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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common reasons for undergoing the Verju laser treatment are to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When it comes to your health and skin cancer, it’s a good idea to be proactive and keep an eye out for dangerous moles. It is recommended that moles be checked every month for irregularities that might indicate a problem like skin cancer. The following are some signs to look out for when checking a mole:

• Color Changes: The first sign of a potentially cancerous mole is a drastic change in color—for instance, moles that are dark, brown, grey or inconsistent in color.

• Evolving Moles: A mole that has inconsistencies—for example, it transitions in color, shape, height or surface texture—might be dangerous or unhealthy and should be inspected by a medical professional.
• Blurred Border: Healthy moles have a defined border around the outside circumference. However, melanomas (or cancerous moles) tend to appear blurred or irregular around the outside edges. They can also feel raised to the touch with ragged, scalloped edges and color may run into the surrounding tissues.
• Pain: Any mole that causes pain or is tender to the touch should be considered dangerous, particularly if the mole exudes fluid or blood. 
• Size: Healthy moles don’t grow any larger in size than 6 millimeters (¼ inches) in width. If you have a mole that’s large or gradually growing in size, book a medical exam to determine if it’s cancerous.
• Asymmetry: Healthy moles are usually symmetrical, which means they are equally sized (both sides would match if folded in half). If you find a mole that’s uneven, you may want to get it looked at.
• Sores that Don’t Heal: A new mole or a sore that won’t heal no matter how much time, air, cleaning and ointment you apply may be a potential cancer risk.
• Bleeding and Scabbing: Particular attention should be paid to any mole that is lumpy, rough, dry or scaly on the surface, especially if it’s itchy or tender to the touch. Any mole that bleeds or develops a crusty scab needs attention immediately.
• Heredity: Unfortunately, many of our health issues are passed down by family members. In the case of skin cancer or a lot of suspicious moles, a history of the disease can put you at increased risk.

If you notice changes in a mole’s appearance, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an evaluation. Dr. Holy is an experienced dermatologist, able to diagnose and treat many skin conditions. 

A chemical peel treatment is a procedure that involves the application of a chemical to the face, neck or hands. A predefined chemical solution is applied to the area to be treated with a goal of diminishing imperfections by peeling away the skin’s top layers. It also stimulates the production of new collagen for a smoother, more even complexion.

Chemical peels can be used to treat:

• Acne
• Uneven Pigmentation
• Mild Scarring
• Fine Wrinkling
• Dry Skin
• Skin Texture
• Sun-Damaged Skin
• Age Spots
• Freckles
• Dark Patches

There are three main types of chemical peels; light, medium and deep, categorized by the differing levels of “peeling” and utilizing varying amounts of chemicals for the desired results. 

A light chemical peel is most commonly performed, and is the mildest of the peel formulas that uses Alpha hydroxy acids. You may experience a slight tingling or warming sensation of the skin. AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to achieve the desired results.

A medium chemical peel is performed using a trichloroacetic acid. Medium deep peeling can sting mildly with much warmer sensations on the skin. Because of deeper penetration, it can remove larger wrinkles and precancerous skin lesions; however, this peel can also make the skin temporarily look like a sunburn.

Deep chemical peels, using Phenol acid, are rarely performed. The application is very painful and is done under a general anesthesia.

Severe wrinkles may not respond well to chemical peel treatment. They may require other kinds of procedures, such as laser treatments or Botox.

Chemical peels are performed in our Phoenix office. Immediately after a chemical peel treatment, the surface of the skin will appear whitish, and you may experience a warm to hot sensation followed by a stinging sensation. Cool compresses can be applied to help alleviate any discomfort. In the following days, the skin will feel tight and dry. After 4 to 6 days, the tight skin will begin to peel. After about 7–10 days, the skin should appear normal again. 

With just a single chemical peel treatment, patients will notice brighter, younger, and more rejuvenated skin. With consistent use, chemical peels can help people keep away wrinkles and fine lines, all while enjoying youthful, flawless-looking skin.

How often you should get a chemical peel largely depends on the strength of the peel used to treat your skin issue. Dr. Holy in Phoenix will help you determine the right peel frequency based on your personalized needs. In general, we recommend that patients get a medium-strength chemical peel every 3-6 months to maintain beautiful, glowing skin.

Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule your chemical peel consultation today.

Nail fungus is a chronic and potentially contagious condition that affects millions of people worldwide and should be treated by a dermatologist. There are several different types of nail fungus and as such, the symptoms, progression and treatment can vary slightly depending upon the precise ailment that’s infecting the nail bed. One of the most common nail fungus infections is called Onychomycosis. It is the most common disease of the nails and constitutes about half of all nail abnormalities. This condition may affect toenails or fingernails, but toenail infections are particularly common. 

Nail fungus often begins as a small spot of white, yellow or green that appears under the nail, typically near the edge. This is often paired with an array of other symptoms that worsen as the infection spreads deeper below the nail. Ultimately, the fungus can affect the entire nail, including the nail bed – the area where the new nail grows from. This will cause all new nail growth to be infected as well.

Symptoms of nail fungus include:

• A white, yellow or green patch of discoloration under the nail, typically near the edge
• Painful or sore nails
• Thickened nails
• Discoloration, often yellow, green or black
• Brittle or crumbling at the edges
• Rough, abnormal nail surface texture
• Foul odor
• Distorted nail shape
• Dull, with no shine
• Scaly skin around the nail
• Inflammation, redness and swelling under and around the nail
• The nail may separate or lift from the nail bed

Not all nail infections are fungal infections. Conditions with similar symptoms include eczema, psoriasis and Reiter’s syndrome.

If you notice any symptoms of nail fungus, it is important to have your nails examined by a professional. In Phoenix, dermatologist Dr. Holy is familiar with nail fungus and able to treat many conditions. To schedule an appointment, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you have a mole you would like evaluated for removal, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment.