Wrinkles are the most common sign of aging. We all get them…and we all want to get rid of them. The gradual development of wrinkles, whether fine surface lines or deeper creases and folds, is a classic sign of accumulated skin damage and inevitable aging. Premature aging and wrinkling of the skin may be accelerated by various reasons including excessive exposure to the sun and other elements, overactive facial expression muscles, the frequent use of tobacco products and poor nutrition. Dr. Holy in Phoenix offers multiple wrinkle treatments for the face. 

BOTOX® Cosmetic/Dysport/Xeomin: BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport, and XEOMIN are different products that rely on the same active ingredient — botulinum toxin type A — to relax the facial muscles that are responsible for the formation of wrinkles. They work by selectively weakening these facial muscles, relaxing wrinkles and smoothing the overlying skin. The result is a youthful-looking, refreshed appearance that respects your own unique features.

Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. Dermal fillers are injectable gels composed from either natural or synthetically derived materials like hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers gently lift and pump up the skin to restore the collagen that has been lost due to the natural aging process. Dermal fillers also enable the body to generate its own collagen which can help in giving a natural and youthful facial appearance.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) liquid facelift: The PRP Facelift is a procedure that uses your own blood to help boost the youthful appearance of your face. This procedure helps grow new tissue which smooths skin texture and encourages the growth of new blood vessels to provide a beautiful healthy glow! By activating and harnessing natural growth factors within your own blood, the Platelet Rich Plasma liquid facelift safely, comfortably, and effectively restores the balance your skin needs to maintain a fresh, youthful look.

Wrinkle Treatment Options Part Two continued next week. 

Few of us are lucky enough to have smooth, flawless skin. Maintaining a youthful, clear complexion gets even more difficult as we age—our skin begins to show the effects of sun damage, habits such as smoking, tanning and the natural aging process. 

Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of your face by selectively targeting the superficial layers of skin that contain fine lines or deeper wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation or discoloration. Laser skin resurfacing can help improve skin tone, texture and appearance by removing dull, damaged skin and promoting the skin’s natural healing process. Following treatment, healthier, more youthful-looking skin emerges to reveal a more radiant, clear complexion.

What skin problems can laser resurfacing treat?

Laser resurfacing can be used to improve the following skin conditions:

• Hyperpigmentation
• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Dullness
• Vascular lesions
• Precancerous growths
• Rosacea
• Age spots, sun spots and sun damage
• Textural irregularities
• Lip lines or smoker’s lines
• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Skin laxity (sagging skin)

Laser skin resurfacing uses powerful lasers to remove several layers of the epidermis, encouraging your skin to produce new, firmer and smoother skin and enhancing the production of firming collagen in your skin. Laser skin resurfacing is a proven way to help reduce wrinkles, age spots, acne scars and other blemishes as well as tighten skin and balance tone. These powerful lasers essentially burn away damaged skin, leaving your skin looking red and feeling raw for several days to weeks after the treatment. 

The time it takes to heal after laser skin resurfacing varies according to several factors including the type of laser used, the location of the treatment and the individual patient’s skin type. Side effects of laser skin resurfacing include swelling, redness and itching, which should subside within a few days. The full recovery time ranges between 1 – 2 weeks, depending on the intensity of the procedure, and several follow-up appointments will be required. For some patients, full skin pigmentation may not return until 6 months to a year after the treatment. It’s important for patients to avoid sun exposure and use sun protection.

To learn more about laser skin resurfacing in Phoenix or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting website. 

Everyone loses hair; it is normal to lose about 50-100 hairs every day. However, if you experience bald patches or large amounts of thinning, you may be experiencing hair loss that requires a visit to the dermatologist for proper diagnosis and possible treatment. Dr. Holy in Phoenix specializes in treating the skin, nails and hair. Most hair loss causes can be stopped or treated following proper diagnosis.

The following describes some hair loss causes: 

Hair disorders: Hereditary thinning or baldness (also called androgenetic alopecia): This is the most common cause of hair loss. It affects men and women, affecting millions of people in the United States. 

