Spotting Skin Cancer

Our Physician's Assistants, Laura and Amanda, volunteered their Friday to spend the day performing free skin cancer screenings on thousands of excited Atlanta Falcon's fans. The Atlanta Falcons partnered with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for the SPOT me™ campaign in an effort to raise awareness of skin cancer by hosting screenings at Falcons' training camp on July 25-28.

Laura and Amanda at the SPOT me™ event

It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans develop skin cancer over the course of their lifetime and men over 50 are at greater risk of developing the disease than the rest of the population. The AAD launched SPOT me™ "to educate the public, particularly men, about the dangers and risks of skin cancer, and encourage people to get screened regularly by a board-certified dermatologist". It is important to detect skin cancer early and visit a dermatologist if you notice any changes on your skin. 

Keep reading for Amanda and Laura's tips for preventing and spotting skin cancer. 

- Wear a lightweight moisturizer or foundation containing SPF everyday... even if your day doesn't call for outdoor activities. 

- When outdoors, protect yourself from the sun. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher and reapply throughout the day. 

- Make a fashion statement by sporting a wide-brimmed or floppy hat in the sun. We carry plenty of stylish options for every occasion!

- If you haven't kicked the habit by now, it's time to trade in the tanning bed for sunless tanning. We recommend RAW Bronzing Studio. 

- Always check with your physician before starting new medication. Some prescriptions do not mix well with sunlight! 

- Perform monthly self-exams to detect any changes in your skin's appearance. If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding, make an appointment with your dermatologist. 

- Just like an annual physical, your skin needs to be seen by a board-certified dermatologist at least once a year. 

By following these tips, we hope you can protect your skin from the lifelong damage of sun exposure and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Our providers are currently accepting new patients and are available to see you for your annual skin exam. For more information on Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery, please visit our website or call (404) 296-8000.

Welcome Megan!

It’s official – my training wheels are off and I have big shoes to fill!

Outgoing Marketing Manager, Mackenzie, with incoming Marketing Manager, Megan

My name is Megan Fussell and I am the new Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery. Like Mackenzie, I graduated from Georgia Southern University (Hail Southern!) in December 2013 with a degree in Public Relations.  As much as I loved small town life during college, I couldn’t wait to grow roots in the city where I had grown up! Immediately after college I moved back to Atlanta, GA and began working with a PR firm in Buckhead. When the opportunity presented itself in March 2014 to follow in Mackenzie’s footsteps, I just had to take it. I will admit that I never pictured myself working in the medical field, but I have loved every minute of learning about our procedures, getting to know our patients and becoming a part of the Atlanta Dermatology family.

As much as I will miss Mackenzie as my mentor, sorority sister and friend, I am excited to take the training wheels off and make her proud. 

Feel free to stop by my office and say ‘Hi!’ the next time you’re in – I would love to meet you! 

Mackenzie's Last Hoorah!

Marketing Manger, Mackenzie

I have LOVED working at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery over the past three and a half years – it has truly been a unique and unbelievably rewarding experience. Dr. Cooper and the staff of AD&LS invited me on in January of 2011 to become the office’s very first Marketing Manager. I remember being so nervous to start on my first day. I was fresh out of college (Georgia Southern University) a bit squirmy with blood and avoided the doctor's office at all costs. However, the idea of getting to be as creative as I wanted to build our cosmetic side was something that was too good to pass up.  

Quickly, I learned how lucky I was to be hired to work here. As a staff we are all very close and spend many lunch breaks swapping funny stories and memories. We also enjoy playing pranks on each other (like the time they locked me IN my office). The patients at AD&LS are the best in Atlanta (or I’d like to think THE WORLD) – each of our patients enjoy getting to know us just as much as we love getting to know them. Many of the patients have become friends and I have loved hearing about all the exciting new things going on in their lives. And of course there is Dr. Cooper. Dr. Cooper is one of the greatest people I’ve ever worked for – his love of his job and his company is apparent. He treats his patients and his staff with the upmost respect, making it a pleasure and so much fun to come to work every single day. 

Mackenzie & her fiance, Matt

Why am I taking you down memory lane, you ask? Well, sadly… I have to announce that I am going to be leaving Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery on May 22, 2014 to move to West Lafayette, Indiana. I am getting married in June and my fiancé accepted a job with Purdue University last summer – so after all this time I will finally be joining him.

The Newest Member of the AD&LS staff, Megan!

