In this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, Dr. Azi sits down with Harvard-trained dermatologists Dr. Karen Kagha Abisogun and Dr. Aria Vazirnia to talk about all things skin science and aesthetics. From treating stubborn under-eye hyperpigmentation in diverse skin tones to mastering advanced liposuction and body contouring techniques, they share expert insights, treatment pearls, and wellness tips for achieving confident, natural results.

00:30 – Meet guest: Dr. Karen Kagha 01:08 – Topic intro: periorbital hyperpigmentation 01:53 – How to tell pigment vs. other causes of dark circles 02:51 – "Filler or PRP won't fix it" — can make it worse 03:16 – Top cause #1: volume loss (fat pad changes, weight loss) 04:01 – When to treat pigment vs. replace volume 05:04 – Topicals for eyes: hydroquinone, cysteamine (tolerability concerns) 06:35 – Laser approach: 1927 nm Fraxel (go-to) 07:30 – Start low / low-density laser strategy to reduce PIH risk 07:55 – Sun protection & HelioCare (oral photoprotection) 08:36 – Tinted physical SPFs / iron oxides for melanin-rich skin 09:26 – Post-laser care: bland emollients, avoid irritating actives 09:52 – Steroid use: cautious — avoid directly on eyelid; use elsewhere if needed 10:25 – Nutrition & hydration for healing (whole foods, protein, avoid excess salt/alcohol) 11:22 – Allergies / hidden triggers (eye creams, scented candles, gel manicures) 12:27 – V-beam: used mainly for vessels; avoid in darker skin types / test-spot if borderline 13:21 – Microneedling: useful for texture, but laser preferred for pigment 14:05 – Tranexamic acid / post-laser topicals — cautious use around eyes 14:59 – Rapid-fire with Dr. Kagha (wedding season, SPF, retinoids) 16:12 – Retinoid tips: start low, ease in, retinol staging technique 18:28 – Wrap / where to find Dr. Kagha online

18:48 – Transition to next guest: Dr. Aria Vazirnia 18:58 – Meet guest: Dr. Aria Vazirnia (Harvard-trained) 19:27 – Topic intro: arm liposuction — candidates & basics 20:16 – Loose skin considerations; when arm-lift may be needed 21:23 – Tumescent technique: office-based, no general anesthesia needed 22:16 – Leg/ankle contouring: lipedema, 3D approach to sculpting ankles 23:03 – Technique: repositioning patient for full-360 ankle suctioning 23:36 – Durability of results — fat unlikely to return to same spot 24:04 – Scar management: small incisions, sun avoidance, lasers 2–4 weeks post-op 25:23 – Favorite lasers for scars: V-beam, Sciton/Profractional, Fraxel 26:02 – Profractional scar settings (start low density ~5.5–11%) 26:27 – Use of exosomes / PRP / PDRN as adjuncts for healing 26:43 – Fat transfer options for "too-skinny" ankles (referral to plastics) 27:03 – Scope: extremities and 360 trunk work in practice 27:32 – Rapid-fire with Dr. Vazirnia (Boston vs. CA, coffee, music) 28:44 – Advice for young dermatologists: plan 10-year goals, pursue training/fellowships as needed 29:09 – Where to find Dr. Vazirnia online / closing remarks 29:39 – Outro by Dr. Azi

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Follow Karen Kagha on Instagram: @drkarenk

Follow Aria Vazirnia on Instagram: @drariamd

Dr. Karen Kagha is a board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained cosmetic expert based in Los Angeles. Known for her artistry and science-driven approach, she specializes in aesthetic dermatology and skin health for all skin tones. Dr. Kagha is passionate about empowering people to feel confident in their skin through education, innovation, and inclusive beauty.

Dr. Aria Vazirnia is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic and surgical specialist based in Beverly Hills. With expertise spanning lasers, injectables, and advanced lipedema surgery, he combines precision with a natural aesthetic vision. Dr. Vazirnia brings a thoughtful, evidence-based voice to skincare, wellness, and modern beauty.

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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

In this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, Dr. Azi talks with Dr. Terrence Keaney, a Washington DC dermatologist specializing in injectables, regenerative medicine, and body contouring. They discuss why patients are more cautious with fillers, how long results last, and what causes the "overfilled" look. The conversation covers PRF, fat transfer, filler migration, biostimulators, and emerging treatments like exosomes and PDRN. Dr. Keaney also shares insights on male aesthetics, hair restoration, and his go-to treatments for natural, long-lasting results.

