You may have wondered what the difference is between a chemical peel and microdermabrasion. Both treatments are a form of exfoliation of the skin. Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin cells from the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. The easiest way to maintain healthy skin is by keeping it free and clear of dead skin cells. The difference between microdermabrasion and chemical peels is that they are two different types of exfoliation: microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliation and chemical peels are a chemical exfoliation.

While microdermabrasion works well on superficial skin imperfections (some acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores and sun spots), a chemical peel is more effective on serious skin problems like deeper scars and wrinkles. 

Microdermabrasion is a manual exfoliation of the epidermis to remove dead skin cells, debris and impurities. Normally, an instrument which combines suction and a wand made of diamond or small crystal particles is used to remove these from the skin. Microdermabrasion produces instant results but may not be a good choice for inflamed, sensitive or rosacea type skin. Microdermabrasion encourages collagen stimulation and a more rapid cell turnover in the skin. After microdermabrasion, skin will appear softer, smoother, brighter, clearer, fresher and younger looking. Although it is primarily used on the face, it can be used on other parts of the body —  from the neck to chest, to hands, etc. To maintain the healthy glow associated with microdermabrasion, it is recommended once a month for optimum results. Appointments made too soon together could irritate and redden the skin. 

Chemical peels use topical applications of peeling solutions to rejuvenate the skin, address fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, tone and texture. Chemical peels involve controlled removal of varying layers of the skin with the use of a chemical agent. Chemical peels are often categorized according to the depth of the peel:

• Light Chemical Peel: This kind of peel removes just the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) in a light exfoliation.
• Medium Chemical Peel: This type of peel removes skin cells from both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and upper part of the middle layer of skin (dermis).
• Deep Chemical Peel: The chemical used for this type of peel penetrates down to the lower dermal layer. A deep chemical peel usually involves a pretreatment for up to 8 weeks to prepare the skin for the peel and to speed the healing process. 

To determine which exfoliating treatment is best for your skin, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Holy in Phoenix. To schedule an appointment, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website.

Most people are affected by some sort of skin condition. Even if mild, any problem with your skin can have an impact on your quality of life. The Excel V laser is a new, state-of-the-art laser treatment used to improve various skin conditions. If you are suffering from rosacea, port wine stains, varicose veins or uneven skin tone, the Excel V laser may be able to help.

The Excel V laser utilizes a unique high-power green laser that is absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels in the skin, resulting in improved skin appearance. The Excel V laser is highly customizable, allowing Dr. Holy to precisely treat individual conditions with a high level of accuracy. Results will always vary depending on the individual patient, but the Excel V typically has a high satisfaction rate.

The Excel V laser has multiple settings; these different modes are used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Rosacea
• Broken Blood Vessels
• Varicose Veins
• Facial Veins (red and blue)
• Venous lake (purple lesions on lips)
• Redness 
• Birthmarks
• Scars and keloids
• Port Wine Stain
• Hemangiomas
• Cherry Angioma
• Freckles
• Sun Damage
• Age spots
• Warts

The number of treatment sessions required will depend on the specific condition being treated as well as on the patient’s individual skin. Some patients will see results after just one session, while others may require more.

Excel V generally has minimal side effects. The most common side effect a patient might experience is redness or swelling in the treated areas. In rare cases, bruising may occur. These side effects should not be serious and often resolve themselves within just a few days.

The Excel V laser has proven to be safe and effective when administered by an experienced dermatologist such as Dr. Holy . Because of its efficiency and versatility, it has become a popular treatment at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix.  If you have a skin condition that may be treated with the Excel V laser, contact us today at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy.

Dermatologists treat skin problems that range from mild irritations to quite serious diseases. In some cases, common conditions that affect the skin can be hazardous to your health or even life-threatening if left untreated. You should consider seeing a dermatologist if you suffer from any of the following conditions, among others:

Acne: Acne is caused by oil trapped in ducts beneath your skin. On your face alone, 15,000-20,000 oil glands work to keep the skin elastic and soft. When the oil cannot rise to lubricate the surface of your skin, it builds up in the ducts, bacteria grow, and inflammation occurs. Acne is most common among teenagers, but it can start or continue into adulthood. 

