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

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.

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.

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.

Ditch Your Ugly Tattoo

Remember that tattoo you got on your 18th birthday? The one that you thought you'd always like and you'd always love. Well, if you aren't so in love with that tattoo anymore, you're in luck. Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery is proud to offer Laser Tattoo Removal. With over 18 years experience in this procedure, the experts at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery offer the best care for your skin and the best results.

The Tattoo Removal procedure works by sending intense beams of light into the skin to target the ink and help remove and lighten the appereance of your unwanted tattoo. When the ink particles of your tattoo absorb the light from the tattoo laser, they are broken up into tiny fragments. These fragments are then absorbed through your body's natural cleansing mechanism.

Patients can often start seeing their tattoo start to change and lighten up after a few treatments, but most patients need 6-10 treatments to fully see their tattoo disappear. The amount of tattoo removal treatments needed is dependent upon each patient. Treatment amounts vary based on size, depth and color of your tattoo. Tattoo removal treatments are usually performed every 6 weeks.

Before the treatment, patients are injected with a local anesthetic, this helps minimize any discomfort that patients might feel during their treatment. Most treatments can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, depending upon the size of the tattoo.

Right now is the perfect time to ditch your ugly tattoo and say hello to beautiful clear skin. For more information or to schedule a free consultation call Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery at (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.

 

 



It's the Most Wonderful Time.. To Get Rid of the Belly Bulge!

The holidays are almost here, it’s time to tackle the stubborn belly bulge, your love handles and well…. your tight jeans.  Now you are probably thinking, “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could actually do this while laying down, watching T.V.?” Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, here’s the good news…  Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery can remove your stubborn fat bulges, love handles and we can even make your skinny jeans love you again. How can we do this? With CoolSculpting!

CoolSculpting is a revolutionary, non-surgical contouring device that freezes stubborn fat, which then is naturally eliminated from your body. CoolSculpting works by freezing your fat cells, which causes them to crystallize and then break down.  Once the fat cells are broken down, your body removes the fat cells and the fat cells that are left, compact, resulting in a trimmer midsection and a very happy pair of skinny jeans.

Many patients start noticing their CoolSculpting results about three weeks after their treatment and see their biggest change at about two months post treatment. CoolSculpting results can continue to improve up to four months after treatment.   Patients will come back to Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery for a follow up appointment, about two months after their CoolSculpting procedure. At this appointment after photos will be taken and the provider will assess if further treatment is needed to reach desired results. Often, patients only need one treatment per area. However, if a patient may need additional treatments, it is usually discussed prior to the initial CoolSculpting treatment.

Right now is the perfect time to treat those stubborn spots in your midsection, you will be picture perfect for the Holidays and bikini ready by spring! Treat yourself and enjoy our end-of-the-year specials! Enjoy our CoolSculpting package to treat your stomach and love handles or stomach and bra bulge for only $1650* (usually $2750). Finally, there’s a reason to freeze and your skinny jeans will thank you for it!

Check out this post for a step by step demonstration of a CoolSculpting treatment at our office. For more information on CoolSculpting or any other procedures at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery, visit our website or call (404) 296-8000.

MYTHBUSTERS: Botox Edition

We have all heard about the big, bad rumors circulating about celebrities who get Botox or your friend’s friend’s sister who got Botox and now can never smile… again. Well it’s time to put the rumors to rest and to explain how the Big B procedure isn’t actually big or bad. In fact, Botox is quick, painless and gives a very natural appearance.

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery has put together a list of common rumors that we hear from our patients and shed light on the actual truth about Botox:

 

Rumor #1: “I’ve heard that Botox permanently freezes your face!” 

Truth: Botox is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of the lines between the eyebrows or on the forehead. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles, reducing the muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows. Therefore your face still has movement, can make normal expressions, and is not frozen. Botox results are temporary and will not permanently affect your face. Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months and your face will gradually go back to its appearance prior to Botox (or even with the added perk of a bit less wrinkles).

Rumor #2: “The reason I’d never get Botox is because once you get treated you can’t make any expression in your face, you can’t even frown!”

Truth: Results from Botox are visible; you will look more youthful and refreshed, but treatments results will not radically change your facial appearance and you will not appear as if you’ve “had work done.” Botox works by temporarily reducing the muscle activity that causes wrinkling. Therefore, you can still frown and/or look surprised, but without the aging wrinkles and creases between your brows (seems like a pretty great deal to us).

Rumor #3: “Botox isn’t safe; you’re putting toxic material into your body.”

Truth:  Botox is safe if it is administered correctly by a licensed and trained professional. Botox is a purified protein whose effects, when is injected correctly, are very precise and predictable, making it very safe for our cosmetic patients.

Rumor #4: “I’ve heard that once you get Botox your face will never go back to being the same as it was before you got the treatment.”

Truth: Botox results are temporary and will not permanently affect your face. Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months and your face will gradually go back to its appearance prior to treatment with Botox.

 Rumor #5: “When you get Botox you never look like yourself, everyone looks fake and plastic.”

