Dark under eye circles can make you look tired, sick or worn-down. While you can conceal your dark circles with cosmetics, you can also visit your dermatologist to learn about treatments that can reduce them. Once we determine the cause of your under eye circles or bagging skin during your consultation, we will review your treatment options. Dark circle treatments include:

Laser Therapy: For most patients, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments cause little to no downtime and effectively reduce or eliminate their dark under eye circles. The treatment improves the texture of the skin under the eyes and removes any excess pigmentation that can be causing the circles. Laser treatments also stimulate collagen production beneath the surface of the skin, which can make the skin in the area thicker, meaning circles are less likely to be visible.

Injectable Fillers: Injectable fillers such as Belotero, Juvederm and Restylane replace lost volume to fill hollows below the eyes and smooth out bulges. These fillers typically last about 4-6 months, depending on how individual patients metabolize the material. Hyaluronic acid, the primary material most commonly used in modern cosmetic fillers, occurs naturally in the body, is safely metabolized with time, and is hypoallergenic.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels can be effective in reducing dark circles by exfoliating the surface layer of the skin and revealing healthier underlying skin. Most dermatologists recommend a series of medium-depth peels containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for dark circle reduction. Within a few days of treatment, superficial layers of skin will peel off, revealing healthy underlying skin. Once the peeling process has ended (approximately 7 days), you should notice a reduction in your dark circles.

Dark circles under the eyes appear for many different reasons. The under eye area may have a hollowed look due to genetics, volume loss due to aging or from environmental and health factors such as excessive sun exposure or habits such as cigarette smoking that can affect the skin internally and externally. If under-eye dark circles are getting you down, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy.

All people have some form of pigmented spotting on their skin. Whether you are born with these spots or develop them over time through aging or sun exposure, it’s very important to monitor your skin and discuss any changes in your skin spots with a dermatologist. While most spots are harmless, some may be a sign of skin cancer.

Here’s a brief overview of the most common forms of skin spots (along with best treatment options):

Freckles – Freckles are tiny, flat, circular spots that are typically beige or brown in color. They typically appear in groups along areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun like the face, arms and legs. Freckles often become darker after sun exposure and significantly lighten up in the winter months. Options to get rid of freckles include topical skin care products (such as retinoid creams and vitamin C serums) and laser skin resurfacing treatments (such as Fraxel).

Age Spots – Also referred to as sun spots or solar lentigines, age spots are flat brown spots that appear when the skin is chronically exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or from tanning beds. Age spots commonly form on areas of the body that are most frequently exposed to the sun like the face, hands, neck, chest, arms and legs. Treatment options for age spots include topical products, chemical peels, laser treatments and microdermabrasion.

Moles – A mole is a growth on the skin that can be flesh-colored, brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Moles can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) which is why it’s critical to monitor any moles you have for changes. We recommend monitoring the mole for changes to the ABCDE’s: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolving. Malignant moles should be removed by an excision or Mohs surgery, and non-cancerous moles can also be surgically removed if desired by the patient.

Melasma – Melasma is a common skin disorder that creates dark discoloration patches along the skin. Melasma generally manifests itself in a brown or gray discoloration across the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin or upper lip, and is most often uniform and symmetrical on both sides of the face. Most melasma is caused by hormonal changes within the body. It can be treated with topical skin treatments, chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Laser treatments are often not recommended because laser heat can actually make melasma symptoms worse.

If you would like Dr. Holy to evaluate your skin spots, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule an examination.

Excess fat under the chin is a common problem, affecting people of all ages. Submental (under the chin) fat is commonly called a double chin. It can impact the lines of the neck and jawline, add years to your appearance and make a person who is trim and fit look older and overweight. At The Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, we offer a non-invasive treatment to correct this issue.

Kybella is a non-surgical procedure that is capable of eliminating a double chin and dramatically improve one’s appearance. This innovative treatment is the first and only injectable to be approved by the FDA to eliminate the appearance of a double chin. How does it work? The Kybella injectable is comprised of deoxycholic acid, a chemical that is used to help absorb fats which the body naturally produces. When this chemical is directly injected into the tissue under a patient’s chin, the deoxycholic acid destroys the walls of fat cells, which ultimately causes the tissue to slowly dissolve as it is metabolized by the body, allowing the tissue under the chin to achieve a more sculpted appearance.

Every patient is different, but the benefits of Kybella can generally be seen after as few as two or three treatments. In some cases, as many as six treatments might be necessary to receive the maximum benefit. Given that this injectable treatment destroys fat cells in the treated area, the results that Kybella produces are long-lasting and will not require additional treatment sessions.

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 mddermsolutions.com today.

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 making 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 mddermsolutions.com for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy.

If you’re like many patients in Phoenix, you may be self-conscious or dissatisfied with the skin and fat under your chin. A double chin can be difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone, but Kybella can help to get rid of excess fat in a non-surgical, non-invasive way.

How Kybella Works

Dr. Holy utilizes small, virtually painless injections of Kybella to help your body naturally remove fat. Kybella is made from deoxycholic acid, a natural product from within your body. This helps to absorb fat by destroying the fat cell’s membrane. Without a cell membrane, the fat cell ruptures and your body naturally removes it.

Kybella Results

Through a series of approximately 4-6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart, Dr. Holy will administer small amounts of Kybella. Each injection session takes about 15-20 minutes, and results will be evident within a few weeks. The end-result will be a loss of chin fat and a firm, youthful look that you will love.

Kybella will reduce your double chin and improve the appearance of your neck and jawline. The results gained with Kybella are permanent because the fat below your chin won’t return, and you can enjoy the permanent results of Kybella as long as you maintain a healthy weight.

However, the contoured appearance of the neck may change if you gain a significant amount of weight. This could cause the fat cells that remain to get larger, and once again create some fullness in the chin.  But since there are fewer fat cells, the fat will be proportionately less than you had before. The great thing about Kybella being a product that your body naturally creates is that you can have touchup injections when needed without the fear of a reaction or any adverse effects

If you’re interested in Kybella treatments in Phoenix, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

As we age, collagen production in our skin slows and existing collagen begins to break down, causing the skin to show facial lines and wrinkles. Injectable wrinkle fillers can give facial skin a plumper, smoother appearance and can give you a more youthful look for a fraction of the cost of a traditional facelift. Most will fill lines and wrinkles in less than 30 minutes with results that can last from a few months to more than a year.

Today we have a wide range of safe, effective wrinkle fillers to choose from:

• Collagen injections replenish the skin’s natural collagen. By supplementing your skin’s own collagen, these wrinkle injections help smooth facial lines and some types of scars.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite is a semi-permanent wrinkle filler that’s suspended in a watery gel and used to increase soft tissue. This is a collagen stimulator used to improve the surface texture of your skin as well as stimulate your own collagen to enable the product to last longer.
• Hyaluronic acidis a substance normally made by the body that gives your skin its volume and fullness. Hyaluronic acid injections fill the space between collagen and elastin fibers within the skin which replenishes the natural volume lost with aging.
• Poly-L-lactic acid is an injectable filler used to replace lost facial fat. This synthetic polymer has been used for many years in dissolvable stitches. This product stimulates the body’s own collagen production for better skin texture and a longer lasting result.
• Natural body fat from your own thighs or abdomen can also be used as a wrinkle filler. There’s no risk of allergic reaction and most people achieve semi-permanent results. Several injections may be required to get the most benefit.

Although wrinkle fillers are a minimally invasive treatment, some pain, swelling and bruising can result from the injections.

When considering wrinkle fillers in Phoenix, it is important to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Holy. At our Phoenix office, we can help you make the right choice among the best wrinkle fillers available. Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to find out how our wide variety of wrinkle fillers can help you achieve younger looking skin.

Laser hair removal at The Center for Advanced Dermatology is a permanent solution to eliminate unwanted hair. Hair can be removed from nearly any part of the body, treatments are fast and there’s no recovery time.

During laser hair removal in Phoenix, pulsating beams of light target the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The intense heat from the laser damages the follicles, inhibiting future hair growth. Since this procedure works by targeting melanin, it is most effective for people with light skin and dark hair, although advanced technology has made laser hair removal an option for individuals with dark skin as well. Common areas of the body that are treated include legs, underarms, upper lip, chin and bikini line.