Psoriasis: This genetic condition is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. The scalp, elbows and knees are commonly affected, although it can surface anywhere. Arthritis is associated with this rash in 40% of psoriasis patients. Topical creams and ointments are successful in controlling small areas of psoriasis. More severe cases can be treated with ultraviolet light or systemic medications.

Contact Dermatitis: Many substances in the environment react with our skin. Some are found in plants such as poison ivy. Chemicals found in clothing, jewelry, creams and perfumes may cause direct irritation or stimulate an allergic response. The affected skin becomes tender or itchy and, in extreme cases, blisters may appear. If the offending chemical is unknown, allergy testing may be able to identify the cause.

Eczema: This is a chronic condition in which the skin becomes itchy, reddened, cracked and dry. It affects both males and females, as well as people from different ethnic backgrounds. This condition can affect children, teens and adults. Dr. Holy offers many treatment options for relieving eczema.

Warts: These are skin growths caused by a virus. The virus causes the top layer of skin to grow rapidly, forming a wart. Warts can grow anywhere on the body and are most common in children and young adults. 

Sun Damage: Overexposure to the sun can cause a variety of skin conditions, not just sunburns, wrinkles or skin cancer. You may also experience uneven pigmentation, lentigines (also referred to as age spots or liver spots), labial lentigo (a dark brown lesion that develops on lips) and solar elastosis (a breakdown of collagen and connective tissue which causes the skin to sag). Dr. Holy can effectively diagnose and treat existing sun damage and help you prevent future damage.

Atypical Moles: These most commonly appear on the back but may appear anywhere on the body, including below the waist, on the scalp or other areas. They may fade into surrounding skin and include a flat portion that is level with the skin surface. They may be smooth, slightly scaly or have a rough, irregular appearance. Atypical moles are usually not present at birth but develop some time later. Several types of atypical moles are known to develop before melanoma. Atypical moles are the most common precursor, but not all atypical moles develop into melanoma. It is important to have Dr. Holy examine any mole that you feel is suspicious or is changing.

At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, we offer treatment options for a wide variety of dermatology skin problems that may affect you. Contact us today at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an exam.

The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is a common source of frustration for both men and women. Many people search for something that can reverse these tell-tale signs of aging. If you are looking for a safe and effective treatment to combat these aesthetic issues, consider injectable products such as Botox or fillers. 

Injectables is a blanket term used for a procedure that transfers a product directly into the skin and muscle tissue via a syringe to aid in reducing the signs of aging. Botox and fillers both use this method and achieve favorable results, but they each are performed in different ways.

Botox – Botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes the muscle where it is injected. With regular use, deeply etched lines in the face, often created by repeated expressions, will smooth out. Botox is for patients who are experiencing wrinkles in places where they hold a lot of tension; think frown lines, furrowed brows, etc. By freezing the muscles in these areas, you prevent deeper lines from forming. 

Fillers – Fillers do just that — they fill in the wrinkles. There are a variety of dermal fillers available; different fillers are used for different locations on your face. Ultimately, they plump up the tissue and fill in the wrinkles. If you want to add volume to your face, fillers are a great choice. Common target areas are under the eyes, thinned cheeks, and lips.

Fillers differ from Botox because they are injected into the contours of your face, not to paralyze, but to add volume or plump specific areas. Both Botox and fillers provide a temporary result, from 3-4 months for Botox and 6 months to 2 years depending on the type of fillers. 

Every face has unique needs, and we have a variety of products available to address them. During a consultation in Phoeniax, Dr. Holy will listen to your areas of concern and can create a Botox or filler treatment plan specific to your needs. Sometimes one product is sufficient to treat multiple areas like crow’s feet and brow wrinkles. Other times we may recommend a combination of products to address a persistent frown, wrinkling of chin, and fine lines around the nose and cheek. Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or website to find out the best wrinkle treatment for you.