Disease: Hair loss can be the first sign of an underlying disease. About 30 diseases, including thyroid disease and anemia, cause hair loss. By treating the disease, hair loss often can be stopped or reversed.

Illness: Significant hair loss can occur after an illness. A major surgery, high fever, severe infection or even the flu can cause hair loss. 

Some cancer treatments: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause hair loss. This hair loss is often temporary, but it can cause great distress.

Having a baby: After giving birth, some women have noticeable hair loss caused by falling estrogen levels. The hair loss is temporary and re-growth usually occurs within a few months.

Menopause: Hair loss is common during menopause. This loss is often temporary. Hair re-grows with time. If a woman is 40 years of age or older, she should not expect her hair to have the fullness that it did when she was younger.

Stress: Experiencing a traumatic event can cause hair loss.

Protein: When the body does not get enough protein, it rations the protein it does get. One way the body can ration protein is to shut down hair growth. 

Iron: Not getting enough iron can lead to hair loss. Good sources of iron are soybeans, pumpkin seeds, white beans, lentils, spinach, clams, oysters and organ meats.

Medications: Some prescription medicines can cause hair loss. These include: 

• Blood thinners
• Medicines that treat arthritis, depression, gout, heart problems and high blood pressure 
• Birth control pills 
• Anabolic steroids 

Hair care: Your hairstyle and even some of the products you use on your hair can cause hair loss. Frequent bleaching or permanents can cause the hair to break. Regular or improper use of dyes, gels, relaxers and hair sprays also can cause hair breakage. When used to hold hair tightly, hairpins, clips and rubber bands can break hair.

No matter the cause, hair loss can affect the way both men and women look or think about themselves and can have a huge effect on self-confidence. If you are in Phoenix and are experiencing hair loss and would like to schedule an exam with Dr. Holy, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website.

Birthmarks are colored marks on the skin that are present at birth or develop soon after. There are two main types of birthmarks, vascular and pigmented. 

Vascular Birthmarks (often red, purple or pink) are caused by abnormal blood vessels in or under the skin. Vascular birthmarks often occur in the head and neck area, mainly on the face.  

Common types of vascular birthmarks are:

• Salmon Patch (stork mark): Salmon patches are flat red or pink patches that can appear on a baby’s eyelids, neck or forehead at birth. They’re the most common type of vascular birthmark and occur in around half of all babies. Most salmon patches will fade completely within a few months, but if they occur on the forehead they may take up to four years to disappear. Patches on the back of the neck can last longer. 
• Infantile Hemangioma: Infantile hemangiomas, also known as strawberry marks, are raised marks on the skin that are usually red. They can appear anywhere on the body. Sometimes infantile hemangiomas occur deeper in the skin, in which case the skin can look blue or purple. Hemangiomas are common, particularly in girls, and affect around 5% of babies soon after birth. They rapidly increase in size for the first six months before eventually shrinking and disappearing by around seven years of age. Hemangiomas that get bigger rapidly, or those that interfere with vision or feeding, may need to be treated.
• Capillary Malformation: Capillary malformation, also known as port wine stains, are flat red or purple marks that affect a very small number of newborn babies. They can vary in size, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Port wine stains often affect one side of the body and usually occur on the face, chest and back (although they can occur anywhere). 

Pigmented Birthmarks (usually brown) are caused by clusters of pigment cells. Pigmented birthmarks are tan or brown-colored skin marks.