I am excited to announce that Megan will be taking over my job as Marketing Manager and I know she will do an amazing job. Megan also hails from Georgia Southern University (notice the trend?) and has a love of social media and meeting new people.  I know she will enjoy meeting all of our amazing patients and *geeking* out over all of our awesome new procedures, just as I did. Megan is currently at AD&LS on Mondays & Wednesdays and will be starting full time on Tuesday, May 27- Drop by and say Hello!

As I have exactly a month left at AD&LS I am excited to announce that we will have a month-long promotion called Mackenzie’s Favorite Things. We are offering all my favorite treatments and procedures at an incredible price. Just call the office Monday-Friday from April 22- May 22, 2014 and you can reserve these deals over the phone or drop in the office (and say goodbye to me) and book these amazing deals. Call (404) 296-8000 or email info@atlantadermatologyexperts.com for more information or to reserve your deal!

MACKENZIE'S FAVORITE THINGS*:

-LASER HAIR REMOVAL:  Say goodbye to unwanted body & facial hair! Buy any Laser Hair Removal Package and get an Underarm Package, FREE

- BOTOX: Take years off your face! Enjoy $50 off Botox Treatment ($200 Minimum Treatment)

-LATISSE: Bat those beautiful lashes! Enjoy 10% off Full Priced Latisse (3mL or 5mL)

-VANQUISH: Helloooo Skinny waistline! Enjoy 15% off a package of 4 treatments

*LHR removal packages & Vanquish Package is a minimum of 4 treatments, payment in full is required of all treatments, $50 deposit is required for Botox Deal. Special pricing must be reserved from April 22, 2014- May 22, 2014 - but actual treatment may be performed after promotion ends.

For more information on Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery visit our website or call (404) 296-8000.

Check-In with Libby (Vanquish Spokeswoman)

We have been treating Libby with Vanquish and have been tracking her journey. Libby was picked as one of our lucky patients to be treated with Vanquish to help her fit and feel better in her clothes by removing inches off her waistline. Vanquish is a non-invasive fat reduction procedure that works by using radio frequency to target the fat cells and permanently remove a select amount, giving you a smaller waistline. Vanquish requires a minimum of four treatments, each treatment should be done 7-10 days apart. Some patients see results during their four treatments but most patients see their final results two months after their forth treatment. 

Libby is done with her treatment and is now letting her body go to work - waiting on her final results! Read about her experience here: 

"After completing my Vanquish treatments I am continuing to see results. My problem areas look better and I can really tell a difference in the way my clothes are fitting. I would high recommend the Vanquish treatment. It is an easy and painless process. Depending on your needs it can be a 30 minute or 60 minute treatment. I looked forward to my treatments because it is a relaxing way to spend an hour and catch up on TV shows. If you are thinking about Vanquish I would encourage you to attend the Vanquish Open House on February 19th!" -Libby
 

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery is hosting a Vanquish Open House on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 from 6:00-8:00pm. If you are interested in learning more about Vanquish, join us! 

We will have live demonstrations, one-day-only discounts, give-a-ways, light refreshments and much, much more. You can even meet Libby, our Vanquish Spokeswoman at the event and find out first hand from her about her amazing results and her Vanquish experience. 

For more information on Vanquish, the event or to RSVP to the event call (404) 296-8000 or email info@atlantadermatologyexperts.com

Meet Our Vanquish Spokeswoman, Julie!

Meet Julie*! Julie is one of our Vanquish Spokeswomen. A few weeks ago we posted a contest on our Facebook, Twitter and Email Database asking new/current patients to send in their photos and why they are interested in winning a free Vanquish treatment series to become an "Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery Vanquish Spokeswoman." Julie was selected as a winner - we will follow her experience with Vanquish and our office over the next few months and document her experience on our blog.

Vanquish is a new, revolutionary procedure in permanent fat reduction, offering painless and surgery-free treatments that require no downtime. Our office treats patients with the Vanquish laser to shrink fat without surgery, downtime or discomfort. Results have been remarkable and patients have been overjoyed! 

So far Julie has received three Vanquish treatments and will receive a few more to give her the results she desires. Read about Julie's experience below:

"As an active mother of two, I try and eat right and exercise. However, there is still that problem area that never seems like it gets proper attention. We all have one, mine is my stomach! My favorite invention is Spanx. I am not the kind of person that would ever consider plastic surgery, it's not my style. So, when I heard about Vanquish I thought to myself, "This could be the answer!" I have to admit, I was a little wary at my first session, I didn't really know what to expect... but, it was so easy! To be honest, it was probably the most relaxing part of my day. It was like sitting underneath a warm blanket and watching TV - which is not something that happens often in my life. I am anxious to see the final results!" - Julie

For more information on Vanquish or to schedule a free consultation contact Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery by calling (404) 296-8000 or visit our website. 

