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

Physician Endorsed Sun Hats, Now Available!

Model wearing White Sands Hat

Summer is just around the corner (woo hoo)! The chilly temps have definitely overdone their welcome and it’s time for some sunshine, warm weather and vacations. While Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery strives to  promote safe sun exposure and protection of your skin- we do still love the summer and know sometimes it is impossible to avoid the sun. 

As our way to promote summer sun safety we are now offering something NEW and FABULOUS. What is this new and fabulous thing, you may ask? Physician Endorsed Sun Hats! These aren’t just your ordinary sun hats these sun hats are fashionable, fun and come with 50+ UPF protection. Meaning, you can not only look amazing but can also protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. These gorgeous hats have been sported by some of Hollywood’s most famous including: Jennifer Garnier, Paris Hilton and Katie Holmes.

Hat prices start around $30 and are available in tons of different colors and styles. Many of the hats are packable and washable. Hats are available for purchase in our office and you may call or email Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery to purchase & we will ship to you.

For a full list of hat styles and colors visit our website or Facebook page. For more information or to order, please call (404) 296-8000 or email info@atlantadermatologyexperts.com.

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.

New Year, New YOU!

Many don’t like the winter months and with reason…. It’s dark when you leave the office, it’s colder, the holidays pose for seriously high stress levels and everyone just seems to be a bit more… grumpy. However, there are a few plus sides to this chilly season. Winter months mean less time spent in the sun (largely, because it’s not out when we can be outside and who would want to be outside in the cold temperatures) meaning, it’s the perfect time to take care of your skin and look perfect by spring.

It’s a new year and with the New Year, should come a new YOU! There are a few cosmetic procedures that are perfect to get treated with in the winter, these include: 

•  Fractional Resurfacing: What is this fractional resurfacing, you ask? FX is a semi-ablative skin resurfacing procedure used to replace damaged skin and give you a more youthful appearance. This procedure can help fade and reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face, crow’s feet around the eyes, pucker marks and uneven skin tone. There is light down-time with this procedure, so that’s why it’s great to do during the winter months—less sun exposure & it’s a lot easier to lay on the couch all day when it’s gross outside J.
• IPL Photorejuvenation: Photorejuvenation is one of our favorite procedures for making your skin look brighter, clearer and more youthful. IPL works by sending light energy into your skin that targets your damaged tissue—stimulating the production of collagen. The stimulation of collagen softens your aging skin and discoloration. As IPL uses light to target pigment and damage to your skin, sun exposure to your skin is not recommended, making winter time the perfect time for IPL.
•  CoolSculpting: CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure used to remove your unwanted belly bulge & love handles by freezing it away. I know, I know, who wants to be frozen when it’s already freezing outside? The good news is, you won’t actually be cold and the results are amazing! CoolSculpting works by freezing your fat cells, causing them to crystallize and shatter. After they have shattered the fat cells compact—giving you the result of a smaller bulge. Results take about two months, which is why the winter time is perfect for CoolSculpting.
• Exilis:Exilis has quickly become our most popular treatment at the office. Exilis is an FDA-approved device that offers a non-surgical solution to help tighten and tone your skin, giving you a more youthful appearance. Exilis uses Radio Frequency energy to stimulate and strengthen the collagen network in your skin and improve skin laxity and texture. Our patients love Exilis because it’s quick, comfortable and proves itself with undeniable results.  Most patients need a minimum of 4 treatments for best results. Patients begin to see results at about 2 months post treatment and can continue seeing improvement up to 6 months after treatment, which is why we recommend the winter months as the perfect time for Exilis.

 2013 is your year, for the new YOU! Treat yourself and look the best you’ve ever looked. For more information on any of our procedures please contact Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery at (404) 296-8000 or 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

Stop Struggling with Rough Skin & Stubborn Bumps on your Arms

 

Keratosis Pilaris on the Arm

As the Marketing Manager for a Dermatologist and Cosmetics office, I am always asked questions by my friends and acquaintances, like: “Is this thing on my leg... normal?”, “Do you think your doctors could fix this?”

There is one thing that I am constantly asked and it is probably one of the first questions I asked my co-workers,  “What are these little red bumps all over my upper arms?” Many of my friends have been in the same boat and many of them have struggled with the same concern. This concern is why, no matter how much lotion they apply or how smooth the rest of their skin is, they can’t seem to ditch those unsightly, red, “goose bump” looking things on their arms?