Truth: Botox results are dependent upon individual patient needs and desired appearance.  Our providers are skilled in treating clients in a way to give them a youthful appearance without appearing as if they’ve had any treatment at all.

Rumor #6: “Botox is only for the rich and famous; I could never afford it.”

Truth: Botox is the most common cosmetic procedure; over 11 million men and women have been treated. Botox is not only for the rich and famous. A typical Botox patient is the average mom looking to help treat and prevent her aging skin. Pricing varies per office and is determined based on the amount of units needed to treat a particular area.  Schedule a consultation with Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery to learn about the best Botox treatment plan for you.  

Rumor #7: “Botox is the beginning of a downhill spiral in plastic surgery and invasive cosmetic procedures.”

Truth: Botox is a simple, non-invasive, preventative skin care treatment that can help you look as young as you feel without needing surgery or other invasive treatments. Using Botox as a preventative measure could help postpone or prevent the need for plastic surgery later in life.

 

For more information on Botox  or any of our other cosmetic procedures call us (404) 296-8000 or visit www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com


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

How to Pick the Right Products for your Skin Type

When was the last time you smiled and looked
this good washing your face?

It’s 8pm on a Monday night, you get comfy on the couch and enjoy a nice bowl (or two) of popcorn, and turn on "The Bachelorette". During the two hours you are subjected to probably an hour worth of commercials (or it at least seems that way), filled with new make-up products that promise  they won’t clog your pores, face washes that will eliminate blackheads, concealers that will cover up the bags under your eyes and so on. After countless hours of commercials telling you this product is recommended most by dermatologist, or this one is clinically proven to eliminate acne, it’s hard to know what to believe.  

Let's just cut straight to the facts... I have struggled with keeping my skin clear my entire life and it wasn’t until I started working for a dermatologist that I was really able to tame my face, so I thought I’d share a few products that Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery's dermatology experts recommend, that might help you with your unique skin concerns.

Oily Skin: Oily skin is basically skin that appears shiny and often feels greasy to touch. People who suffer with oily skin are often oily in the T-Zone but can also be oily all over the face.  If you are looking to help maintain your oily skin, our office recommends a face wash that contains glycolic acid or benzyl peroxide.

• Our favorites include:  Atlanta Laser and Skin Care Center’s (ALSCC) GlycoX 5% Cleansing Pads and Cosmetix Purity Clean Facial Wash. We also recommend weekly oil-controlling masks to help reduce oil product (RX Systems Oil Control Mask). ALSCC's UltraLight Facial Cream is also recommended if you need any extra moisturizer.

Dry Skin: Dry skin is skin that lacks moisture, it can feel rough to touch and can often the skin is flaky. We recommend a few products to help restore moisture to the skin and improve skin appearance.

• These include: ALSCC's Firming and Restructuring Peptide Therapy, ALSCC's Green Tea Foaming or Fortified Cleansers, RX Systems Hydrating Mask, RX Systems Maximum Strength Moisturizer and/or Clayton Shagal’s Elastin Gel Plus, Hyprocel Gel and Collagen Gel Plus.

Rough Skin: Rough skin is skin that is bumpy, harsh to touch and can be dry or oily. We recommend products with moisturizers, glycolic acid and salicylic acid.

• A few of our favorite products include: Vitvite Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, ALSCC's Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum and ALSCC's Green Tea Serum.

Acne-prone Skin: Acne-prone is often oily skin, but in some circumstances can be normal skin that is easily prone to clogged pores. We recommend products without harsh chemicals and fragrances to help control acne. Products with benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid are best for patients who suffer with acne-prone skin.

• Our favorite products include: ALSCC's Clarifying Wash, ALSCC's Brighten Up Face Up Face Wash and Clayton Shagal Moisturizers. Patients with acne-prone oily skin should refer to the oily skin list, above.

Normal Skin: Normal skin can be anything from combination (oily & dry) to healthy, well-hydrated skin. This skin type needs a good daily skin care regimen to help maintain this appearance.  

• For this type of skin we recommend products including: ALSCC’s Green Tea Foaming or Fortified Cleansers, RX Systems Firming Mask or Hydrating Mask, ASLCC UltraLite Facial Cream and the Clayton Shagal daily moisturizers.

It’s important to identify your skin type, so you can properly treat and/or maintain your skin. If no improvement is noted within 4 weeks after using these products, it is recommended that you visit your dermatologist for further evaluation.

All of these products can be purchased at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery. For more information or to purchase products call (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.

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Written by Mackenzie Stratton, Marketing Manager
with information added by Juliena Gigon, PA-C

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

 

Say Goodbye to Brown Spots

Before                                              After

As if getting older wasn’t enough of a worry, as we get older we also have to worry about it showing on our face. Our face is invaded by lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and worst of all, dark spots. We try to cover it up with; make-ups, lotions, powders but nothing can seem to really hide those irritating age spots.