00:00 – Introduction

01:19 – "Filler fear" trend among patients

02:10 – Why overfilling happens

03:01 – How long fillers actually last

04:01 – Variation in filler longevity between patients

05:04 – Evaluating where to place filler

06:15 – Goal of fillers: restoring natural volume

07:13 – "Natural fillers" vs fat transfer

08:05 – Long-term filler safety & migration myths

09:12 – Why filler "migration" occurs

10:33 – Choosing the right filler and injector

12:11 – Emerging injectables (PDRN, exosomes)

15:14 – Safety concerns & lack of data on new injectables

15:50 – Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse)

18:12 – Male aesthetics & growing interest

19:22 – Top male concerns: hairline, eyes, jawline

19:58 – New hair-loss research

21:22 – Hair restoration methods (medical, PRP, surgical)

22:52 – Robotic hair transplantation

23:05 – Rapid-fire Q&A

25:45 – Where to find Dr. Keeney

26:07 – Host closing remarks & listener outro

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Follow Terrence Keaney on Instagram: @drtkeaney

Check out his clinic: https://skindcderm.com/

Terrence Keaney, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, researcher, and educator based in the Washington, D.C. area. He is co-founder of SkinDC, a practice dedicated to personalized dermatology, where he blends medical, surgical, and aesthetic techniques to treat skin, hair, and aging concerns.

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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

Dr. Azi welcomes Ario Khoshbin, former CEO of Prollenium and creator of the popular hyaluronic acid filler Versa, to More Than a Pretty Face. Ario shares how his entrepreneurial roots in Toronto led him from selling lasers to pioneering HA fillers, the challenges of developing a safe and effective product, and the decade-long process of navigating regulations. He reflects on building Versa into a trusted brand, his departure from Prollenium, and his ongoing passion for innovation.

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Follow Ario Khoshbin on Instagram: @(ario.khoshbin)

Ario Khoshbin is an entrepreneur and former CEO of Prollenium Medical Technologies, best known for developing Versa, a leading hyaluronic acid filler. With over two decades in the aesthetics industry, he built Prollenium from a small Canadian startup into an international brand recognized for innovation and safety in dermal fillers. Beyond business, Ario is passionate about design, innovation, and cars.

Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi.

Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com (https://azimdskincare.com/) and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

In this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, Dr. Azi sits down with cosmetic chemist and beauty brand founder Ron Robinson—the brain behind cult-favorite products and a key player in building brands like Rhode and his own line, BeautyStat to reveal what really goes into creating the skincare products you love. From idea to lab to store shelves, Ron shares the behind-the-scenes process of formulating cult favorites, the science that makes them work, and the secrets of building a beauty hit.

Timeline of what was discussed:

00:00 – Introduction

1:28 – Ron Robinson's Background

3:02 – AziMD Informational Ad

4:13 – The Science Behind the Formulation of Skincare

6:17 – Testing Formulations

8:47 – Navigating Rhode and BeautyStat

10:40 – Myths about Skincare Knowledge

11:00 – Beef Tallow

12:53 – What Consumers Should Question

15:56 – DIY Skincare

18:33 – What Makes A Product Worth It?

20:45 – Ron's Most Proud Product

23:11– Future of Skincare

25:50 – 10 Step Skincare Routines?

25:50 – Hyaluronic acid

28:15 – Rapid Fire Questions

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Follow Ron Robinson on Instagram: @ronrobinsoncosmeticchemist

Follow BeautyStat on Instagram: @beautystat

Follow Ron Robinson on TikTok: @roncosmeticchemist

Ron Robinson is a veteran cosmetic chemist, founder of BeautyStat, and a leading voice in skincare innovation. With a background at Clinique and as a formulator for Rhode, he is widely recognized for developing one of the most effective stabilized Vitamin C serums on the market. Through his science-driven approach, Robinson continues to shape the future of skincare by making cutting-edge formulations accessible and effective.

Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

In this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, Dr. Azi and Eleni share skincare and beauty hacks that actually work, including some unexpected ones that might just surprise you (hint: butt paste makes an appearance). Whether you're dealing with redness, fungal acne, oily or flaky scalps, stinky feet, or summer sweat, this episode has a fix. Plus, derm-approved tips for growing your brows, calming eczema, and handling emergency breakouts. It's everything you didn't know you needed in your beauty routine.

Timeline of what was discussed:

00:00 – Introduction

01:19 – Beauty or Blemish

04:46 – Redness Relief (Derm Style)

06:28 – Fungus Treatment

08:23 – Weird Tricks That Work for Stinky Pits/Feet

10:58 – Treating an Oily Scalp

12:46 – Dry, Flaky Scalp & Skin

15:16 – "Fungal Acne" Treatment

16:08 – Eczema & Psoriasis

17:32 – Brow Growth Tip

19:23 – Sweaty Summer Beauty Tip

20:41 – Emergency Pimple Protocol

22:09 – Butt Paste for Skincare?!