*Name has been changed in protection of patient's privacy.

Meet Vanquish Spokeswoman: Libby!

Meet Libby! Libby is one of our two, very lucky Vanquish Spokeswomen. A few weeks ago we posted a contest on our Facebook, Twitter and Email Database asking new/current patients to send in their photos and why they are interested in winning a free Vanquish treatment series to become an "Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery Vanquish Spokeswoman." Libby was selected as a winner. Over the next few months we will be follow Libby's journey as she is treated with Vanquish at our office. 

Vanquish is a new, revolutionary procedure in permanent fat reduction, offering painless and surgery-free treatments that require no downtime. Our office treats patients with the Vanquish laser to shrink fat without surgery, downtime or discomfort. Results have been remarkable and patients have been overjoyed! 

So far Libby has received two Vanquish treatments and will receive at least two more treatments to provide her with optimal Vanquish results. After her final treatment we will monitor her progress as her body "goes to work." Read a quote from Libby about her experience so far, below: 

 "After years of struggling with my weight and body image I heard about the Vanquish treatment from Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery. I was so excited to enter their contest to receive the treatments. I am 2 treatments in and I can already see results. The treatments take about 30 minutes per section and are very comfortable.  My first treatment had a few hot spots but the doctor was able to adjusted the temp and we were able to complete without any problems.  My second treatment was just as easy as the first. I had a few hot spots but did not have to have any temperature adjustments. I have already seen an improvement in the way my clothes are fitting and how I look.  I am really looking forward to seeing the final results." - Libby 

For more information on Vanquish or to schedule a free consultation contact Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery by calling (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.

Vanquish... It Really Works!

I shared in my Vanquish experience blog post how honestly surprised and shocked I was by the incredible results I have already seen from my treatment. As the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery I get to talk with many of our patients and look at many of their incredible before and after pictures. When I saw one patient's before and after photos, I knew I immediately had to post his pictures documenting his Vanquish results.

This patient received four Vanquish treatments on his Abdomen - as I have mentioned previously, each treatment is done 7-10 days apart and many patients will see results during the cycle of their four treatments. However, full results are seen two months after the forth treatment. With that being said, I was incredibly amazed by how dramatic our patient's results were after only 4 treatments (he has not even gotten to his 2 months post treatment results yet) Check out his pictures below (We will be sure to post his 2 month post treatment photos, once he gets there):

Vanquish is completely pain-free, requires no down-time and is FDA approved for non-invasive permanent fat reduction. You just can't beat that! We are proud to be THE FIRST in Atlanta to offer Vanquish - and our patients (and staff) are LOVING their results. We'd love to invite you to come to our office and receive a free consultation with one of our Laser Experts - you will be glad you did!

For more information on our office or to schedule a consultation call (404) 296-8000.

(L) Before Vanquish (R) Immediately After 4th Vanquish Treatment

(L) Before Vanquish (R) Immediately After 4th Vanquish Treatment

(L) Before Vanquish (R) Immediately After 4th Vanquish Treatment

(L) Before Vanquish (R) Immediately After 4th Vanquish Treatment

(L) Before Vanquish (R) Immediately After 4th Vanquish Treatment

Ditch the Tanning Bed - The Truth of Skin Cancer

Let's be honest - the way society paints it there seems to be nothing better than to have a nice sun kissed glow. Having a tan makes you appear thinner, makes your hair look brighter, your eyes pop more and just gives you some added confidence. When I was in high school & college I was an avid tanning bed user - I'd sign up for the monthly membership and take a visit to the tanning bed, every-single-day (I'd go twice a day if I could).

However, after developing some per-cancerous lesions while in college - I had to finally take a step back from the tanning bed, I realized my life was a bit more important than having a summer glow ( year round). It took me a bit to be comfortable with no longer using the tanning bed - but after graduating college and joining the Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery team I realized, Pale Really is the New Tan!

Not ready to ditch the summer-time glow? There are some safe alternatives to give you that glow without let yourself crisp in the sun or bake in the tanning booth. There are several different types of "Tanning Towels" and technology has really developed in terms of the sunless tanning salon options. We can't advise you on which is best for you, but this is a much safer alternative then subjecting yourself to harmful UV rays in a tanning bed.

