Once you’ve made the decision to undergo laser hair removal treatments, it’s important to know how to prepare for the procedure. Preparatory steps prior to laser hair removal are necessary for your safety and to facilitate hassle-free procedures and superior results. By following the guidelines listed below, you can:

• Avoid laser hair removal side effects
• Improve laser hair removal results
• Minimize total treatment time
• Lessen the odds for pain and discomfort

Several Weeks Prior to Treatment

Initial laser hair removal preparations can begin weeks before the first treatment takes place. These steps often involve prepping your skin and unwanted hair to make them more conducive to laser treatments.

If you normally wax, tweeze, use removal creams or bleach your unwanted hair, these methods should be discontinued in the weeks prior to laser treatment. This step ensures that the hair removal process is completed efficiently and correctly.

It’s a fact that lasers are attracted to melanin in hair and skin, so if you have tanned skin or regularly apply tanning creams and lotions, these should be discontinued well in advance of your laser treatments. This also means that you should be wary of sun exposure in the time leading up to laser hair removal and should apply sunscreen before any prolonged time outdoors. Sunburns will also affect your results since the reddened skin will change how the lasers interact with the skin and hair follicles.

24 Hours Prior to Treatment

Within 24 hours of your laser hair removal appointment, it’s recommended that the soon-to-be treated areas are shaved of all existing hair. If you fail to shave the areas prior to your appointment, the technician will shave them for you before your treatment. Shaving the treated areas allows the laser procedure to be completed quicker, and it will mean less discomfort and/or pain during the hair removal process itself.

If too much hair is present on the skin’s surface during treatment, the laser will target that existing hair as well as the follicle underneath the skin. When that happens, the surface hair will be burned by the laser, and subsequently your skin can be burned too.

How Should I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal? – Part Two to be continued…

Our skin has two layers: the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (just below the epidermis). Wrinkles happen in the dermis. The dermis is made up of collagen and other proteins. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. The collagen is what makes our skin elastic and smooth. Less collagen results in saggy skin with wrinkles. Lots of factors contribute to this process. Here are some:

Sun damage. Chronic overexposure to the sun can change the texture and weaken the elasticity of the skin. Sun induced skin damage causes premature wrinkling.

Smoking. Another cause of premature skin aging and wrinkles is smoking, which damages the skin’s collagen, causes inflammation and leaves telltale lines around the mouth. Smokers are five times more likely to have wrinkled facial skin than non-smokers.

Dehydration. Proper hydration is essential for healthy, smooth skin. Dehydrated skin is often caused by external elements (weather), unhealthy diet (lack of fresh produce) and lifestyle choices (consumption of alcohol or caffeine). All these factors deplete the skin’s water content, resulting in a less supple appearance.

Poor nutrition. A diet that includes a high intake of saturated fats and sweets may contribute to skin that wrinkles more than under a more balanced, healthy diet.

Facial expressions (laughing, squinting, etc.) Not only does it accelerate the aging of your skin, but repeated facial expressions can cause wrinkles.

Pollution and toxins. Exposure to airborne toxic chemicals can cause premature fine lines and wrinkles as well as age spots and sagging skin.

Natural aging. As you age, your skin naturally produces less collagen and thus becomes less elastic and firm over time. Skin naturally becomes full of fine lines and wrinkles as collagen production slows.

At The Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, Dr. Holy offers several options for improving facial appearance and smoothing wrinkled skin. Contact us at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule an appointment today.

The Center of Advanced Dermatology is proud to announce an exciting new procedure: Verjú. The world’s first and only green laser to receive FDA market clearance for circumference reduction and the appearance of cellulite.

Approximately 90% of adult women have cellulite. Cellulite is a term used to describe superficial pockets of trapped fat which cause the skin to have an uneven dimpling or orange peel appearance. Cellulite is most commonly located on the thighs, buttocks and lower abdomen. Verjú is a proven treatment option to help with the appearance of those pesky dimples.

How Verjú Works:

This non-invasive new treatment painlessly reduces inches and removes stubborn body fat. Verjú has revolutionized the way we approach body contouring. The Verjú method is safe and effective; it requires no needles, no incisions and no recovery time. The laser opens the fat cells to release the fatty lipids. Verjú does not harm or destroy cells, but simply releases the fat.

