From Dark Circles to Body Sculpting: Harvard-Trained Dermatologists Share Their Secrets
Release Date: 10/29/2025
Filler Fatigue & Skin Tightening: Dr. Rishi Chopra Reveals What’s Next in Aesthetics
More Than a Pretty Face
In this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, Dr. Azi talks with Dr. Rishi Chopra, a New York–based dermatologist recognized as the Pfizer Rising Derm Star of 2021. They discuss filler fatigue, the shift toward skin tightening treatments, and new innovations in regenerative aesthetics such as Avava laser and PDRN injectables. Dr. Chopra shares insights on emerging devices, collagen banking, and his go-to treatments for natural, long-lasting results. Timeline of what was discussed: 00:00 – Introduction 01:05 – Meet Dr. Rishi Chopra 02:00 – Why patients are developing “filler fear”...
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From Dark Circles to Body Sculpting: Harvard-Trained Dermatologists Share Their Secrets
More Than a Pretty Face
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 – Meet guest: Dr. Karen Kagha 01:08 – Topic intro: periorbital hyperpigmentation 01:53 – How to...
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Filler Longevity, Male Aesthetics & the Future of Regenerative Treatments with Dr. Terrence Keaney
More Than a Pretty Face
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. Timeline of what was discussed: 00:00...
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Behind the Filler: Exploring Innovation in the World of Beauty & Aesthetic Medicine with Prollenium's Founder Ario Khoshbin
More Than a Pretty Face
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. ______________________________________________________________ Follow Ario Khoshbin on Instagram: @() Ario...
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The Science Behind Making Skincare with Rhode's Cosmetic Chemist: Ron Robinson
More Than a Pretty Face
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...
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Skincare & Beauty Hacks That Actually Work: Redness Relief, Fungal Fixes, Scalp Tips & More
More Than a Pretty Face
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...
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Stretch Marks 101: Causes, Prevention, and Treatments
More Than a Pretty Face
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 –...
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Natural Rejuvenation: Collagen, Treatments & Skin Longevity with PA Eleni Litras
More Than a Pretty Face
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 ...
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A Deep Dive Into Hair Loss: Hormones, Hair Cycles, and Solutions
More Than a Pretty Face
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,...
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Longevity, Regenerative Aesthetics & the Future of Facial Rejuvenation with Dr. Joubin Gabbay
More Than a Pretty Face
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...
info_outlineIn 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 – 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 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. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.