Protecting your skin from the sun not only helps lessen the risk of developing skin cancer but also keeps your skin looking flawless and youthful - younger looking skin, if that's not reason to protect your skin, then I am not sure what is!

If you have a few moments, check out this YouTube video - Skin Cancer survivors sharing what they wish they would have been able to tell themselves at 16 years old. 

Still not sold? I've put together a list from the Skin Cancer Foundation of some of the most startling facts about skin cancer, the tanning bed and more:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
• Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 57 minutes).
• An estimated 9,480 people will die of melanoma in 2013.
• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.
• A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns at any age.
• Just one indoor tanning session per year in high school or college boosts the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 10 percent. That risk is increased to 73 percent if one tans six times per year.
• People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent.

For a full list of facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation, click here. 


Dermatologist (including our providers) recommend annual skin exams. These visits are covered by insurance and are key in preventing skin cancer development and/or death. No one is "too young" to begin their annual skin exams and we recommend that if you have not seen a Dermatologist for your exam that it is time to do so.

Our Dermatologists are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to help you, call (404) 296-8000 to schedule or visit our website for more information.

We are offering a FREE Skin Cancer Screening at our office on Wednesday, October 17 from 11am-1pm. This screening is not to replace your recommended annual skin cancer exam but if you have questions or would like a specific spot to be looked at this is a great way to get that checked out.
For more information or to RSVP to our Free Skin Cancer Screening call (404) 296-8000. 

Office Address: 2171 Northlake Pkwy Bldg. 3 Suite 100 Tucker, GA 30084

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Written by Mackenzie, Marketing Manager

Confessions of a Skeptic: Mackenzie's Vanquish Experience

Marketing Manager, Mackenzie

There's something that you all should know, I am a HUGE skeptic - especially when it involves cosmetic procedures/treatments. When Dr. Cooper announced that Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery was adding the new Vanquish procedure to our menu of services, I was a bit hesitant. It was hard for me to believe that a non-invasive (surgery-free) procedure was capable of producing results as amazing as the pictures showed - and on top of that, without pain? No way.

 I recently have lost a little over 40 pounds and am 6 pounds away from my goal weight - but even with the weight loss and the amp up in exercise & weight training there is still that stubborn area on my tummy that doesn't seem to want to say goodbye to my waistline. So, over my lunch break one gloomy, Thursday afternoon I had Michele (our laser technician) set me up! I decided that I was going to have to test out this bad boy and see if the results really were as great as the claimed to be.

 I laid down on the cosmetic table, was propped up with a comfy pillow (or two) and Michele placed the treatment piece to hover over my lower abdomen (see example in photo below). The best part about the treatment headpiece is that it is able to cover a large area at one time - I was able to treat my lower tummy area and my "love handles" in one treatment (hellooo, convenience factor). Once the treatment head was in place, Michele hit "start" and I instantly started to feel the treated area warm up - great news is it was not an uncomfortable warm but the warmth of a heating pad laying across your tummy. Once Michele got the treatment calibrated to the level it needed to be set to, she switched off the lights and I was left to nap - or ... think! Between drifting in and out of  my lunch break sleeping bliss I had a few thoughts: First of all, it's true, the treatment is really comfortable, second was coming up with a plan for how I was going to break the news to Dr. Cooper that there was NO WAY that a treatment as comfortable as this could really permanently remove any fat - because "beauty is pain," right? Michele popped in and out of the room every few minutes to check on me and adjust the temperature of the treatment and after 30-quick-minutes, my first treatment was done.

During a Vanquish Treatment (demo - not actual patient)

The next three Thursdays, I met with Michele for our weekly vanquish lunch-dates. In between weeks, I slowly started to think that my stomach did look a little flatter & even thought, wait are my pants looser? But, being the natural skeptic I am... I blew it off.. I was probably just standing in one of those amazing mirrors that make you look thinner (thank you so much to whoever figured THAT out) & my pants probably have always fit this way.

Finally, after my forth treatment - I decided I'd take some follow up photos just to check  it out just to prove that I was correct and there was actually no results.

I am here to admit, I was wrong (ask anyone- this is not something I willingly ever admit). And, well... there really IS a noticeable difference in my waistline. Now, my results aren't finished- so I'm not going to post anything, justttt yet BUT  - my fellow skeptics, Vanquish, really is just as great as it sounds. Results peak about 2 months after your fourth treatment. I am going to take photos at 1 month post treatment and 2 month post treatment and put it to the test. But, the results are noticeable - and worth every penny that I spent! 