Now you are probably asking… “So what are they?” The providers at Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery gave me one answer, Keratosis Pilaris (KP). What is Keratosis Pilaris you might ask? KP is a very common skin condition, where keratin (protein) in the skin gets trapped within the hair follicles. KP is harmless and can run in families. This skin condition is most common in people with very dry skin or patients who have Eczema.  

Curious as if you are a victim of these stubborn bumps? KP bumps often look like “goose bumps” on the back of upper arms or thighs. The bumps often feel very rough and are often pink or skin colored.

You are probably wondering what to do if you have these bumps. As KP is benign, it is not necessary for you to worry about treatment for this stubborn skin condition. However, if the bumps are bothersome or do not get any better with over-the-counter lotions, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. The dermatologist is able to prescribe skin creams that contain; lactic acid, glycolic acid and other ingredients that can help to improve Keratosis Pilaris. Steroid creams can also be prescribed to help reduce redness of these bumps, making the bumps less noticeable.

It’s time to ditch those stubborn bumps that cause you to wear sweaters and constantly cover up your arms, and say hello to beautiful, smooth skin.

For more information on Keratosis Pilaris or any other skin concern, please call Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery at (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.  

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

How to Fight Winter's Attack on your Skin

As the summer is coming to a close and the winter is itching closer and closer, our skin starts itching too. Winter’s cold blast equals dry, itchy, red, skin caused by the lack of humidity in the air. It’s important to keep your skin moisturized to prevent your skin from chapping or cracking. In addition to applying daily moisturizers to your skin, it’s also important to stay hydrated and to protect your skin with protective clothing from the weather.

Severe cases of chronic dry skin, such as Eczema are also more likely to flare up during the cold weather season. This chronic dry skin condition can affect both children and adults alike, but it is very common amongst children.  Symptoms of Eczema include: dryness, cracking and/or peeling of the skin that cannot be cured by regular moisturizer, redness and itchiness. Our dermatologists recommend that if a patient is suffering from any of these symptoms to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery recommends that if a patient’s Eczema symptoms get to a point where it is unbearable, painful and/or appears infected that the patient should come see a Dermatologist, immediately. It’s recommended to see a Dermatologist for Eczema symptoms because if Eczema is not treated properly it can lead to infection, pain, permanent skin damage or scarring. Dermatologist can provide patients struggling with Eczema with prescription lotions and medicine to treat the dry skin condition and can offer advice on how patients can help maintain and prevent their Eczema.

For more information on Eczema, skin conditions or Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery call (404) 296-8000 or visit our website: www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com


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

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

 

Now Offering: Brilliant Distinctions

We all love Delta Sky Miles, right? What is better than racking up miles, checking in at the gate and hearing  "you've been complimentary upgraded to first class", or how great is it getting a free flight using your miles? Wouldn't it be nice if you could get points for everything in life? Well now you can with your Botox, Juvederm, Latisse or Vivite purchases.

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery is now officially enrolled in the Brilliant Distinction Program (BD). With BD you earn points for each purchase at our office. Purchase 1 or 2 Botox treatments and get 200 points, purchase a Latisse kit and get 100 points, purchase a syringe of Juvederm and get 200 points and get points for each type of Vivite product purchased. Once you start collecting points your points equal coupons for money off your future treatments. 200 points equals $25 off, 300 points equals $35 off and this continues to go up until you can get a max of a $75 off coupon. The good news is, you can use as many coupons as you want in one treatment.

Still need information on how BD works? Take the tour here.

All you have to do is sign up and we will plug in your points, for you, after each treatment at our office. Be sure to sign up for BD before your next treatment at our office, so you can start getting points, right away.

For more information on Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery, 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

Girls Night Out!

So now that you know the difference between Botox & Fillers it's time for you to find out what Botox, Juvederm and our cosmetic procedures can do for you!

Join Dr. Dionne Louis at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery to see for yourself! Our free event features: free consultations on our cosmetic procedures, including: Botox, Juvederm and Latisse. We will also provide personalized skin care regimens for each event guest. We will have a Botox and Juvederm treatment visualizer to help guests see their expected results after treatments. The event will also feature exclusive and fun giveaways, discounts and light refreshments!

Beyond Botox and Juvederm feel free to come learn about any of our cosmetic procedures including: CoolSculpting for non-invasive fat reduction, Exilis for non-invasive skin tightening, Laser Hair Removal, Tattoo Removal and many other procedures.

The Girls Night Out is on Thursday, June 14th from 6-8pm at our office in Tucker, Georgia. To RSVP call (404) 296-8000 or email info@atlantadermatologyexperts.com

What's the difference between Botox & Fillers?