Now, you are probably wondering, “Where do these irritating age spots come from?” According to Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery's very own Physician Assistant, Juliena Gigon, these brown spots are caused by multiple factors including: over activation of pigment cells (hyperpigmentation) in the skin and damage caused by the sun.

I bet you are now regretting those years you spent out in sun lathered up with tanning oil, aren’t you? While we can't help you handle your regrets, we can help you to end the hassle of covering up those pesky brown spots and actually say goodbye to them, with Photorejuventation.

Photorejuvenation works by sending light energy into the skin, stimulating the production of collagen in your skin and softening the appearance of aging skin and reducing or eradicating brown spots.  The amount of treatments necessary for each patient varies but most patients need between five to eight treatments.  Treatments are tolerable but topical anesthesia may be applied to minimize patient discomfort.  After treatments, patients can go back to life as usual, there is no downtime. Photorejuvenation is also great for patients that struggle with red/flushed skin, enlarged pores, or rosacea.

It’s time to stop covering up your brown spots and show off your beautiful skin. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit our website: www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com or call (404) 296-8000.  

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

Mackenzie's Final Latisse Check In

Happy New Year everyone! 2012 is finally here (yes, I do realize I am a couple months belated..) and it's the perfect time to start using Latisse. I am so thrilled by my final results and I am constantly getting compliments on how long and full my eye lashes are. Since I've now been using Latisse since July my eyelashes are at their fullest potential. My fullest potential has proved to impress me, I had no idea my eyelashes were capable of being this long and full. The best part is now that I've been using Latisse for a while I am able to only apply Latisse a few times a week and still keep my beautiful lashes. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity to try Latisse at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery and will continue to recommend Latisse to my family, my friends and poor innocent random strangers that I encounter :)

Still aren't sold on Latisse? Check out my before and after pictures below and see for yourself how Latisse works! The pictures below are my eyelashes without any maserca or make up so they are raw results to show you how amazing Latisse is.

Before Latisse

After 1 Month of Latisse

After 2 Months of Latisse

After 3 Months of Latisse

Final Results, After 4 Months of Latisse

 Final Results of Latisse after 4 months, with Mascara

For more information on Latisse or any other products or procedures offered by Atlanta Deramtology and Laser Surgery call (404) 296-8000 or visit our website: http://www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com/ 

The Best 3 Month Relationship I've Ever Had...

Well, I'm happy to announce that my love affair is still going strong, in fact.. I'm even thinking of making things permanent.... with Latisse I mean. I am so amazed by how beautiful my eyelashes have gotten since starting Latisse, just 3 months ago. Prior to using Latisse, my eyelashes were so bright blond, short and fragile.. I had to put on so much mascara just to make it look like I had lashes. Today, I am happy to announce that my eyelashes are perfect. It's hard being known as the girl with the most perfect eyelashes in the world, but someone has got to do it, right? But really... my eyelashes have gotten darker, thicker, stronger and best of all, longer.

I cannot even count the amount of times I get asked on a weekly basis if I am wearing fake eyelashes, I always smile, because first of all.. I love talking about my eyelashes & second of all I get to tell them "No, these are my eyelashes, thanks to Latisse!" I was super skeptical of Latisse before I started it because I have really light skin & light eyes, so I was nervous about what could happen, I'm happy to report, I've had no bad side effects and I am a very happy Latisse user. I recommend Latisse to everyone and have gotten my friends and family members, hooked! Having beautiful eyelashes makes you feel so much better about yourself and best of all, helps women with the ever tough dilemma of deciding whether to leave the house without mascara on. With Latisse you can ditch it and leave the house knowing that you still have fabulous looking eyelashes.

I've got one more month left on my "Latisse Challenge" and to be honest.. I can't really imagine how much more they could even grow, but I've said that before... Stay tuned for my check-in at 4 months!

Check out Mackenzie's Lash Growth with Latisse:

Before Latisse

After 1 Month of Latisse

After 2 Months of Latisse

After 3 Months with Latisse

For more information on Latisse, or Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery visit our website at: www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com or call (404) 296-8000


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

Three Months of Latisse with Laura

Three months in and I have the most amazing, healthy eyelashes! They are incredible. I have had people ask me if my eyelashes are real even when I don't have on mascara. For Halloween this year it was the first time that I did not have to purchase the dreadful glue on lashes. The best part about my long, dark lashes is that I don't feel like I absolutely have to put on mascara to leave the house real quick. The compliments keep pouring in, everyone wants to know how to have lashes as long as mine-- Thank you Latisse and Atlanta Dermatology and laser Surgery. I have gotten to the point where I am not using Latisse everyday, my application routine has stayed the same, I just skip a day or two between applications. I still have zero side affects, but my lashes continue to grow and darken. I love my eyelashes!

Laura's Latisse Progress:

Before Latisse

One Month With Latisse

2 Months With Latisse

3 Months with Latisse

Laura will see full results after using Latisse for 4 months. For more information on Latisse, Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery or any other services offered, please visit our website http://www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com/ or call (404) 296-8000.