I've shown some of my pictures to patients interested in the procedure in the office and they have been in awe at my results so far - so imagine how outstanding they are going to be once they peak! Many patients have said "Sign me up!" once seeing my pictures and have been blown away by their's too!

Vanquish is truly unique. The Vanquish treatment is unlike any other non-invasive (surgery-free) procedure on the market. The results are huge, the treatment time is quick, it really is pain-free and it's been given the skeptic-Mackenzie seal of approval! 

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery is the FIRST (and only, currently) in Atlanta to offer Vanquish. For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation call (404) 296-8000. Visit our website for more information on our office & our procedures.

Check out some Before & After Results of Vanquish Patients below:

Patient A - Before & After Vanquish Treatments

Patient B- Before & After Vanquish Treatments

Patient C - Before & After Vanquish Treatments

--Written by: Mackenzie, Marketing Manager - Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery

New, New, New at Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery

At Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery we take pride in providing our patients with the newest and best technologies and products available for rejuvenating and revitalizing our patients youth. We are the FIRST in Atlanta to introduce..Vanquish! We are also excited to now offer Xeomin & Belotero to our patients interested in a Botox alternative and fillers. What are these procedures you ask? Well let us fill you in...

Vanquish is a new, revolutionary procedure in permanent fat reduction, offering painless and surgery-free treatments that require no downtime. This treatment utilizes radiofrequency to target fat layers and permanently remove fat cells – giving patients dramatic results that  can be seen in as little as a few days following the first treatment. Studies have shown circumferential reduction of 2 inches or more in the abdomen after treatment. Each Vanquish treatment takes an average of 30 minutes and most patients need four treatments

Xeomin is the most recent injectable approved by the FDA to treat facial lines. Xeomin is very similar to Botox and is used to treat all the same areas including between the eyebrows, crow's feet and the forehead, but with a different price tag than Botox.

Belotero is a dermal filler specially designed to integrate into your skin and mold to your distinct facial contours. Belotero has a unique manufacturing process that offers a soft, cohesive gel which is able to gill in your wrinkles for results that are even, smooth and immediate. This filler can be use to fill lines on the face including the smile lines, vertical lip lines, marionette lines, corners of the mouth and chin wrinkles. 

All of these procedures are FDA approved and all of them are wonderful for helping to make patients look their best. We offer free consultations for any of these procedures and encourage anyone interested to come in to learn more about how we can help you look your best and treat the concerns you have with your body & skin. 

For more information call (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.

Be Bikini Ready at a Moment's Notice!

Ladies, we've all been there.. We get a phone call from a friend inviting us to come join them at the pool or the beach - and you have to make a mad dash to the shower to shave half your body. Wouldn't it be nice if you didn't even have to worry about it? Wouldn't it be nice if we could just grab our bathing suit and go? Well, with our new LightSheer Duet Laser Hair Removal, it's possible.

At Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery we strive to provide our customers with the latest and greatest in cosmetic laser procedures. We have over 15 years of experience with cosmetic lasers including Laser Hair Removal and we now offer the best laser treatment to permanently reduce hair anywhere on your body.

The Duet offers vacuum-assisted technology and a larger hand piece that helps drastically decrease the duration of each treatment. With the Duet our experts can treat an entire back or the legs in just 15 minutes. Using technology beyond that of other lasers, the LightSheer Duet can disable hundreds of hair follicles in less than one second. The procedure is computer-guided and promises long-lasting results.

Worried about discomfort with the treatment? With the new LightSheer Duet hand piece, discomfort during treatment is minimal. We are able to provide patietns with a topical anesthesia, if the patient is worried about discomfort, however, most patients do not find it necessary. 

The amount of treatments needed by each patient will vary. The number of treatments you may need depends on the area you'd like treated and the density of the hair in the treated area. Patients typically need anywhere from 4-6 treatments, each treatment should be spaced out around 6 weeks apart. 

Price also varies per area, but with the larger hand piece we are able to cut treatment times in half and therefor with the NEW LightSheer Duet we are also able to cut treatment costs, in half! We are currently offering our patients a Laser Launch Special! Purchase a Laser Hair Removal Package and get a Second Package (of equal or lesser value) for Free! Offer is only valid until July 10 at 5pm. Call us to schedule or for more information (404) 296-8000.