Cosmetic Dermatology

What Are Age Spots?

Age spots—also known as liver spots or sun spots—are flat, brown, gray, or black spots that typically develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, hands, shoulders, chest, and arms. They are caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which accelerates melanin production in certain areas over time. Although age spots are harmless and non-cancerous, they can resemble other types of skin lesions, so it’s important to have them evaluated by a dermatology professional. Many people choose to treat age spots for cosmetic reasons, as they are often associated with premature skin aging and uneven skin tone.

Our Approach and Expertise

At The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we offer comprehensive, personalized care for the diagnosis and treatment of age spots, helping patients achieve clearer, more even-toned skin. Our board-certified dermatologists begin with a careful skin assessment to confirm the nature of your pigmentation and rule out any potentially harmful conditions, such as actinic keratoses or skin cancer.

We provide a range of effective, non-invasive treatment options tailored to your skin type and lifestyle. These may include laser treatments, chemical peels, cryotherapy, or topical brightening agents—each designed to safely reduce discoloration and stimulate skin renewal. We also offer advanced medical-grade skincare products to support long-term results and help prevent future pigmentation from forming.

Because sun exposure is the primary cause of age spots, we emphasize sun protection and preventive skin care as a core part of every treatment plan. With decades of experience and access to cutting-edge technology, our team is committed to helping you restore a more radiant, youthful complexion with results that look natural and feel empowering. Your skin is in expert hands with the dedicated team at The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery.

Schedule your appointment today.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and it sometimes does not go away on its own. Our aestheticians use a number of services to treat active acne as a sole solution or in conjunction with other treatments.

Treatment Options:

Clear & Brilliant 

Our aestheticians use Clear & Brilliant fractional laser resurfacing is a gentle, non-invasive facial rejuvenation procedure that has been proven to reduce the look of fine lines and give skin a smoother and younger appearance.  

Heat from the specially-designed laser stimulates the production of collagen, the protein that gives skin its natural firmness and plumpness. Used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and a physician-grade skin care regimen, Clear & Brilliant can hold back the effects of aging, giving skin a radiant, youthful glow.

Chemical Peels

Reveal fresher, healthier-looking skin by removing the outer layer of damaged skin cells. An excellent option to help clear up acne spots.

Facials

Improve mild acne, rosacea,and overall appearance with any of our medical-grade facials.

Our Approach and Expertise

At The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we understand how deeply active acne can affect not just your skin—but also your self-confidence and emotional well-being. Our board-certified dermatologists provide expert, compassionate care with treatment plans tailored to your specific skin type, acne severity, and lifestyle.

We offer a full range of evidence-based treatments, from topical and oral medications (including antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal therapies) to in-office procedures like chemical peels, laser treatments, light therapy, and acne extractions. For more resistant or severe cases, we may recommend advanced therapies such as isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane®), always under close medical supervision.

Our approach is holistic and proactive—focused not only on clearing active breakouts but also on preventing future flare-ups and minimizing the risk of scarring. We also provide personalized skincare guidance and help identify environmental or lifestyle triggers that may be contributing to your acne.

With decades of experience and access to cutting-edge treatments, The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery is your trusted partner in achieving clearer, healthier skin and long-term acne control. Count on The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery for expert, compassionate care tailored to your unique skin.

Schedule your appointment today.

What Is Acne Scarring?

Acne scarring refers to the lasting marks left on the skin after moderate to severe acne has healed. These scars form when inflamed blemishes damage the deeper layers of skin, leading to tissue loss or excess collagen production. Common types of acne scars include ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, as well as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—dark spots that linger after breakouts. While acne itself can fade over time, scarring often remains unless treated, and it can affect both appearance and self-esteem. Fortunately, today’s dermatologic treatments offer highly effective solutions for improving skin texture and tone.