Verjú targets your stubborn fat areas and painlessly emulsifies the fat cells under your skin. As the Verjú lasers gently penetrate the skin and release the lipids, they build dermal collagen for smooth and beautiful results. The Verjú laser system causes the fatty lipids from within fat cells to safely be reduced in size, which in turn reduces the size of cellulite, improving the skin’s appearance.

Once the fatty lipids are released, your fat cells naturally collapse. Then your body’s lymphatic system eliminates those unwanted fatty lipids.

Verjú is ideal for patients who:

• Would like to reduce fat in troublesome areas
• Would like to get rid of their cellulite
• Are looking for non-surgical solutions

Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to learn more about this exciting new procedure.

One of the most common reasons that patients consult a dermatologist is for the treatment of scars. Scarring is a big deal for many patients for a variety of reasons: Scars may be painful, itchy or unsightly. Scar formation is a normal response following any injury or surgery; it is the way the body heals injured structures. Although scars are an inevitable and natural part of the healing process for most dermal wounds, dealing with scars can be difficult.

Most scars do not produce poor cosmetic or functional results. The original scar tissue is gradually replaced during the end phase of healing, resulting in a reduction in redness, elevation and firm consistency of the tissue to produce a flat, soft, pale scar that is level with the adjacent skin. If, however, this delicate balance is not achieved during the healing process, the resulting scar may display abnormalities and be unsightly.

Common ways to treat scars include:

Scar Removal – For some, excising the scar can improve it by changing the shape or direction. Scar excision is a procedure in which a scar is either removed or modified to improve cosmetic appearance.

Topical Products – Topical products for scars are plentiful; however, it is difficult to decipher effective topical products over the less effective ones. Studies have shown sun protection in addition to silicone-based gels or pads can enhance scar renovation and reduce overall scar appearance.

Pulsed dye lasers (PDL) – Pulsed dye lasers shoot an intense but gentle beam of laser light at the optimal frequency absorbed by blood vessels into your skin. The dilated blood vessels are destroyed by the pulses of laser energy. The treatment also helps to stimulate the production of new collagen in your skin which can help in the skin’s natural healing process as well as help in decreasing the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Typically, several treatments are involved and the scar becomes softer and less prominent with each.

Fractionated Lasers – This laser generates columns of heat that go under the deep dermis to cause inflammation. As a result of the inflammation, the remaining tissue produces collagen and elastin which work to heal the skin. These fibers also tighten the area. Healthier and tighter skin means that the scars become much less noticeable.

Scarring is an unfortunate part of life. Whether from acne, chicken pox, surgery or trauma, the damage that a scar causes can be significant and long-lasting. With the onset of new treatments and medical advancements, there is new hope for dealing with scars.

For help dealing with your scars and to learn about treatment methods in Phoenix, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com today.

Facial rejuvenation in Phoenix is a highly beneficial process for those looking to regain a more youthful look. Today there are many facial rejuvenation options for individuals who would like to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, treat skin problems such as acne and rosacea, or enhance their facial skin care regimen to achieve a look that’s healthy and natural. Facial rejuvenation with Dr. Holy at The Center for Advanced Dermatology can include a variety of procedures such as:

Microneedling – This facial rejuvenation treatment stimulates skin elasticity and increases collagen production. By using the body’s own healing process, the microneedling treatment stimulates new collagen and elastin by creating very small, controlled wounds in the dermis by penetrating the skin’s surface with very thin microneedles. The procedure also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fades acne scars, stretch marks and surgical scarring, and improves skin tone and texture.

Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion treatments exfoliate the top layer of your skin, removing unwanted dead cells and debris. This process of resurfacing brings back a smoother and firmer texture to the skin, causing many patients to regain a youthful glow.

Chemical Peels – Chemical peel procedures aim to accelerate skin exfoliation by using chemical substances. When the chemical solution is applied to the skin, dead skin cells are removed, resulting in renewed, healthier looking skin and a more uniform complexion.

Benefits of facial rejuvenation include natural-looking results, short recovery time, minimal to no discomfort and a large variety of customizable procedures and treatments to choose from.

Following some facial rejuvenation procedures, some temporary swelling, bruising or discomfort may occur. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and each patient’s individual body. During a consultation in Phoenix, Dr. Holy can discuss the options for facial rejuvenation based on your individual needs and desires.

