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.

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

Why Mackenzie Loves Working in Dermatology

As the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery for over two years now, I thought I might share why I LOVE working in Dermatology. In order for me to explain this to you, I think I have to start with the basics. 

My name is Mackenzie Stratton, I grew up in Northern Virginia right outside of Washington, DC and decided to pack up my car and take a trip 9.5 hours south to THE Georgia Southern University (GO EAGLES!). While at GSU I majored in Public Relations.  Public Relations was a perfect choice for me because I got to spend most of my time writing and getting to be creative... and I got to avoid most things science related (Yuck! Who likes science, right? Only doctors...)

After college I landed an amazing opportunity to work as the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery. Quickly, I learned that Dermatologists do more than look at pimples all day and there was a lot more to the experts at this office than zapping zits away. I also learned that there is a lot more to doctors than just liking science. 

Dr. Cooper instantly amazed me with his knowledge of skin cancer and even more his ability to perform flawless skin cancer surgery, to remove skin cancer. It’s obvious that his patients are amazed too, as he has been providing patients in Atlanta with Dermatology care for over 40 years, something that few Doctors can proudly say. Beyond this, I have loved learning the importance behind what the dermatologists here do (and even a little bit about the Science behind it). They provide patients with valuable information on how to protect their skin from the dangers of Skin Cancer. Who would have thought wearing the always annoying, sunscreen, daily, can actually not only keep you protected from harmful rays, but also keep your skin protected from age spots & wrinkles (makes sunscreen not such a pain, don’t ya think?).

Growing up I was always teased for my Casper-like pale skin. But, what is my favorite part of working in Dermatology, you ask? It’s simple… at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery it’s COOL to be pale and trust me I’m about as Cool as it gets. I've learned that the tanning bed is BAD! Did you know that people who use the tanning bed, just ONE time, before they are 35-years-old, increase their risk for Melanoma by 75 percent? As a girl with Casper-like skin, I don’t like those chances.

Another big thing I've learned through working at a Dermatologist’s office is the importance of an annual skin exam. Until I worked here, I always thought of the Dermatologist as a place you don’t go to unless you have a rash that won’t disappear, struggle with acne or you have a scary mole that needs to be handled. I can probably think of maybe a couple times in my entire life that I had been to the dermatologist before I started working here (and now I go to the dermatologist… 5 days a week) and that was because my mom MADE me. What I've learned is that dermatologists recommend yearly skin checks. This is not to keep business popping in Dermatologist offices but it’s because the risk of skin cancer is rapidly increasing. In the past three decades the number of patients diagnosed with Skin Cancer was greater than every other type of Cancer, combined. I’m not telling you this to scare you (well I kind of am) but really I just want you to be aware of how important it is for you, your friends and your children to make nice with a dermatologist and get yourself checked, yearly. I promise, dermatologists don’t bite.

I am incredibly thankful for my experiences thus-far as the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery and even more thankful for the opportunity to work at a place where Pale is the NEW TAN!

For more information on Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery or anything dermatology related, give us a call: (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.

Truth.

Meet Jessica

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery is proud to welcome the newest addition to our practice, Jessica Crawford, PA-C.

Jessica is a Certified Physician Assistant with a special interest in dermatological hair, skin and nail disorders. Prior to joining Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery in 2012, Jessica gained extensive experience in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Anesthesia. Jessica has a graduate degree in Physician Assistant Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband, two young children and dogs.

Jessica is currently accepting new patients, if you would like to schedule an appointment with Jessica please call (404) 296-8000 for more information on Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery please visit our website.

Know Your Skin Cancer Facts

ABC's of Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer is quickly becoming one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. In fact, rates of Melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, have climbed by 800 percent among young women and 400 percent among young men, in the past 40 years.

The Skin Cancer Foundation credits tanning beds to be a possible reason for the spike in melanoma among young women. Indoor tanning bed users are subjecting themselves to a greatly likelihood of developing Melanoma and other forms of skin cancers. Indoor tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned before, 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinomas and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carinomias, all potentially deadly forms of skin cancer.

 

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery's dermatologists recommend annual skin exams as an aid to monitor sun spots, moles and suscipious lesions. Patients should also monitor their skin in between skin exams to watch for any changes in moles, these changes could be in size, shape or color.

 

There are many preventative measures patients should take in order to help protect their skin from sun damage and skin cancer. These measures include: daily sunscreen to be apply on all sun exposed areas, monthly self skin checks and wearing proper hats and spf clothing to protect skin when sun exposure can not be avoided.

 

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery is committed to promoting skin cancer awareness and often sponor Free Skin Cancer Screenings at our office or nearby locations. During the free skin cancer screenings we are able to look at the areas that are most popularly touched by the skin to look for any spots that may be of concern. If an area is found, we recommend the patient to schedule a follow up appointment to have the area looked at more in depth and possibly removed for biopsy.

 

Skin Cancer effects everyone, as Melanoma is the 5th and 6th most common cancer among men and women, respectively. Don't forget to schedule you annual skin exam with your dermatologist and to spread the importance of mointoring and protecting your skin.

 

For more information on skin checks, skin cancer awareness or Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery, call (404) 296-8000, visit our website: www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com , follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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

 

An Interview with Juliena Gigon, PA-C

Juliena has been with Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery since 2010. As one of the Physician Assistants for the practice Juliena sees patients for Dermatological needs but also does Cosmetic procedures including: Exilis, Laser Hair Removal and is the CoolSculpting Team Leader for the practice. She is originally from Pensacola, Florida but moved to Atlanta in 2010 after accepting her job here. Juliena has her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Alabama and her Bachelors degree in Biology from Elon University where she played division-1 volleyball. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Why did you decide to become a PA?: Growing up I always had an interest in medicine and taking care of people. I did a lot of volunteering growing up, even in high school I was a candy striper so I had always known I wanted to do something where I could help other people and also be around my passion for the medical field.

Why did you decide to work in Dermatology?: During one of my PA school rotations I got to do a lot of work with skin cancer removal and reconstructive surgery; that helped to spark my interest in Dermatology. I also have always had an interest in cosmetic procedures as well, so Dermatology was perfect for merging my interests.

What has been your favorite part about working at Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery?: Dr. Cooper enjoys staying current and relevant with new procedures both dermatological and cosmetic therefore, I have enjoyed learning the most up-to-date procedures that are out. The staff of Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery are also very friendly and always willing to help which has made my experience here extremely enjoyable.

What has surprised you about working in a Dermatology/Cosmetic office?: I have been really surprised by all the procedures that can be preformed to slow down the aging process and enhance natural beauty-- it's amazing to me just how much can be done with technology today.

What are your interests outside of the office?: My interests including staying active, I enjoy going to the gym, playing tennis and taking spin class. I enjoy staying current on medical trends by reading medical journals. I also love to travel, I would love to visit every country in the world and have already started my journey as I've visited: Italy, France, the Caribbean, Belgium and Austria, so far (I've got a lot of ground to cover).

Juliena is now taking appointments from both new and follow-up patients. To schedule an appointment please call (404) 296-8000.