Scars, whether large or small, can be devastating for your self-esteem. In the past, surgical removal of scars was the only option. Think of scars as a result of the body trying to heal a wound as quickly and efficiently as possible. Sometimes this results in a “normal,” although visible, scar.

Our Approach and Expertise

At The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we specialize in advanced, personalized treatments for acne scarring to help you regain smoother, clearer, and more confident skin. Our board-certified dermatologists begin with a comprehensive skin evaluation to determine the type, depth, and pattern of your scars, then create a customized treatment plan based on your skin type, goals, and comfort level.

We offer a wide range of clinically proven solutions, including microneedling with or without radiofrequency, fractional laser resurfacing, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and subcision. These treatments work by stimulating collagen production, remodeling scar tissue, and improving overall skin texture. For discoloration or residual redness, we may incorporate topical therapies or light-based treatments to further refine your results.

Our goal is not just to treat scars—but to restore your skin’s health and enhance your natural beauty. With state-of-the-art technology, deep clinical expertise, and a commitment to personalized care, The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery is your trusted destination for effective acne scar treatment in Phoenix and beyond.

Schedule your appointment today.

Tighten loose skin on the face, neck, arms, knees, abdomen, thighs and buttocks with almost no downtime with Thermage®.

Thermage® Body is a non-invasive procedure that tightens and firms the body without surgery or injections. Cellulite smoothes out on the buttocks and thighs. Arms tighten up. Post-baby tummies firm up. There is no downtime so you can return to normal activities immediately following treatment. Only one treatment is typically needed, taking approximately 1-2 hours. Patients can expect to see mild to moderate skin tightening and smoother skin.

Overtime, our skin’s resiliency and elasticity decreases – especially after major life events like childbirth – and sometimes never returns to that smooth skin feeling. For most people, age brings with it areas of uneven or unsightly bulges that just can’t be remedied with exercise or diet. It’s skin – not fat – that often gets in the way of achieving the youthful look we all desire.

Our Approach and Expertise

At The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we’re proud to offer Thermage® as part of our advanced portfolio of non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Our board-certified dermatologists and experienced providers use Thermage® to help patients achieve tighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin—without needles, anesthesia, or recovery time.

We begin every treatment with a detailed consultation to assess your skin’s current condition, aging concerns, and aesthetic goals. Thermage® is often recommended for patients in their 30s to 60s who are noticing mild to moderate skin laxity but aren’t ready for surgical intervention. The treatment is comfortable and typically takes about 45–90 minutes, with results that continue to improve over several months as collagen renewal progresses.

Whether used on its own or as part of a broader anti-aging plan, Thermage® offers a powerful yet gentle solution for facial firming and contouring. At The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we pair state-of-the-art technology with a personalized, medically driven approach to help you look refreshed, lifted, and confidently yourself.

Schedule your appointment today.

Tighten loose skin on the face, neck, arms, knees, abdomen, thighs and buttocks with almost no downtime

Thermage® Body is a non-invasive procedure that tightens and firms the body without surgery or injections. Cellulite smoothes out on the buttocks and thighs. Arms tighten up. Post-baby tummies firm up. There is no downtime so you can return to normal activities immediately following treatment. Only one treatment is typically needed, taking approximately 1-2 hours. Patients can expect to see mild to moderate skin tightening and smoother skin.

Overtime, our skin’s resiliency and elasticity decreases – especially after major life events like childbirth – and sometimes never returns to that smooth skin feeling. For most people, age brings with it areas of uneven or unsightly bulges that just can’t be remedied with exercise or diet. It’s skin – not fat – that often gets in the way of achieving the youthful look we all desire.

Our Approach and Expertise

At The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we offer Thermage® as a trusted, non-invasive solution for patients seeking firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin—without surgery or downtime. Thermage® uses advanced radiofrequency (RF) technology to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating natural collagen production and tightening existing collagen fibers. The result is subtle, gradual skin tightening and improved skin texture over time.