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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

Stretch marks are more common than you think—and we're breaking down everything you need to know. In this episode, Dr. Azi and Lacie get real about why stretch marks form, how to prevent them, and the most effective ways to treat them. They cover the science behind stretch marks, common myths, and listener questions that bring relatable insight into an often under-discussed skin concern.

Timeline of what was discussed:

00:00 – Introduction

01:37 – Beauty & Blemish

03:19 – What are stretch marks?

04:54 – What causes stretch marks?

06:49 – How common are they?

08:08 – Stretch mark prevention

10:43 – Topicals & Treatments

14:23 – The Reality of Stretch Marks

15:01 – Listener Questions

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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

In this episode of More Than a Pretty Face, Dr. Azi sits down with Physician Associate Eleni Litras to break down everything you need to know about natural rejuvenation—from what really happens to your collagen in your mid-20s to the most effective in-office and at-home ways to restore and maintain youthful skin. They dive into skincare myths, diet tips, and the latest biostimulators and laser treatments for long-term skin health.

Timeline of what was discussed:

00:00 Introduction

02:21 Beauty or Blemish

06:19 What happens to collagen in our mid-20s

08:36 At-home ways to boost collagen production

14:20 Natural rejuvenation: In-office treatment options

21:08 Laser resurfacing explained

25:38 Biostimulators: What they are & how they work

27:27 How diet affects your skin

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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

Dr. Azi and Nurse Lacie are back with an episode that gets to the root of one of the most talked-about topics in beauty: hair loss. From hormonal imbalances to genetic causes and the latest treatment options, they're breaking down the science behind why we lose hair—and what we can do about it.

Together, they answer your most asked questions: How do you know if you're really losing hair? What treatments actually work? Can you support your hair growth with the right ingredients? And what's the deal with PRP, Spironolactone, and Dutasteride?

Whether you're dealing with shedding, thinning, or patchy spots, this episode of More Than a Pretty Face is packed with the facts (and a few rapid-fire fun moments, too).

Timeline of what was discussed:

00:00 Introduction

02:25 Beauty & Blemish

08:05 The Most Common Type of Hair Loss

12:57 Ways to Test If You're Going Through Hair Loss

15:39 What Are Some Treatment Options?

21:23 PRP Treatment & Dutasteride Injections

23:51 Taking Spironolactone for Hair Loss

24:29 The Science Behind Hair Growth Cycles

29:48 New Hair Loss Research & Innovations

31:32 Alopecia Areata: What You Should Know

34:23 Rapid Fire Questions

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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

In this episode, Dr. Azadeh Shirazi sits down with Dr. Joubin Gabbay, Clinical Chief of Plastic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Hills, to explore the intersection of longevity and regenerative medicine in Aesthetics. They dive into the future of facial rejuvenation with expert insights on human-derived tissue injections like AlloCclae vs traditional fillers, NanoFat, Sculptra, facial implants, buccal fat removal, and more. If you're curious about what's next in aesthetic medicine—from collagen stimulation to regenerative facial rejuvenation—this one's for you.

Timeline of what was discussed:

00:00 Introduction

02:09 Human-Derived Tissue Injection vs Traditional Fillers

04:28 Renuva: a substitute for fat grafting?

05:57 Human-Derived Fat Injection vs Natural Fat

07:49 Can you use Renuva on the face?

08:47 Good candidates for Renuva & AlloCclae

10:11 Does AlloCclae behave similarly to natural fat?

11:36 Dr. Joubin's opinion on Fillers

13:30 Nanofat Explained

15:54 Fat for Breast Augmentation

17:34 Dr. Joubin's Favorite Treatments

18:58 Buccal Fat Reduction

20:13 Facial Implants

21:37 CaHa vs Sculptra

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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

Dr. Azi and Nurse Lacie are answering your listener questions! From using nipple cream as lip balm (spoiler: not their fav), to the best sleep position to prevent wrinkles, they're tackling it all. Plus, post-weight loss beauty tips to help you look and feel youthful, why your lip filler might not be lasting, and how to plump your lips without injections. Real questions, expert answers, and no gatekeeping—just honest skincare talk.

Timeline of what was discussed:

00:00 Introduction

01:48 Beauty & Blemish

07:27 Can You Use Nipple Cream as Lip Balm?

11:53 The Best Way to Sleep to Prevent Wrinkles

16:41 Post-Weight Loss Beauty Tips to Look & Feel Youthful

22:12 Is My Lip Filler Going Away? Why Doesn't It Last?

25:27 How to Plump Lips Without Filler

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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email [email protected].

Shop skincare at https://azimdskincare.com and learn more about the practice at https://www.lajollalaserderm.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.