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.

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.

Tools for a New and Improved Beach Body

Summer is here… temperatures are on the rise, kids are out of school and the pools are open. Yikes. The pool… bathing suits, I’m not ready, how about you? Well, if you aren’t ready to walk around in your bikini, Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery has a few treatments that can help you look beach body ready! Our experts also can recommend skin products perfect for your skin type to help protect you from the summer sun, firm and tighten your skin, remove imperfections and so much more. 

1. Laser Hair Removal: What says bikini ready more that stubble all over your body, right? Wrong! With Laser Hair Removal you will experience permanent hair reduction anywhere on the body. This treatment works by sending highly concentrated light into the hair follicles, which heats up the hair and significantly impedes the follicle’s ability to re-grow. Most patients need anywhere from 4-8 treatments depending on your skin type and the density of the hair. Length of treatment may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. 

2. Tattoo Removal: Many of our patients are ashamed to wear Bikinis, shorts, tank tops and other summer wardrobe items due to embarrassing tattoos. Well, worry no more! We offer Laser Tattoo Removal, the safest and quickest treatment option to remove any tattoo from your body. Most patients need anywhere from 6-10 treatments depending on the size and color of the tattoo being treated. 

3. CoolSculpting: With CoolSculpting you can freeze away unwanted fat bulges and love handles without surgery or downtime. CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared, effective and gives you the body you’ve always wanted. It works by freezing fat cells in the treated area, causing them to crystallize and dissolve, resulting in a decrease in the fat bulge. Amount of treatments vary depending on each patient. 

4. Exilis: Our patients love Exilis, because Exilis provides amazing results without downtime, discomfort or surgery. Exilis works by using radio frequency (RF) energy to tighten tissue and rejuvenate collagen anywhere on the body. Exilis delivers unbeatable results that any Bikini will thank you for. For best results patients need 4 treatments but the amount of treatments can vary depending on the patient. 

Let the experts at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery transform your body to the body you have always wanted. For more information or to schedule a free consultation for any of our laser procedures call (404) 296-8000 or visit www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com.

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.

Valentine's Savings Days! Deals on your favorite Cosmetic Procedures

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

Vote Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery, Best Dermatologist

We'd love your support! Vote Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery as Best Dermatologist for Jezebel Magazine's Best of Atlanta. We thank-you for your continued support of Atlanta Dermatology and appreciate your vote.

 

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