Our board-certified dermatologists and skilled aesthetic providers use Thermage® to treat a range of concerns, including loose or sagging skin on the face, jawline, neck, and around the eyes. Because it works below the skin’s surface without damaging the outer layers, Thermage® is safe for all skin types and ideal for patients who want noticeable results without injections or invasive procedures.

Each treatment begins with a personalized consultation to determine your goals and create a tailored plan. Most patients require only a single session, with results developing gradually and lasting up to a year or more, depending on age and skin condition.

With decades of experience and a commitment to the latest in skin rejuvenation technology, our team at The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery delivers Thermage® treatments with precision, care, and a focus on natural-looking results that help you feel confident at any age.

Schedule your appointment today.

The Vivace Experience is the difference. Learn how The Vivace fractional micro needle is the ideal treatment for you.

It’s the newest generation of radio frequency microneedling, and The Vivace is FDA-cleared for your safety. This minimally-invasive treatment stimulates the natural production of collagen and is shown to be effective in alleviating facial wrinkles, fine lines, and tightening and toning the face, neck, hands, and body.

How Vivace Procedures Work

We start with the most revolutionary, best-in-class Vivace Microneedling RF device, designed for an incomparable, comfortable patient experience. Only The Vivace boasts a precision robotic motor that brings discomfort to a virtual zero compared to any other device you will find in your physician’s office. We recommend a personally compounded numbing cream, the best available today, and our carefully developed recovery system ensures no one knows you just had a treatment today. The results are immediate and also improve over time, giving you the best of both worlds.

Benefits of Vivace

• Alleviate Wrinkles & Fine Lines
• Tighten Skin
• Minimize Pore Size
• Improve Skin Tone & Texture
• Immediate Results
• No Downtime
• Virtually Pain-Free

You can expect to experience effects similar to a mild sunburn after the procedure; typically some redness, tenderness and some swelling. Despite that, there is no significant downtime after a Vivace procedure. Patients can return to normal activities and conceal most of the mild side effects with make-up after just one day.

Custom Sessions Procedure Desired Results

While multiple sessions are recommended to achieve optimal microneedling results, noticeable changes are typically seen just one week following treatment and gradually improve as the body’s healing process promotes the production of healthy, new cells and extracellular substances.

Patients with uneven skin tone and fine lines may see Vivace results after just one procedure, while those looking to soften the appearance of acne scarring may require several procedures. From cosmetic enhancements to medical dermatology, The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery is your trusted skin health partner.

Schedule your appointment today.

Reverse the side effects of aging with a non-surgical, single treatment solution for skin laxity

ThermiTight™ is the first aesthetic procedure that delivers controlled thermal energy under the skin to reverse the effects of aging. It is a non-surgical, painless, micro-invasive procedure. A tiny probe is inserted under the skin after it has been numbed. Then, radio frequency energy is applied directly to the target tissues on the underside of the skin causing shrinkage or contracture. ThermiTight™ is great for problem areas of the neck, face, arms, tummy, thighs, and other tissues. Results begin immediately and improve for 6 months after treatment.

What are the Pro’s and Con’s of ThermiTight compared to surgical solutions?

ThermiTight™ is a cost effective alternative to surgical options for skin tightening that is done in the office under local anesthesia, has minimal risk, and minimal or no downtime. However, patients must have realistic expectations for the degree of skin contraction possible with this non-surgical approach. This depends greatly on the age and elastic capacity of the patient’s skin. In general, the degree of contracture is not as great as with other surgical procedures like facelift, neck lift, arm lift, tummy tuck, etc., but is an excellent alternative for some patients where the scars, downtime, expense, or risk of surgery are prohibitive.

Our Approach and Expertise

At The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we offer ThermiTight® as a minimally invasive solution for patients seeking noticeable skin tightening and contouring without traditional surgery. Using controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy, ThermiTight® gently heats targeted tissue beneath the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity—resulting in firmer, smoother contours over time.