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing technique that uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It involves the application of toxic chemical solutions to the skin in a controlled manner, producing controlled tissue death and resulting in a superficial wound. As the tissue damage is repaired by the natural healing process, the skin’s appearance is improved.

Chemical peels can cause various side effects, including:

• Redness. Expect some redness of the skin after a chemical peel. With deeper peels or with certain skin types, redness can be severe. It may fade within a few weeks, or it may last several months. The strength of the solution used for the chemical peel will determine how much redness will occur, and how long the redness will last. 
• Changes in skin color. A chemical peel can cause treated skin to become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation) or lighter than normal (hypopigmentation). 
• Crusting. Crusts or scabs may develop on areas treated with any type of chemical peel as the skin reacts to the “trauma” of having a mild acid solution applied to it. Phenol peels can be expected to result in some crusting as the old layer of skin exfoliates and the underlying layer of skin emerges. 
• Sensitivity to Light. A chemical peel can increase a patient’s sensitivity to sunlight and avoidance of sun exposure is usually advisable for several months after the treatment. Wearing sunscreen is highly recommended following a chemical peel. 
• Scarring. Rarely, a chemical peel can cause scarring – typically on the lower part of the face. Antibiotics and steroid medications can be used to soften the appearance of these scars.
• Infection. A chemical peel can cause a flare-up of the herpes virus – the virus that causes cold sores. Rarely, a chemical peel can lead to a bacterial or fungal infection.
• Heart, kidney or liver damage. A deep chemical peel uses carbolic acid (phenol), which can damage the heart muscle and cause the heart to beat irregularly. Phenol can also harm the kidneys and liver. 
• Flaking and Peeling. Flaking and peeling are normal chemical peel side effects that are temporary and relatively minor. A patient must not pick at the flakes and peeling skin because pulling off peeling skin before it is ready can result in infection and scarring. 

Patients should understand the potential chemical peel side effects prior to treatment to help them make an informed decision about undergoing the procedure. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for a chemical peel is through a consultation with Dr. Holy at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix. For more information about chemical peel side effects or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 602-867-7546 or website.

Secret Microneedling Fractional RF is a unique technology that is ideal for facial rejuvenation, improving scars and plumping and tightening loose skin by applying precisely controlled radio frequency energy directly into various depths of skin with minimally invasive microneedles.

On the face, Secret RF is beneficial for:

• non-surgical face lifting
• wrinkle reduction
• skin tightening
• skin rejuvenation
• pore reduction
• acne scars
• other scars

On the body, Secret RF is beneficial for:

• scars
• hyperhidrosis (excess sweating)
• stretch marks

Secret RF works by combining radio frequency and percutaneous needling to induce collagen production and tightens elastin fibers. During treatment in Phoenix, the Secret RF tool is moved over the treatment area while the micro-needles penetrate the skin and deliver the radio frequency directly into the target areas. The depth of delivery can be adjusted depending on the condition of the skin and the indication for the procedure. Unlike other devices which only deposit energy at the surface of the skin, Secret RF delivers energy below the surface where it’s needed most to help revitalize and regenerate the tissue. This unique delivery of energy allows us to achieve optimal results with little to no downtime on all skin types.

To achieve optimal results, 3-4 treatments are typically needed. The typical interval between sessions is 3 to 4 weeks. 

Secret RF is a very safe procedure with few side effects and little down time. Unlike lasers and IPL, Secret RF can be performed on all skin types, on the face and the body. Because of its safety profile, the incidence of side effects is very uncommon but can include:

• Prolonged redness lasting 1-2 days
• Minor swelling lasting up to 3 days
• Minor bruising
• Skin color changes (most common in patients with darker skin)
• Patterning of treated skin (temporary and reversible)
• Infection

To learn more about Secret RF microneedling, schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy by contacting THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website.

Many things cause our skin to age – some things we cannot do anything about and others we can influence.

One thing that we cannot change is the natural aging process. With time, we all get visible lines on our face. It is natural for our face to lose some of its youthful fullness. We notice our skin becoming thinner and drier. Our genes largely control when these changes occur. This type of aging is called intrinsic aging.

