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, finer 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 or 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 mddermsolutions.com for more information.

Kybella is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for the removal of submental fat (a double chin). Kybella is composed of a synthetically produced deoxycholic acid, a compound naturally produced by the liver to break down fat. You can now melt away your double chin without liposuction or surgical procedures, just a series of simple injections!

Kybella was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 as a treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe fat below the chin, known as submental fat. For our Kybella patients, a series of simple appointments in Phoenix can quickly produce a more youthful profile.

Unlike other injectable treatments, such as dermal fillers or Botox, the results from Kybella are permanent. When properly injected into submental fat, Kybella will permanently dissolve your double chin, with no need for any anesthesia.

Most Kybella patients will typically require 2 to 3 treatments, with 15 to 20 injections, according to the custom plan developed for you by Dr. Holy.

After your Kybella treatment, you should expect some swelling and redness. You may also experience bruising, pain, numbness and firmness in the injection site. This will normally last less than 5 days, and for some patients may last up to 14 days. You may have slight swelling of the area for up to a month.

• You can apply ice in the first 48 hours to help with the swelling and discomfort.  It is important to not place ice directly on the skin.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 3 days after your treatment.
• Sleep with your head elevated for 3 nights after your treatment to help minimize swelling.
• Do not scratch, pick at, massage or manipulate the treatment area.
• You may apply your normal skin care regimen to the area, including cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen etc.

To find out if Kybella treatment is right for you, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holy.

Most mothers-to-be know the basic do’s and don’ts of pregnancy: Get plenty of rest, no smoking and no drinking – but what about cosmetic 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 surgeons overwhelmingly recommend that their pregnant patients should not get injections of the popular drug.

Part of the reason there is so little research about cosmetic 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 mddermsolutions.com today.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that shows up in several forms. The two that appear most in children are:

• Plaque Psoriasis: This is the most common type of psoriasis in children. It is characterized by raised, red lesions covered with flaky, silvery-white scales. Plaque can show up anywhere, although it most often appears on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
• Guttate Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis is more common in children than in adults. It isn’t as scaly or thick as plaque. Instead it appears as small, dot-like lesions, usually on the abdomen and limbs.

Psoriasis in children can be worrying, especially when you see your child struggle with itching or discomfort.

For most kids, psoriasis is limited to just a few patches that usually respond well to treatment. More serious cases sometimes require more aggressive treatment. But the good news is that there are many options to treat this condition. If one treatment doesn’t work, another probably will.

Psoriasis Treatments 

Topical treatments are creams, lotions and ointments applied directly to the skin. These include moisturizers, prescription corticosteroids and vitamin D creams, and shampoos made with salicylic acid or coal tar. Topical treatments can effectively treat many types of mild to moderate psoriasis.

Light therapy (phototherapy) involves using natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light to treat the psoriasis symptoms. Sometimes brief daily exposure to the sun can help, but too much sunlight can make psoriasis worse. More aggressive forms of light therapy include using controlled doses of UV light on the affected skin, laser therapy and therapies that combine UV light with medicines and topical treatments.

Oral or injected medications are used to treat severe psoriasis or psoriasis that resists other treatments. They include pills, shots and medicines given intravenously (through an IV into a vein). Some of these can have serious side effects and might be prescribed for short periods of time only.

Most psoriasis in children will respond well to treatment, but it’s important to stay on top of it. Your efforts, and your child’s, can help control psoriasis symptoms. To learn more about psoriasis in children or how Dr. Holy in Phoenix  can help treat your child’s symptoms, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

Nail fungus is a chronic and potentially contagious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Nail fungus occurs in about 10% of the adult population. 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, 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 mddermsolutions.com today.

Botox is the brand name of a purified form of botulinum, a neurotoxin that is used clinically in very small quantities to treat strabismus and facial spasms and other neurological disorders characterized by abnormal muscle contractions. It is also used by cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists to temporarily remove wrinkles and smooth frown lines by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles.

Researchers in the 1950s discovered that injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin type A into hyperactive muscles relaxed them. After scientists and researchers began to experiment with its helpful side effects, botulinum toxin type A became the go-to toxin in all research labs. The FDA approved botulinum toxin type A for use on humans for everything from treating facial spasms to vocal spasms. Thankfully, it also got a name that rolls off the tongue a little easier: Botox. Botox began to be used as a cure for a variety of medical ailments until doctors started to notice that their patients were also losing their frown lines. The popularity of Botox became overwhelming. This spiked the use of Botox by crazy amounts, and there was actually a Botox drought in 1997.

Botox not only has medical benefits, but also is a safe and effective cosmetic treatment. In fact, Botox is the number one non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the country. It is important to remember that Botox is not for everyone and it should only be administered by a trained medical professional in a proper facility.

To learn more about Botox in Phoenix or to find out how Dr. Holy can use Botox to help you smooth away fine lines, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

A mole (nevus) is a pigmented (colored) spot on the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Moles can be round, oval, flat or raised. They can occur singly or in clusters on any part of the body. Most moles are brown, but colors can range from pinkish flesh tones to yellow, dark blue or black. Most people have at least a few moles. Usually, other than during puberty and pregnancy, a mole’s color and shape do not change.

A changing mole can be a cause for concern and should always be brought to your doctor’s attention. While it’s normal to develop new growths as we get older, a recent change in a mole’s appearance, such as darkening in color or rapid growth, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding, could indicate that it’s turning into a skin cancer. Your doctor may recommend a skin biopsy to remove the growth and send it to a lab to find out what it is. This is a fairly simple procedure that can be done in the office under local anesthesia (similar to the numbing you get at the dentist).