Our board-certified providers use ThermiTight® to treat common areas of concern, including the lower face, jawline, neck, and under the chin. It’s ideal for patients experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity who want a more defined appearance with minimal downtime. The procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia, and most patients resume normal activities within a few days.

We take a personalized approach to every ThermiTight treatment, beginning with a thorough consultation to assess your goals and determine if you’re a good candidate. Whether used alone or as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan, ThermiTight provides a safe, effective alternative to surgical lifting procedures—delivering natural-looking results that continue to improve over several months.

With advanced technology, skilled providers, and a commitment to patient-centered care, The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery is your trusted resource for minimally invasive skin tightening solutions like ThermiTight®. The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery: Advanced care for your skin, every step of the way.

Schedule your appointment today.

Discover how an aesthetic medicine can be used to treat volume loss and fill in wrinkles

Filler procedures are minimally invasive and are most commonly used around the face, neck, and hands to create a fuller, more youthful appearance. The result of a filler procedure is usually immediate and has minimal risk and minimal recovery time. The three main kinds of fillers are temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent.

If you are concerned about deep lines around the mouth, brow, or eyes, or volume loss to the lips and cheeks, filler injections can successfully improve these conditions with low risk and down time.

The most popular kind of temporary filler is a hyaluronic acid-based filler. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound and successfully creates fullness and volume. Other temporary fillers include collagen-based fillers and calcium hydroxylapatite. Like hyaluronic acid, collagen is also naturally occurring and improves the structure and strength of the skin. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a denser, heavier compound that is injected deeper into the skin.

Semi-permanent fillers, like their name, offer longer lasting results although it is possible that you will need an occasional “touch up” after the initial injections. These fillers are usually made of denser compounds, such as biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid, and they are most commonly used to treat deeper lines and depressions.

Our fillers include:

• Juvederm Voluma
• Juvederm XC
• Radiesse
• Perlane
• Restylane Silk
• Sculptra

Juvederm Vouma

Juvaderm Voluma XC is an injectable hyaluronic acid-based gel that temporarily combats age-related sagging and loss of volume in the cheek area.

Juvederm XC

Juvaderm XC is an injectable hyaluronic acid-based gel used to temporarily fill in wrinkles and folds in the face, especially around the nose and mouth.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a dermal filler that not only provides immediate volumizing to plump skin and fill in wrinkles, but also stimulates the skin to produce more collagen, the protein that gives skin its natural youthful volume.

Restylane

Restylane is a dermal filler used to plump and fill wrinkles and folds in the face, including nasolabial folds. Restylane can also be used to plump and enhance the lips.

Perlane

A Restylane product, Perlane is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler used to treat moderate-to-severe facial folds and wrinkles. The three-dimensional gel particles plump the skin and fill in deep folds, lasting for approximately six months.

Restylane Silk

Designed specifically for the lips, Restylane Silk dermal filler provides subtle lip enhancement while also smoothing lines around the mouth.

Sculptra

Sculptra aesthetic is an injectable treatment of poly-L-lactic acid, used to help fill in mild-to-severe nasolabial folds for up to two years. Several injections over time help to replace lost collagen for a more youthful look.

It is very important to keep in mind that board certified plastic surgeons are specially trained in the structure and musculature of the face and can successfully analyze how your unique features will respond to the use of aesthetic injectables. Additionally, be aware that silicone is absolutely unsafe when used as a filler injection. These injections are not FDA-approved and are most often peddled by unlicensed individuals. Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive support and advanced treatments for every skin type.

Schedule your appointment today.

What Are Facials?

Facials are professional skin treatments designed to cleanse, exfoliate, nourish, and revitalize the skin. They can address a wide range of concerns—including dullness, dryness, clogged pores, acne, uneven tone, and early signs of aging. Each facial is customized to suit your skin type and needs, using targeted products and techniques such as deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, masks, and hydration. Whether you’re looking to maintain healthy skin, treat specific concerns, or simply enjoy a moment of self-care, facials are a safe, non-invasive way to refresh your complexion and support long-term skin health.

