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. 

A liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure that uses injectable products to minimize noticeable signs of aging. Most liquid facelifts involve a combination of products like BOTOX, Juvéderm, Restylane, Perlane and Sculptra. Liquid facelift may be a great option for patients who are concerned about wrinkles, loss of facial volume and other signs of aging, yet are hesitant to commit to surgery.

A liquid facelift is not permanent and the results do not last long. As the injectables disperse by breaking down over a period of time, your facial problems will return. The duration of the results depends primarily on the filler or injectable. For example, Restylane can last up to 9 months, BOTOX will last for 3 to 6 months, Juvederm and Radiesse last for about a year, and Sculptra can last for at least 2 years. In general, the results are found to wear off after 6 months of the facelift injection. 

Though you cannot control exactly how your body breaks down the products used in your liquid facelift, there are a few things you can do to prolong your liquid facelift results:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Use high quality skin care products
• Stay out of the sun
• Avoid smoking and using other nicotine products

Touch-up treatments can also prolong the results of your liquid facelift. Over time, regular touch-ups can help you enjoy the anti-aging effects of your liquid facelift with less product and less frequent treatments.

To learn more about liquid facelift, traditional facelift and other cosmetic procedure in Location, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy. During a consultation, Dr. Holy can evaluate your particular areas of concern and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. 

Microneedling is a minimally invasive anti-aging skin treatment technique that stimulates your skin, helping it to heal and reverse the signs of aging. Microneedling is not an injection and although it uses needles, it does not pierce or puncture the skin. 

Microneedling benefits your skin in many ways, causing it to appear more vibrant, brighter, younger, and you will start to see wrinkles disappear and your appearance improve. In addition to stimulating the skin, microneedling can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars. It can help heal sunspots and sun-damaged skin. The following issues can all be improved by the microneedling procedure:

• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Premature Skin Aging
• Scars
• Stretch Marks
• Hyperpigmentation
• Age Spots
• Rosacea
• Acne
• Large Pores
• Hair Loss

The process of microneedling stimulates anti-aging elements by speeding up and increasing collagen production. The number of treatments and the medicines used vary from patient to patient and condition to condition. Results are generally noticed within a month of beginning the procedure. Micro needling patients will benefit with firmer skin, less wrinkles, less folds, better texture of skin, smaller pores and improved appearance of stretch marks and scars. One of the best aspects of microneedling is that there is no healing time, no damage to your skin, and it is a painless procedure. 

It is important that microneedling only be administered by a dermatologist, nurse or licensed aesthetician, a skilled professional trained in the technique. If you have been looking for an easy, painless anti-aging solution, then consider microneedling in Phoenix. Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website for more information. 

Cellulite is superficial fat; fat located just underneath the skin. It is caused by fat cells pushing through the collagen, the connective tissue directly beneath the skin’s surface, causing a dimpled appearance. The appearance of cellulite is not related to the amount of body fat an individual has and is prevalent even in healthy and underweight people. Cellulite is more common in women because men have a tighter collagen mesh pattern beneath their skin. 

While there is no official remedy for cellulite, your dermatologist has a treatment system available that can help reduce the appearance of your dimpled skin. The Verju laser system, also known as body contouring laser treatment, is a simple, non-invasive procedure 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.

Verju is a relaxing, painless process. Because Verju is completely non-invasive, 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.