Some of the most common types of pigmented birthmarks are:

• Café-au-lait Spots: Café-au-lait spots are coffee-colored skin patches. Many children have one or two, but if more than six have developed by the time the child is five, they should be checked by a doctor. 
• Mongolian Spots: Mongolian spots are blue-grey or bruised-looking birthmarks that are present from birth. They’re more commonly seen in darker-skinned people and usually occur over the lower back or buttocks. However, they can also appear elsewhere on the body or limbs. Mongolian spots may last for months or years, but they usually disappear by the time a child reaches four years of age. 
• Congenital Melanocytic Naevi: Congenital melanocytic naevi are also known as congenital moles. They’re relatively large brown or black moles that are present from birth. They’re fairly common and are caused by an overgrowth of pigment cells in the skin. Most congenital melanocytic naevi become proportionally smaller and less obvious with time, although they may darken during puberty or become bumpy or hairy. 

Most birthmarks are harmless and don’t require any treatment. In some cases, a birthmark will need to be treated for medical reasons – for example, if a hemangioma blocks the airways, affects vision or becomes ulcerated. Some people may also decide to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. To learn more about birthmarks or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy to have a birthmark evaluated, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website. 

Our skin is the largest of our human organs. Not only does our skin give us our appearance and shape, it also serves crucial functions such as regulating our body temperature and acting as a shield to protect us from environmental irritants, bacteria, heat and cold. Unfortunately, our skin is susceptible to cancer. In fact, dermal (skin) cancer is the most common of all cancers and effects millions of Americans each year. 

There are three main types of dermal cancer. These cancers begin in a different type of cell within the skin and each cancer is named for the type of cell in which it begins. 

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of dermal cancer. It usually develops on sun exposed areas as a small, round, raised, red spot. If detected early the chances of a cure are good. While these tumors very rarely metastasize (cancer spreading to other parts of the body), early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent extensive damage to surrounding tissue.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common dermal cancer. It also mainly develops on sun exposed areas. It is a slowly growing cancer with a tendency to spread to other parts of the body. If SCC is detected early the cure rates are good. 

Malignant Melanoma (MM): Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous and life-threatening dermal cancer. It has a great potential to spread to other parts of the body. Certain moles have the tendency to change their appearance and turn into MM. Because of the severity of MM, it is important for survival to detect MM as early as possible. With early detection and proper treatment, however, the cure rate for melanoma is about 95%.

When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. To learn more about skin cancer or to schedule an examination with Dr. Holy, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting website. 

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

Micro needling benefits your skin in many ways, causing it to appear more vibrant, brighter, younger, and you will start to see wrinkles disappear as your appearance improves. In addition to stimulating the skin, micro needling 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 micro needling procedure:

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

The process of micro needling 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, lighter wrinkles, fewer folds, better texture of skin, smaller pores and improved appearance of stretch marks and scars. Additional benefits of skin needling are that there is no recovery time, no damage to your skin and it is a painless procedure. 

It is important that micro needling 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 micro needling in Phoenix. Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website for more information. 

One thing that all types of skin cancers have in common is that early detection is key. Cancer screenings are vital, as is reporting any unusual or new moles to your dermatologist. The earlier your skin cancer is detected, the more likely you and your doctor can develop an effective treatment plan.

People of all races and skin types can get skin cancer. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, consult Dr. Holy as soon as possible.

• Any skin lesion that grows larger and turns pearly, translucent, brown, black or multi-colored
• An open sore or wound that does not heal, persists for more than 4r weeks or heals and later reopens
• Any skin spot growth that continues to itch, hurt, crust over, form a scab, erode or bleed for several weeks

You are not helpless when it comes to preventing skin cancer. There are things that you can do to prevent it or recognize it as early as you can. Things you can do to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer:

Seek Shade: Shade is not only the best place to go in the heat of the midday sun, but one of the safest places to be for your skin. 

Wear protective gear: If you know you’re going to be spending time in the sun, there are some things you can take along to protect your skin and eyes. 

Use sunscreen: A little bit of cream, spray or gel can save your skin. 

Self-Exam: The best way to catch cancer before it catches you is to discover it early. Take advantage of the fact that your skin is the most visible organ of the body and check it regularly. 

When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Dr. Holy in Phoenix recommends a thorough skin examination every year or as any changes in skin appearance occur. To schedule a skin exam, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website. Remember, healthy skin is beautiful skin.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells, causing inflammation. Acne typically appears on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. This common condition can be unsightly and uncomfortable and can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem. 