Medical-Grade Facials

Improve mild acne, rosacea and overall appearance with these minimally invasive treatments. If you experience problems that stem from acne outbreaks or if you’re just looking for a deep cleansing medical grade facials are an excellent option. Having regular facials with one of our aestheticians can even improve the effectiveness of your skin care regimen.

Our Approach and Expertise

At The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, our customized medical-grade facial treatments are more than just relaxing—they’re part of a comprehensive approach to achieving and maintaining healthy, radiant skin. All treatments are performed by skilled, licensed professionals under the supervision of our board-certified dermatologists, ensuring both safety and results.

We begin with a thorough skin evaluation to understand your concerns—whether it’s acne, sensitivity, dehydration, or signs of aging. From there, we tailor your facial using high-quality, dermatologist-approved products and techniques designed to cleanse, balance, and rejuvenate your skin. Options may include hydrating facials, acne-focused treatments, anti-aging facials, or post-procedure soothing facials, all customized to deliver visible improvements.

Our goal is to provide treatments that not only feel indulgent but also promote real skin health. With locations across the Phoenix area and a reputation for trusted, expert care, The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery is your destination for advanced, physician-directed facials tailored to your skin’s unique needs. The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery: Advanced care for your skin, every step of the way.

Schedule your appointment today.

What Are Laser Treatments?

Laser treatments use focused light energy to target specific skin concerns with precision, making them one of the most effective and versatile tools in dermatology. Depending on the wavelength and type of laser used, treatments can address a wide range of conditions—including sun damage, pigmentation, wrinkles, scars, redness, broken blood vessels, and unwanted hair. Lasers work by either removing damaged outer layers of skin or stimulating collagen and cellular renewal in deeper layers. These treatments are customizable, minimally invasive, and can offer significant improvements in skin tone, texture, and clarity with little to no downtime. Whether you’re seeking skin rejuvenation or treatment for a specific condition, laser technology offers a safe, advanced solution tailored to your skin’s needs.

Sciton BBL

Remove unwanted dark and red spots from sun exposure on the face, chest and arms using BBL™ BroadBand Light technology.​​​​​ Recent evidence suggests yearly treatments with intense pulsed light turn off the genes associated with aging.

The Sciton BBL versatile laser treatment uses a system of swappable Smart Filters to treat a variety of conditions like acne, age spots, angiomas, and rosacea. It can also perform hair removal and boost collagen production.

Fraxel Dual Laser

Treat a variety of skin concerns with this laser treatment from our aestheticians

The “gold standard” for minimally invasive rejuvenation of the skin. In use since 2007, Fraxel treatments withstand the test of time and serve as an excellent starting point for those interested in laser rejuvenation.

Fraxel Repair

This ablative fractionated laser skin treatment is proven to reduce the look of age spots, wrinkles and fine lines, acne scars, sun damage and actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous rough, scaly patches on the skin).

Fraxel Restore

This non-ablative fractionated laser stimulates collagen growth in the skin without injuring the skin’s surface, and is effective at treating fine lines, melasma, acne and surgical scars, stretch marks, enlarged pores and mottled pigmentation.

Profractional Laser Resurfacing

Fractionated ablative technology safely delivers results comparable to fully ablative laser resurfacing with less downtime. It’s ideal for patients needing a stronger laser treatment for rejuvenation with quick recovery time and can be combined with IPL and Microlaser peel treatments.

Vascular Laser

A vascular laser treatment removes broken blood vessels from the face and “cherry” angiomas from the face and body.

MicroLaser Peel

Peel away the outer layers of skin to reveal a new and less sun damaged you. Depending on the desired depth and downtime, this can be as simple as a 10-micron “Arctic” peel, all the way up to 50 microns of rejuvenation.

Trust The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery for personalized, expert solutions for your skin.

Schedule your appointment today.