There is another type of aging that affects our skin called extrinsic aging. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of aging has on our skin. 

Ways to Reduce Premature Skin Aging 

To help our patients prevent premature skin aging, Dr. Holy in Phoenix offers the following tips:

1. Protect your skin from the sun every day. The sun plays a major role in prematurely aging our skin. Whether spending a day at the beach or just running errands, sun protection is essential. You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with clothing, and using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher) and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing. 

2. If you smoke, stop. Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull complexion. 

3. Avoid repetitive facial expressions. When you make a facial expression, you contract the underlying muscles. If you repeatedly contract the same muscles for many years, these lines become permanent. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce lines caused by squinting. 

4.Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging. 

5. Drink less alcohol. Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages it. This can make us look older. 

6. Exercise. Moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance. 

7. Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate it. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup and other substances without irritating your skin.

8. Wash your face daily and after sweating heavily. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can irritate the skin, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.

9. Apply a facial moisturizer every day. Moisturizers keep water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. 

It’s Never Too Late  Aging of the skin can be slowed down with lifestyle changes that promote good health and diligent skin care habits. Even people who already have signs of premature skin aging can benefit from making lifestyle changes. If aging skin concerns you, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix at 602-867-7546 or website. New treatments and less-invasive procedures for smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin and improving one’s complexion are giving many people younger-looking skin.

Secret RF is an anti-aging microneedling treatment that safely and effectively gives your skin a more youthful and radiant appearance. Secret RF is one of the most effective treatments to tighten skin and improve fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes, mouth and cheeks. Secret RF is also affective at reducing pore size, acne scars and stretch marks.

The secret to Secret RF is ultrafine needles that emit high energy radio-frequency waves to target deep layers of the skin. The procedure stimulates the regeneration of collagen and elastin production, providing lasting results. Secret RF is quick and painless, lasting only 30 minutes with little to no recovery time. As your skin heals from these wounds, your body’s collagen production increases, resulting in tighter skin and the reduction of lines and wrinkles.

You may experience the following side effects from Secret RF:

Although the Secret RF procedure is extremely safe, some mild side effects are to be expected. Some patients experience a slightly uncomfortable although tolerable experience. You may notice redness and swelling around the treated area, though both side effects should only be mild.  

The following tips may help as you heal from the treatment:

• To help with swelling, you can sleep with your head elevated
• Keep the area covered at all times with a product such as Aquaphor or Vaseline so it does not dry out.
• Do not pick at any scabs or peeling skin, this could cause scarring.
• Avoid any direct sun exposure for one week. After that, it is important to use a good sunscreen when outdoors.  
• Avoid any makeup for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid alcohol for several days after treatment.

If you’re interested in Secret RF treatment in Phoenix, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment. 

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 and 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. 

Varicose veins, often referred to as spider veins, are a common condition that affect many adults. These abnormally enlarged vessels, which affect women more often than men, appear most often on the legs and become more prevalent with age.

Spider veins can be caused by:

• Pregnancy
• Birth Control Pills
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Occupations that require prolonged standing, such as teaching or hairdressing
• Abnormal Larger Deeper Blood Vessels
• Weight Gain
• Family History

There are several treatments available for spider veins. These include:

Sclerotherapy — This treatment is the most commonly used and involves injecting a solution into the vein with a tiny needle. The solution alters the vein wall which closes down. The body then absorbs the vein and it disappears. Blood flow is shifted from the abnormal vessel to other healthy veins.

Laser Therapy — Although laser treatment can be helpful, it is a more painful option and therefore not a first choice to combat spider veins.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy — This treatment works very well for dilated blood vessels, redness, flushing and blushing on the face, neck, chest, arms and the back of the hands. It can be helpful for very tiny blood vessels that sometimes occur after sclerotherapy but is less effective than sclerotherapy for removing spider vein on the legs.

Most treatments require multiple sessions spaced out over several weeks. Results may not be noticeable right away. You will typically see improvement several weeks after initial treatment. While the treated veins will not re-appear, new veins may develop and require further treatment. 

To learn more about treating spider veins or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website today.