{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"From Dark Circles to Body Sculpting: Harvard-Trained Dermatologists Share Their Secrets","description":"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.     Timeline of What Was Discussed 00:30 \u2013 Meet guest: Dr. Karen Kagha 01:08 \u2013 Topic intro: periorbital hyperpigmentation 01:53 \u2013 How to tell pigment vs. other causes of dark circles 02:51 \u2013 \u201cFiller or PRP won\u2019t fix it\u201d \u2014 can make it worse 03:16 \u2013 Top cause #1: volume loss (fat pad changes, weight loss) 04:01 \u2013 When to treat pigment vs. replace volume 05:04 \u2013 Topicals for eyes: hydroquinone, cysteamine (tolerability concerns) 06:35 \u2013 Laser approach: 1927 nm Fraxel (go-to) 07:30 \u2013 Start low \/ low-density laser strategy to reduce PIH risk 07:55 \u2013 Sun protection & HelioCare (oral photoprotection) 08:36 \u2013 Tinted physical SPFs \/ iron oxides for melanin-rich skin 09:26 \u2013 Post-laser care: bland emollients, avoid irritating actives 09:52 \u2013 Steroid use: cautious \u2014 avoid directly on eyelid; use elsewhere if needed 10:25 \u2013 Nutrition & hydration for healing (whole foods, protein, avoid excess salt\/alcohol) 11:22 \u2013 Allergies \/ hidden triggers (eye creams, scented candles, gel manicures) 12:27 \u2013 V-beam: used mainly for vessels; avoid in darker skin types \/ test-spot if borderline 13:21 \u2013 Microneedling: useful for texture, but laser preferred for pigment 14:05 \u2013 Tranexamic acid \/ post-laser topicals \u2014 cautious use around eyes 14:59 \u2013 Rapid-fire with Dr. Kagha (wedding season, SPF, retinoids) 16:12 \u2013 Retinoid tips: start low, ease in, retinol staging technique 18:28 \u2013 Wrap \/ where to find Dr. Kagha online 18:48 \u2013 Transition to next guest: Dr. Aria Vazirnia 18:58 \u2013 Meet guest: Dr. Aria Vazirnia (Harvard-trained) 19:27 \u2013 Topic intro: arm liposuction \u2014 candidates & basics 20:16 \u2013 Loose skin considerations; when arm-lift may be needed 21:23 \u2013 Tumescent technique: office-based, no general anesthesia needed 22:16 \u2013 Leg\/ankle contouring: lipedema, 3D approach to sculpting ankles 23:03 \u2013 Technique: repositioning patient for full-360 ankle suctioning 23:36 \u2013 Durability of results \u2014 fat unlikely to return to same spot 24:04 \u2013 Scar management: small incisions, sun avoidance, lasers 2\u20134 weeks post-op 25:23 \u2013 Favorite lasers for scars: V-beam, Sciton\/Profractional, Fraxel 26:02 \u2013 Profractional scar settings (start low density ~5.5\u201311%) 26:27 \u2013 Use of exosomes \/ PRP \/ PDRN as adjuncts for healing 26:43 \u2013 Fat transfer options for \u201ctoo-skinny\u201d ankles (referral to plastics) 27:03 \u2013 Scope: extremities and 360 trunk work in practice 27:32 \u2013 Rapid-fire with Dr. Vazirnia (Boston vs. CA, coffee, music) 28:44 \u2013 Advice for young dermatologists: plan 10-year goals, pursue training\/fellowships as needed 29:09 \u2013 Where to find Dr. Vazirnia online \/ closing remarks 29:39 \u2013 Outro by Dr. Azi  ______________________________________________________________ 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. ______________________________________________________________ Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast, @skinbydrazi, on YouTube, and TikTok @skinbydrazi. Email morethanaprettyfacepodcast@gmail.com. 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. \u00a9 Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD. ","author_name":"More Than a Pretty Face","author_url":"https:\/\/morethanaprettyface.libsyn.com","html":"