes, so make sure you maintain a good sunscreen routine. 

Don’t let cold, winter weather take a toll on your skin. Start planning your winter skin care routine now. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy in Phoenix, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website. Dr. Holy can analyze your skin type and recommend a winter skin care routine just for you.

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

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

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

Every patient is different, but the benefits of Kybella can generally be seen after as few as 2-3 treatments. In some cases, as many as 6 treatments might be necessary to receive the maximum benefit. 

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

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

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an effective treatment for hair loss in men and women looking to restore their hair. This non-surgical hair loss procedure provides a natural stimulation for thinning hair.

Human blood contains stem cells and growth factors that assist in tissue rebuilding and healing. The PRP procedure contains special cells called platelets that can cause the growth of hair follicles by stimulating the stem cells located in the structure of the follicle. These platelets promote healing, accelerate the rate and degree of tissue regeneration, the response of the body to injury, and formation of new cellular growth.

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy has become established as an effective medical treatment in specialty fields of oral surgery, neurosurgery, plastic and cosmetic surgery and more. These fields have used PRP for over two decades with positive outcomes. In hair restoration, there is further evidence that demonstrates that PRP therapy is a promising treatment option for men and women in promoting hair growth.

PRP provides an alternative to stimulate natural hair growth for patients who are not viable candidates for hair transplant surgery. It has been shown to be a beneficial procedure for those who have undergone a hair transplant procedure to aid in healing and to improve hair growth. The procedure is relatively painless and requires zero recovery time.

How long PRP results last depends on the individual patient and how severe their hair loss. Typically, patients need at least 3 to 4 sessions timed at intervals of 4 weeks each. After the initial 4 sessions, your doctor may ask you to come in for follow-up treatments at 6 months and then 12 months. Hair growth may be measured in about three months, but it takes six to twelve months to visually “see” the difference.

For men and women who are looking to do something about their hair loss or thinning hair, PRP may be an appropriate treatment option. It is important to remember that results will vary from one patient to another. 

To find out if PRP treatment is a good option for you, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy.

When it comes to reducing wrinkles, the first thing most people think of is Botox. Botox treatment in Phoenix can gently smooth out wrinkles and leave your face looking refreshed and more aesthetically pleasing.

How Botox Works

As your facial muscles contract, the overlying skin is pushed and pulled in different directions. These repetitive actions lead to the formation of wrinkles. To smooth these lines, the muscles responsible for them need to relax. Botox is a neurotoxin that breaks the communication chain between muscles and nerves, leading to forced muscle relaxation. 

Common uses for Botox include:

• Soften crow’s feet
• Remove frown lines between brows
• Smooth the forehead
• Smooth lip lines 
• Prevent chin dimpling
• Lift the corners of the mouth
• Freshen your look

Botox Treatment 

Botox injections are very simple to perform and usually take less than 5 minutes per facial area. A topical anesthetic is typically used to ensure comfort during the treatment. During Botox treatment in Phoenix, Dr. Holy uses a tiny micro-needle to very precisely inject the botulinum toxin type A serum into select facial muscles.

Some patients see results within a few days, while most see results by one week. Within 1-2 weeks of the Botox injections, the treated facial muscles become temporarily relaxed, causing the overlying skin to lay flat and unwrinkled. The untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.

Although individual results vary, most patients can expect significant wrinkle reduction for about 4 months following the Botox injections. To maintain the desired wrinkle reduction effects, treatments can and should be repeated about every 4 or 5 months. The results tend to last longer with subsequent treatments.  

When to Begin Botox Treatment

Botox is one of the most popular wrinkle treatments available – among many different age groups. Middle-aged patients with existing facial lines use Botox to regain youthful skin. And younger patients (even some in their 20s) choose Botox to prevent wrinkles from ever forming. Depending on your aging concerns, taking an offensive approach to facial lines may be the ideal plan.

Botox is just one of several aesthetic procedures to reduce facial wrinkles. If you’re frustrated with lines on your face, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy to determine the best wrinkle reducing option for you.

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 new 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 new 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 helping to grow new hair, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy.