More Than a Pretty Face

Dr. Azadeh Shirazi
  • 4.8 (143)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Board Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, or "Dr. Azi," takes listeners more than skin deep by answering patient questions, interviewing experts and taking us behind the scenes of her practice. Learn about injectables, entrepreneurship, skincare secrets, lasting success, relationships, lasers and living in La Jolla with one of the most in-demand derms in So Cal.

  1. 4D AGO

    Filler Fatigue & Skin Tightening: Dr. Rishi Chopra Reveals What's Next in Aesthetics

    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" 03:10 – How overfilling and poor training led to unnatural results 04:05 – The missing link: skin tightening vs. constant filling 05:00 – Introducing Avava, the first laser that tightens and lifts skin 06:00 – How Avava compares to Thermage, Softwave, and Ulthera 06:50 – The science behind Avava's energy delivery & collagen stimulation 07:45 – Visible results: why Dr. Chopra calls it the "Benjamin Button" laser 08:20 – Downtime, safety, and results for different skin types 08:48 – Transition to regenerative injectables & biostimulators 09:00 – What is PDRN (salmon DNA) and how it works for skin rejuvenation 10:05 – FDA status and why Korea is leading in regenerative aesthetics 11:00 – Comparing PDRN, exosomes, and PRP 11:55 – Long-term collagen regeneration & skin quality improvements 12:45 – Discussion on SkinVive and its subtle hydration benefits 13:40 – Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse) for natural rejuvenation 14:45 – Addressing safety & facelift myths around biostimulators 15:55 – Rapid-fire Q&A with Dr. Chopra 16:10 – Favorite treatment right now: Avava laser 1 6:50 – Downtime and results for all skin types 17:30 – Quick lifestyle Q&A: Hamptons or cabin? Brooklyn summers? 18:25 – Research vs. hands-on dermatology 19:10 – Where to find Dr. Rishi Chopra 19:35 – Dr. Azi's closing thoughts & outro ______________________________________________________________ Follow Rishi Chopra on Instagram: @rishichopramd Book an appointment with Dr. Chopra: www.unionderm.com/doctors/dr-rishi-chopra/ Dr. Rishi Chopra is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and the 2021 Pfizer Rising Derm Star. He specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on injectables, regenerative aesthetics, and laser innovation. Dr. Chopra practices at UnionDerm, where he's known for his evidence-based approach, cutting-edge techniques, and natural-looking results. ______________________________________________________________ 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.

    22 min

  2. OCT 29

    From Dark Circles to Body Sculpting: Harvard-Trained Dermatologists Share Their Secrets

    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 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  ______________________________________________________________ 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. © Azadeh Shirazi, MD FAAD.

    31 min

  3. OCT 15

    Filler Longevity, Male Aesthetics & the Future of Regenerative Treatments with Dr. Terrence Keaney

    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 – 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   ______________________________________________________________ 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. ______________________________________________________________ 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.

    28 min

  4. OCT 2

    Behind the Filler: Exploring Innovation in the World of Beauty & Aesthetic Medicine with Prollenium's Founder Ario Khoshbin

    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.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 morethanaprettyfacepodcast@gmail.com. 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.

    50 min

  5. SEP 9

    The Science Behind Making Skincare with Rhode's Cosmetic Chemist: Ron Robinson

    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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 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.

    35 min

  6. AUG 13

    Skincare & Beauty Hacks That Actually Work: Redness Relief, Fungal Fixes, Scalp Tips & More

    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?!   ______________________________________________________________ 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.

    24 min

  7. JUL 30

    Stretch Marks 101: Causes, Prevention, and Treatments

    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   ______________________________________________________________ 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.

    22 min

  8. JUL 2

    Natural Rejuvenation: Collagen, Treatments & Skin Longevity with PA Eleni Litras

    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   ______________________________________________________________ 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.

    32 min
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4.8
out of 5
143 Ratings

About

Board Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, or "Dr. Azi," takes listeners more than skin deep by answering patient questions, interviewing experts and taking us behind the scenes of her practice. Learn about injectables, entrepreneurship, skincare secrets, lasting success, relationships, lasers and living in La Jolla with one of the most in-demand derms in So Cal.

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