Immediately before the treatment, the hair will be trimmed. The laser equipment will be carefully adjusted according to your hair and skin specifications. A cold gel or special cooling device will be applied on the skin to protect the outer layers as well as help the laser penetrate the skin. The hand-held laser instrument will be held against the skin as the treatment is performed. Small areas such as the upper lip may only take a few minutes while larger areas, such as the back, may take several hours.

Common side effects include skin irritation, temporary redness, swelling and pain. Laser hair removal may cause the treated skin to become lighter or darker, but this is usually temporary.

A minimum of six treatments is generally recommended depending on the area to be treated. You will start to notice a visible reduction in hair growth from the second or third treatment and the results get better after each treatment. You may require one or two touch-ups per year, but regular waxing and shaving will be a thing of the past!

A consultation with Dr. Holy will help determine what results you can expect based on your needs, skin and hair types. Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule your laser hair removal appointment.

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 mddermsolutions.com for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy.

Lips are an important part of facial beauty. Like our eyes and nose, they are a defining and prominent feature of the face. Lip augmentation using cosmetic lip fillers is a procedure that can improve your smile and freshen your face with youthful looking, plumper, softer and smoother-looking lips. This aesthetic treatment is quick, safe and effective and requires no downtime.

Lip fillers are popular among individuals of all ages looking to rejuvenate their smile. A radiant smile can add youth and vibrancy to your appearance. A simple and safe injection treatment can add volume and definition, balance asymmetric lips or reduce the appearance of fine, vertical lines. It is especially effective for those with naturally thin or thinning lips.

During a thorough consultation with Dr. Holy in Phoenix, he will carefully examine you, discuss your goals and realistic expectations and recommend the appropriate method of treatment for your lip augmentation. If you decide to receive lip fillers, you may be treated the same day as your consultation.

The lip filler procedure begins with a topical anesthetic cream applied to the lips. This ensures that the injections administered by Dr. Holy will only cause minor discomfort. Dr. Holy will then administer the lip filler treatment via tiny injections that are virtually pain free. At the end of the procedure, the areas will be massaged to create a smooth, soft and natural result.

There is no downtime after the procedure. Patients can return to their everyday activities immediately following the treatment. You may experience some bruising, swelling and tenderness which can last between 24 to 48 hours after the injections. You will then be left with plump, voluminous lips.

The results of lip fillers generally last between six months to two years. The longevity depends on the type of cosmetic lip filler used. Keeping in mind that these methods of augmentation are only temporary, repeat treatments will be needed to maintain results. If you desire a more permanent lip augmentation, the placement of a lip implant can be used to achieve the same fuller appearance.

Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule a consultation or for more information about lip fillers.

Whether you have been injured in an accident, undergone surgery or suffer from severe acne, the scars left behind can leave you feeling self-conscious and less able to enjoy life to the fullest.

Scar revision treatments depend on the type of scar, and range from topical creams for mild scarring to grafting in the case of large, traumatic scars.

At The Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, we offer laser treatments that can improve the appearance of scars and restore your scarred skin to a more natural look. Laser scar revision is a non-invasive method for treating a wide range of scars, offering positive results without pain or downtime.

Laser technology works to decrease the visibility of scars, but without harming the surrounding skin. Unlike surgical procedures, laser scar treatment employs quick pulses of laser light to target sub-layers of your skin. Your body’s natural ability to heal helps remove damaged tissue and replaces it with new collagen and elastin. After treatment, your scars should be less visible, leaving you with smoother and more attractive skin.

Laser scar revision can be performed on various skin types, including patients with very fair or very dark skin. Most patients report minimal discomfort during laser scar revision treatment. Side effects include some swelling and redness where treatment has occurred, but these are temporary conditions that fade after a few days. Some patients may experience itching and blistering. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately following treatment.

If scars from surgery, an accident or acne are troubling you, and you want your skin restored to a more aesthetic appearance, it may be time for you to consider laser scar revision.

To learn more about laser scar revision or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com today.