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 to 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.

The Center for Advanced Dermatology is proud to introduce a new treatment that improves signs of aging skin, fine lines, wrinkles and scars with little to no downtime. We are the first in Phoenix to offer Secret RF. This system uses tiny ultrafine Teflon coated tips to deliver fractional radio frequency (RF) energy into varying levels of the skin including the deeper layers where treatment is most beneficial. This unique delivery of energy allows us to achieve optimal results on all skin types.

Secret RF combines two methods, micro-needling and radio frequency energy, to tighten skin and improve fine lines, wrinkles, skin elasticity, thinning skin and facial acne scarring. Skin needling or micro-needling and radio frequency are both well-established treatments that are normally performed individually to promote new collagen to improve the skin. Secret RF combines both of these technologies together in a single treatment to maximize their effects on the skin.

The Secret RF procedure delivers precisely controlled RF energy only to target areas by adjusting the proper depth selectively with minimally invasive micro-needles. Such precisely controlled depth by micro-needles minimizes both pain and downtime compared to other laser treatments.

Secret RF is perfect for treating all skin types and carries a very low risk of skin burns. It can be used on both the face and the body, and patients are pleased by the minimal pain or downtime typically experienced.

Facial Treatments using Secret RF:

• Nonsurgical Face Lifting
• Wrinkle Reduction
• Skin Tightening
• Skin Rejuvenation
• Acne Scars
• Age Spot Reduction
• Pore Reduction

Body Treatments using Secret RF:

• Scar Reduction
• Treatment of Stretch Marks
• Keratosis Pilaris

To learn more about the innovative procedure, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com today.

It’s no surprise that skin, your body’s biggest organ, behaves like the rest of your body when it comes to health and disease. The dietary connection to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other common diseases is widely recognized. Now, we will examine the connection between diet and common skin problems.

How can your diet affect acne?

Acne is caused by inflammation and infection of the sebaceous glands of the skin. Sebaceous glands are stimulated by hormones (particularly androgens). To avoid acne, try cutting back on saturated and hydrogenated fats, especially those in processed foods. Also cut down on junk food and foods high in sugar. Eat more raw vegetables, wholegrains, fresh fruit and fish. Try to include selenium-rich foods such as Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, walnuts and whole meal bread.

How can your diet affect psoriasis?

Psoriasis appears as red skin patches with silvery scales, most commonly on the elbows and knees. The patches are caused by rapid growth and proliferation of cells in the outer skin layers. Patches can be itchy and sore and in severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed. Although research has yet to confirm a definitive link between diet and psoriasis flare-ups, you might discover that your symptoms improve when you avoid certain foods. An elimination or exclusion diet is the best way to determine what foods trigger your symptoms, though always check with your doctor before cutting out major food groups. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) from fish oil or cold-pressed nut and seed oils are important to include in your regular diet. It is recommended that your diet also be low in saturated fat and include anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, red pepper, ginger, cumin, fennel, rosemary and garlic.

How can your diet affect eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that usually begins as patchy redness, often on the hands but can appear anywhere on the skin. Although there are many triggers, one of the most common is food sensitivity. The most common provoking foods are milk, eggs, fish, cheese, nuts and food additives. Omega-3 fats, zinc and vitamin E may help reduce symptoms.

It’s important to build healthy skin from the inside out with a diet that’s good for your entire body. In our dermatology practice in Phoenix, we treat common skin problems like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, dandruff, eczema and many others. Many times, certain skin problems can be controlled or eliminated through proper diet.

Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to learn more about how your diet can affect your skin.

Getting the best nutrition you can is essential for maintaining healthy skin. There are many treatments to keep your skin looking its best, but the first step to beautiful, glowing skin is nourishment from within. As our skin cells shed, they are continually replaced by new ones and a steady supply of key nutrients is essential to support this rapid growth. By eating the correct balance of foods, you’ll feed your skin the vital nutrients it needs to help it stay fresh and blemish-free.

Here are some healthy diet tips to get your skin glowing:

Eat Fruit and Veggies Daily – Fruit and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that help to protect skin from the cellular damage caused by the environment. Free radicals, smoking, pollution and sunlight can cause wrinkling and age spots.

Get Enough vitamin C – Vitamin C is also an antioxidant. It is needed to support the immune system, promote radiant skin and help blemishes heal properly. Vitamin C is also needed to produce collagen that strengthens the capillaries that supply the skin. The best sources are blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes.

Avoid Crash Diets – Repeatedly losing and regaining weight can take a toll on your skin, causing sagging, wrinkles and stretch marks. Crash diets are often short in essential vitamins and minerals too. Over prolonged periods of time this type of dieting will be reflected on your skin. It is always best to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Eat Enough Vitamin E – Vitamin E protects skin from oxidative (cell) damage and supports healthy skin growth. Foods high in vitamin E include almonds, avocados, hazelnuts, pine nuts and sunflower and corn oils.

Omega-3 Benefits – Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that cannot be made in the body and must be obtained through diet. You will find omega-3s in oily fish and certain plant sources. Omega-3 fats encourage the body to produce anti-inflammatory compounds which can help skin, particularly inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Eat Plenty of Zinc – Zinc is involved in the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands in the skin (which produce oil) and helps to repair skin damage and keep skin soft and supple. Zinc-rich foods include fish, lean red meat, wholegrains, poultry, nuts, seeds and shellfish.

Once you make changes to your diet, don’t expect your skin or overall health to improve overnight. It takes six weeks for new skin to emerge up to the surface, so the visible benefits from dietary changes will take just as long.

To learn more about the correlation between diet and skin health, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

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.