In this episode of More Than a Pretty Face, Dr. Azi sits down with renowned OBGYN, Dr. Thais Aliabadi for a powerful, unfiltered conversation on women's health, advocacy, and the realities many patients face within today's healthcare system.

From her personal journey with breast cancer to the widespread dismissal of women's symptoms, Dr. Aliabadi shares why truly understanding your body and learning to advocate for yourself can be life changing. The conversation also explores PCOS, hormonal health, and practical, expert backed tools to help women take control of their long term wellbeing.

Honest, informative, and deeply empowering, this is a conversation every woman should hear.

Timeline of what was discussed:

00:00 – Intro & Guest Introduction

01:00 – Personal Story & Friendship

02:30 – The Reality of Being an OBGYN

04:00 – Passion for Women's Health

05:30 – Skincare, Recovery & Patient Care Philosophy

07:30 – Breast Cancer Journey

10:30 – Why Breast Cancer Risk Awareness Matters

13:00 – Risk Factors & Early Screening

15:00 – AI in Breast Cancer Detection

17:30 – Genetic Testing & Missed Diagnoses

19:30 – Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare

21:00 – Systemic Dismissal of Women's Symptoms

23:00 – Endometriosis: The Hidden Epidemic

26:00 – Transition to PCOS Discussion

27:00 – PCOS Symptoms & Diagnosis Criteria

30:00 – PCOS & Metabolic / Mental Health Impact

32:30 – Fertility Impact & Early Intervention

34:00 – Root Causes of PCOS Explained

36:00 – Ovi Supplement & Treatment Approach

38:00 – Final Thoughts + Outro

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Follow Dr. Thais Aliabadi on Instagram: @drthaisaliabadi

Dr. Thais Aliabadi is a board certified OBGYN and a leading expert in women's health based in Los Angeles. She specializes in high risk pregnancies, gynecologic care, and complex reproductive health conditions, including PCOS. A trusted voice in patient advocacy, Dr. Aliabadi is known for her commitment to early detection, education, and empowering women to take control of their health.

Follow SheMD Podcast on Instagram: @shemdpodcast

Learn more about Ovii at https://ovii.com/

Visit important links mentioned in this episode at https://linktr.ee/shemdpodcast

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

In this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, Dr. Azi sits down with board-certified dermatologist,
Dr. Arisa Ortiz, to break down the science behind skin tightening and today's most popular
non-invasive treatments. They discuss how collagen changes with age, how ultrasound
technology like Softwave works, and how it compares to other options like Ultherapy and RF
microneedling. The conversation also covers combination treatments, common patient concerns
about fat loss and filler, and how dermatologists approach natural-looking rejuvenation without
surgery. Dr. Arisa also shares insights on her AI platform designed to help educate patients
before their appointments, plus a rapid-fire round of skincare favorites.
Timeline of what was discussed:
00:00 - Intro + Meet Dr. Arisa Ortiz
01:02 - Why Skin Tightening Is So Popular
01:54 - What Skin Tightening Actually Means
04:00 - Softwave vs Ultherapy
05:03 - How Ultrasound Targets Collagen
08:01 - Areas You Can Treat With Softwave
08:42 - AziMD Skincare Break
09:49 - Combining Softwave + Radiesse
11:30 - When You'll See Results
12:13 - Science Behind Softwave
15:43 - Best Age to Start Skin Tightening
18:21 - Threads: Pros & Risks
21:49 - FDA Warning on RF Microneedling
24:00 - Favorite Treatments Dr. Arisa Does
25:33 - AI Platform: Your Pre-Visit
29:27 - Rapid Fire Skincare Questions
30:38 - Final Thoughts + Outro
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Follow Dr. Arisa Ortiz on Instagram: @arisaortizmd
Dr. Arisa Ortiz is a board-certified dermatologist and the Director of Laser and Cosmetic
Dermatology at UC San Diego. She specializes in laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, and
non-invasive cosmetic procedures. A nationally and internationally recognized expert, Dr. Ortiz
has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and lectures on advanced dermatologic and
aesthetic technologies. Known for her research-driven approach, she focuses on safe, effective
treatments that deliver natural-looking results.

Follow Sofwave on Instagram: @sofwavemed
SofwaveTM is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive ultrasound treatment designed to improve skin
laxity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Using advanced ultrasound technology, Sofwave
delivers controlled heat to the mid-dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production—helping
to tighten and lift the skin over time. The treatment is safe for all skin types, requires little to no
downtime, and is commonly used on the face, neck, and other areas where skin firmness and
texture need improvement.
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Submit your questions for the podcast to Dr. Azi on Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast,
@skinbydrazi, @nurselacie, 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.

In this episode of More Than A Pretty Face, Dr. Azi and Nurse Lacie answer listener-submitted questions on skin health, beauty, and wellness. From hormonal acne and oily skin routines to acne scarring, laser treatments, and red light therapy, they break down what actually works and what's worth skipping. The conversation also explores regenerative treatments like Sculptra, practical tips for hair growth with minoxidil, and how to make smart, personalized decisions when it comes to aesthetic care.

Timeline of what was discussed:

00:00 - Intro

00:47 - Listener Questions Kickoff

01:41 - Men & Skincare Trends

03:43 - Favorite Procedure: Skin Lifts

05:08 - Thank You + Subscribe

05:31 - Hormonal Acne Explained

07:45 - Best Treatments for Hormonal Acne

10:39 - Skincare for Oily Skin

12:50 - Acne Scarring Options

13:35 - Best Lasers for Rejuvenation

15:26 - Resurfacing vs Light Lasers

17:23 - What Is Milia?

18:34 - Preventing Milia

19:03 - Does Red Light Therapy Work?

21:21 - Sculptra Explained

24:32 - How to Use Minoxidil

27:33 - Minoxidil + PRP Results

29:18 - Final Thoughts & Outro

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