If you’re ready to experience a rejuvenated and youthful appearance with results that leave you feeling confident, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule a consultation.

Microdermabrasion is a safe, simple procedure that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells, exposing vibrant, younger-looking skin. Microdermabrasion also stimulates circulation and the production of your body’s natural collagen reserves which greatly aids healing.

The microdermabrasion procedure can minimize wrinkles, scars, sun damage and active acne without the pain and recuperative time of other cosmetic treatments. Microdermabrasion is a natural way to evenly and safely exfoliate the skin without chemicals to provide a more youthful appearance. It is one of the most requested non-invasive skin enhancing procedures and can be customized to meet your specific skin care needs. During the microdermabrasion procedure in Phoenix, Dr. Holy uses a tool with a crystal or diamond encrusted tip to massage and exfoliate the skin’s surface by removing the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells.

Microdermabrasion can be used on all skin types and is a suitable facial treatment for anyone interested in minimizing the appearance of skin blemishes. You may initially feel a very light scratching sensation as the massaging crystals or diamond encrusted tip make contact with the skin, but continued treatment compares to a deep massage. Mild redness may occur for half an hour to one day after treatment depending on the aggressiveness of the program.

The microdermabrasion process requires a series of treatments. The number of treatments required can vary based on your skin care needs, but is usually between 6 and 12. Fortunately, each treatment is simple and quick, taking less than 30 minutes.

If you’re looking for a safe, affordable, non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment option, microdermabrasion in Location may be right for you. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to see if microdermabrasion is right for you.

Did you know that skin cancer effects 1 in 5 Americans? Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the trunk (chest and back) in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites. Melanomas most often arise on normal skin, but they may also occasionally occur in conjunction with a benign nevus (beauty mark or birthmark). The identification of potential melanoma lesions is best remembered by using the first five letters of the alphabet as follows:

Asymmetry – Melanoma lesions are often irregular, not symmetrical, in shape. A non-cancerous mole is typically symmetrical in shape. If you were to draw a line through the middle of a mole, the two halves should roughly match.

Border – Typically, a non-cancerous skin spot will have smooth, even borders. Melanoma spots usually have irregular borders that are difficult to define.

Color – A non-cancerous mole is commonly a single shade of brown or tan. If there is a presence of more than one color, or an uneven distribution of color, this can be a warning sign of melanoma. Melanoma can occur in a variety of colors including brown, black, red, blue or purple. These spots can be flat or raised and can bleed easily. Non-melanoma skin cancer, also known as basal and squamous cell carcinoma, typically appear as small, pearly or pale bumps or as dark red patches that can be raised, flat or scaly in texture.

Diameter – Non-cancerous lesions are typically smaller than malignant ones. If the diameter is greater than a pencil eraser, it may be a sign that it is growing or changing. Larger spots that have been stable for an extended period of time are not typically cause for concern; though continued observation is recommended.

Evolving – The evolution of a skin lesion is the most crucial factor to consider when performing a self-skin check. This is why regular self-checks at home are so important. If you know what is normal, you will easily be able to tell if it has grown or evolved overtime.

Melanoma is one of the most common of all cancers. The good news is that skin cancer is highly curable when diagnosed and treated early by a skilled dermatologist. Knowing the signs of melanoma can help you notice when a spot on your skin is a cause for concern. The ABCDEs of melanoma is an easy way to remember what to watch for.

When it comes to spots on the skin, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you have a suspicious skin lesion, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Holy.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. It frequently affects teenagers but can also continue into or develop in adult life. Although common, many people do not know what acne is or what causes it.

Acne occurs when the small pores on the surface of the skin become blocked with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Each individual pore on the skin opens to a follicle beneath the epidermis. Within these follicles lie a singular hair and a sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces sebum, an oil designed to keep your skin moisturized.

When these oil glands are stimulated by hormonal changes or other factors, they become overactive and pump out excess oil. This oil combines with dead skin cells and bacteria to clog skin pores. Should these substances clump together, a plug will form. As this plug starts to press up against the surface of the skin, the body responds with an accumulation of red and white blood cells to combat any infection, and this results in inflammation and redness. Acne can occur on the face, back, neck, chest, arms and buttocks, and any other skin area with a saturation of sebaceous pores.