Acne scars can be just as varied as acne itself – from more pronounced pits in the skin, to elevated scar tissue known as keloid scars. Sufferers of more severe acne are more likely to experience scarring, but mild acne is known to produce scars as well.

When topical medications do not provide satisfactory results for treating the appearance of acne, a clearer, healthy-looking complexion may be achieved with a chemical peel for acne or acne scars. 

An acne chemical peel is performed by applying a chemical solution to the skin. The solution causes the skin to blister and peel over a period of several days. As the treated skin comes off, fresh new skin replaces it. This exfoliation caused by the acne skin peel eliminates or reduces the appearance of acne blemishes and scars. Acne chemical peel treatments provide benefits in addition to acne treatment by improving the skin’s pigmentation and make the skin smoother.

Most patients experience a sun burnt look with obvious peeling of the skin in the days after their first peel. This redness and peeling tends to be less pronounced with each consecutive peel. The number of treatments needed is dependent on the individual patient’s skin and the severity of their acne. 

The best candidates for acne chemical peel treatments are people with superficial acne or acne scars. Individuals with severe or very active acne may not be good candidates for acne chemical peels. 

It is important to speak with your dermatologist to determine whether or not a chemical peel is right for you. There are instances when a chemical peel is not recommended such as during pregnancy or if you have cut or broken skin. It is also not advised to have a chemical peel if you have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea. 

Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy. 

Platelet rich plasma is a natural product created from your own body. These platelets are rich in growth factors that aid the healing process throughout the body. Platelet rich plasma has a history of medicinal use in orthopedics and dentistry, and now its benefits are being applied to other fields of medicine such as dermatology. 

Platelets are the cells in the blood that help tissue to heal and grow new cells. Platelet rich plasma is created from your own blood, making it a safe and natural solution for improving your appearance. Platelet rich plasma is made by a small amount of blood being drawn and placed in a sterile tube that is spun in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). This plasma now contains a high concentration of platelets and is called platelet rich plasma. 

When injected into the skin, platelet rich plasma can help to heal damaged tissue and encourage the growth of new healthy cells. Platelet rich plasma also stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is essential in keeping skin firm and young looking. Increased collagen can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face.

Platelet rich plasma is a simple, effective, and safe way to improve your skin and your appearance. The procedure is quick, relatively painless and requires no post procedure care or time off from daily events. Because the platelet rich plasma is made from your own cells, there is no risk of allergy or rejection and you’ll get natural looking results. 

Here’s what to expect from a typical PRP injection process:

• A healthcare professional will draw a sample of your blood. The amount of the sample depends on where the PRP will be injected.
• The blood is then placed into a centrifuge. This is a machine that spins around very quickly, causing the blood components to separate. This means the red blood cells and plasma are separated so that the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be extracted. The separation process takes about 15 minutes.
• A technologist takes the separated plasma and prepares it for injection into the affected area.
• A numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area prior to the PRP injection. 
• Doctors will often use imaging, such as ultrasound, to pinpoint specific areas for injection, such as the tendon. Your doctor will then inject the PRP into the affected area with a micropen. This tool allows the PRP to be placed deep into the skin. 
• Aftercare instructions are to be provided after the procedure is complete.

Results begin to show 3-4 weeks after the treatment session and continue to improve with time. Three treatment sessions are generally recommended, spaced 1-2 months apart, to achieve the best outcome.

Platelet rich plasma therapy can be combined with other treatments to best target a patient’s unique issues and achieve younger looking skin. In Phoenix, Dr. Holy will personally evaluate your skin issues and describe the treatments that would be most helpful for you. To learn more about the benefits of platelet rich plasma, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting website. 

The Verju laser system, also known as body contouring laser treatment, is a simple, non-invasive procedure to painlessly reduce inches and remove stubborn body fat. 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.