Although it may sound scary, when skin cancer is caught early, it is nearly 100% curable. It is important to check your moles regularly for changes in their appearance.

Dr. Holy in Phoenix recommends using the ABC’s of moles to determine if they need further examination:

A – Asymmetry

B – Border irregularity

C – Color variations: blue, brown or black, sometimes white or red spots

D – Diameter: greater than six millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser)

E – Elevation: raised above the surface of the skin

If you notice any of the changes listed above or any other sudden mole changes, contact Dr. Holy promptly for an evaluation. Call 602-867-7546 or visit mddermsolutions.com to schedule your appointment today at The Center for Advanced Dermatology.

Fillers are a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment used to add volume, alter the contours of the face and fill in wrinkles. Common areas to inject fillers are in the face, neck and hands, resulting in a fuller, smoother and more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are among the most popular aesthetic procedures because they carry immediate results, with very few risks and little recovery time. When injected under the skin, a filler raises or puffs up that area. Most fillers require multiple injections. Different fillers last different lengths of time. Slowly, your body absorbs the filler and this makes the skin go back to its normal state.

It is not known what the effects of fillers are during pregnancy because not many studies have been done on this topic. While the risks may be minimal or nonexistent, they are still unknown.

Physicians tend to err on the side of caution when there’s little evidence in regards to safety of a drug and it is usually recommended to avoid elective procedures during pregnancy. It’s always best to minimize the risk to your baby and avoid unnecessary treatments.

Many expecting mothers in Phoenix may find that being pregnant is the only cosmetic procedure they need. Pregnancy often causes puffiness and water retention, meaning that some women will notice that wrinkles and previously sagging skin on their face are now fuller. Hormonal changes also improve the condition and appearance of skin and hair during pregnancy, giving a “glow” and removing the need for any cosmetic treatments until it’s completely safe.

For more information about fillers during pregnancy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

Injectable fillers can give you a more youthful look for a fraction of what a traditional facelift costs. Most will fill in lines and wrinkles in less than 30 minutes with results that can last from 4 months to more than a year. Fillers can also be used as volumizers, plumping and lifting cheeks, jawlines and temples and filling out thin lips. If you are considering fillers, it is important to understand what to expect for aftercare.

• Temporary stinging, throbbing, burning sensation, redness, swelling, bruising and excess fullness
• Swelling and puffiness may last several weeks
• Redness and bruising may last about 48 hours
• You may feel a firmness in the treatment area for a few days – this may depend on the area of treatment and the product used but over time, it will soften and feel more natural
• Inspect daily for signs of infection
• Stay out of the sun until redness and bruising subsides (usually 48 hours)
• Always use a strong sunblock if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater)
• Avoid alcohol consumption until bruising and swelling subsides
• Acetaminophen is appropriate for pain relief, avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen
• One of the advantages of these procedures is that you may return to most of your normal activities shortly after treatment
• Avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two after treatment because this increases the heart rate and quickens blood-flow, which can prolong swelling
• Be realistic about your results: repeated treatments may be necessary and with regular follow-up treatments, you can easily maintain your new look

If you have any questions about fillers or the aftercare process in Phoenix, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

Wrinkles are caused by a combination of factors — some you can control, others you can’t. Eye wrinkles – such as so-called laugh lines or crow’s feet – are the bane of many aging adults. To be able to effectively get rid of wrinkles by your eyes, you need to know the causes of those wrinkles:

Natural Aging: The first and most common cause of eye wrinkles is aging. As people age it is normal to have wrinkles not just near your eyes but also on your neck, face and so on. As you get older, your skin naturally becomes less elastic and more fragile. Decreased production of natural oils dries your skin and makes it appear more wrinkled. Fat in the deeper layers of your skin diminishes. This causes loose, saggy skin and more pronounced lines and crevices.

Smoking: Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. Smoking generally increases wrinkles on the body since it generates free radicals in the body. The free radicals will reduce the amounts of elastin and collagen in the skin. This will also make the skin dry. Furthermore, as you smoke, you are likely to squint when the smoke reaches your eyes, this too will cause under eye wrinkles.

Repeated Facial Expressions: Facial movements and expressions, such as squinting or smiling, lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time you use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin. As skin ages, it loses its flexibility and is no longer able to spring back into place. These grooves then become permanent features on your face. As you laugh, squint or smile, your eyelid skin tends to get creases and with time, this will cause wrinkles by the eyes.

Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet radiation, which speeds the natural aging process, is a primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin’s connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers which lie in the deeper layer of skin (dermis). Without this supportive connective tissue, your skin loses strength and flexibility. Skin then begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

Poor Skin Care: Your facial skin, especially the area around your eyes should be well hydrated and moisturized. If you fail to properly moisturize your skin and it becomes dry, eye wrinkles can form as you make facial movements and expressions.

Genetics: For some people the causes of wrinkles under their eyes are hereditary. People whose eye wrinkles are caused by genetic factors often start noticing them at a young age. Some of the genetic factors that contribute to under eye wrinkles include the amount of skin that someone has, natural oils, elastin and collagen quality, among many other factors.

If you have wrinkles by your eyes, there are many treatment options available. The first step is meeting with an experienced dermatologist. In Phoenix, Dr. Holy has years of experience in wrinkle treatment and prevention as well as other skin care needs. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.