Factors that aggravate acne include:

• Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause
• Using harsh products on the skin
• Pollution, humidity, dirt and heat

Acne Treatment

There is no cure for acne but rather there are treatment methods to help reduce the symptoms. This can improve the appearance of the skin and lead to a better quality of life for people who suffer from the condition.

There are several types of acne treatment. Based on the severity and type of your acne, Dr. Holy may suggest over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs. Some of these will be applied directly to the skin, while others are pills or capsules that are meant to treat acne from the inside. Treatment for your acne may include one or more of the following types:

• Topical retinoids
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Topical antibiotics
• Oral antibiotics
• Hormones/ antiandrogens
• Oral retinoids (isotretinoin)

During an appointment in Phoenix, Dr. Holy will examine your skin to evaluate the type and severity of acne you have. Dr. Holy will ask you questions to identify the trigger of your acne and determine whether it stems from an underlying medical condition, a side effect to medications or other causes.

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

Wrinkles are a natural, unfortunate part of aging. There are, however, some things you can do to protect your skin and help delay the development of wrinkles. To properly prevent wrinkles, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the various types of wrinkles which can occur.

There are four main types of wrinkles; each with its own distinct characteristics:

Atrophic Crinkling Rhytids: These wrinkles signal that the skin has lost a part of its elasticity and occur because of a loss of collagen. Atrophic crinkling rhytids can show up in different areas of the face and body. An indicator of atrophic crinkling rhytids is that they disappear when the skin is stretched, either by hand or if you change body posture. These wrinkles are usually shallow and parallel to one another. It is essential to protect your skin from these wrinkles by wearing sunscreen whenever out in direct sunlight and properly moisturizing your skin.

Dynamic Expression Lines: When people repeatedly make the same facial expressions that fold the skin (such as smiling or frowning), dynamic expression lines are formed. Over time, these lines can become permanent. If you smoke cigarettes, another common example of dynamic expression lines are the creases that may develop around your mouth.

Gravitational Folds: As the name implies, these wrinkles are from the effects of gravity, and they become increasingly obvious as skin begins to fold and sag. As you age, your skin loses its elasticity, causing wrinkling and sagging. These wrinkles typically occur in thicker skin, where more folds are visible. Surprisingly, a plumper face will show less gravitational folds than a lean face.

Permanent Elastic Creases: Permanent elastic creases are lines in the skin that become increasingly apparent over time due to the natural loss of collagen and accelerated aging from sun exposure. These types of wrinkles typically show up on your cheeks, upper lip and at the base of your neck.

There are many things that contribute to the development of wrinkles: sun exposure, smoke exposure, daily skin care and even genetics. Proper skin care and protection is something we should all be aware of at an early age. Don’t wait until your skin starts to show the signs of aging. Take care of it now to help prevent wrinkles. Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy to learn more about these types of wrinkles.

Botox is a nonsurgical treatment designed to reduce the fine lines and wrinkles that appear on the skin over time. Also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A, Botox is a muscle paralyzing neurotoxin. When injected into a predetermined area on the skin, the product will temporarily relax the muscle and smooth facial creases.

The most common cosmetic Botox injection sites are between the eyebrows (to treat frown lines), at the corner of the eyes (to correct crow’s feet), forehead creases and wrinkles around the lips.

Administered through tiny injections directly into the targeted muscle area, Botox injections take less than 30 minutes in the office. Prior to a treatment in Phoenix, Dr. Holy will determine if you are a suitable candidate for Botox, which areas of the face will be targeted, and how much product will be needed. Virtually painless, Botox injections do not require an anesthetic. Patients normally report a slight pinch during each injection.

No downtime is required after a Botox treatment; patients can return to their usual activities immediately following your office visit. Minor bruising may occur at the injection site, although this will quickly resolve. The results from a Botox treatment can first be noticed in 5 – 7 days. The full benefits from a treatment will appear in approximately 2 weeks. Results last between 3 – 4 months; after which time, patients will need a repeat treatment to maintain results.

Botox injection treatments are beneficial for men and women of any age and safe for all ethnicities and skin types. People frustrated by the early signs of aging due to facial lines and wrinkles can find that Botox injections provide excellent results.

Botox injections can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other skin treatments, to achieve optimal results. To learn more about products and services available in Location to further improve the look of your skin, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mdddermsolutions.com.