Okay, I will admit it... When I started with Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery a little over a year ago, I had no idea what Botox was and that it was any different than a "filler." In fact, I often used them interchangeably thinking they were the same thing. Yes, I am the one who was guilty of confusing patients EVERYWHERE on the Botox vs. Filler dilemma. Well, I am here to set the record straight and  explain it to you in a way that even I can understand!

Let's first start off by describing what Botox Cosmetic is. Botox is a treatment that is used to treat wrinkles, usually around the eyes (crows feet and between the eye brows) and the upper face (those stubborn creases we get on our forehead). Wrinkles are caused by the muscles under our skin pulling our skin as we make facial expressions. The Botox product is then injected into specific muscles of the face, injecting the product into the muscle reduces muscle contractions so they cannot pull the underlying skin, helping to stop the source of wrinkles. Botox usually lasts up to anywhere from three to four months, patients are advised to get retreated every three months for optimal results. Our physicians are skilled in knowing exactly how much Botox to use to treat your area of concern and where they should inject it to achieve your desired wrinkle reduction, while still looking natural.

To sum it all up, Botox works by keeping the muscles that cause us to form wrinkles from moving, helping to stop the wrinkles you have from showing and stopping deeper or new wrinkles from forming.

Check out before and after photos of a Botox Patient:

So, now you ask.. and this is different from Fillers...because? 

Fillers do just what they sound like, they fill areas that have lost volume due to aging. With age we often see a loss of volume in areas on face like the lips, cheeks, chin and smile lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines). Fillers are injected into the skin to fill up where age has stripped us of volume (thanks a lot old age) and they remain there from any where from six to 18 months, some may last longer. While in your skin the filler attracts water to the treatment site, and encourages collagen formation around the site as well; thus, the plumping effect is achieved by the combination of the filler, the increase of water and the new formation of natural collagen.

Basically, Fillers work by filling up areas that have lost volume or wrinkles that have formed due to aging, by plumping up the area. The "plumping effect" helps to give a more youthful, refreshed and rejuvenated appearance to treated patients.

Check out before and afters of Patients after using Juvederm (a filler we use at our office) below: 

Now you can see how Botox and Fillers are really different but how both are excellent at meeting the unique needs of each and every patient. Our providers are trained and highly skilled in both Botox and Fillers and would love to meet with you to discuss how they can help you.

 For more information on Botox and our  Fillers or to schedule a free consultation call (404) 296-8000 or visit our website: www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com 

For the Love of Latisse

Here at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery we are all big lovers of Latisse. In fact almost our entire staff of Doctors, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Marketers and front office staff use it and love it. We recommend Latisse to many of our friends, family members and patients because we want them to fall as deeply and madly in love with Latisse, as we are. Day after day we get complimented on our long, thick and voluminous lashes and with a grin across our faces each of us can thank, Latisse!

So now you ask, what in the world is Latisse? Well, Latisse is the only FDA-approved prescription treatment for hypotrichosis (having inadequate or not enough eyelashes) used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker. Pretty cool, huh?


Next question on your list is probably, how soon will I see results? Latisse provides gradual results. In the clinical trial users saw significant improvement by 2 months. Many of our patients continue to see results and see their best results after 4 months.

Now comes to the answer to your question about applying Latisse and the routine. Latisse is simple to apply and takes less time than brushing your teeth. Simply wash your face of all make-up, remove your contacts and before you go to bed, apply Latisse. To apply Latisse: simply drop a drop of the Latisse Solution on to an included brush and swipe across your eyelid (where you apply eyeliner) and then do the same for the other eye. VIOLA! You are finished with your Latisse routine!

There are a few possible side effects that are important to discuss with Latisse. The most common are eye itching and eye redness, these were reported by about 4% of patients in the clinical trials. Latisse solution may cause other less common side effects, which occur on the skin close to where Latisse is applied. These include: skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness or redness of the eyelids.

Latisse is a prescription formula and must be prescribed by a doctor. We are happy to offer Latisse at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery and any of our Dermatological and Cosmetic providers would be happy to tell you more about Latisse or help you get started!

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

Want to see more results? Check out our Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery's Latisse Spokeswomen who took the "Latisse Challenege" and had AMAZING results!

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

Final Lattise Results from Laura Peacock

My experience with Latisse has absolutely blown me away.. the results are better than I had imagined! At this point, I can hardly imagine how short and thin my eyelashes were before I started the process and I definitely wouldn’t be able to go back! Although my eyelashes have grown tremendously, they still look so natural. Before I started Latisse I was always envious of others who had thick and long lashes, now people give me compliments on my eyes all the time! My eyes pop more and experimenting with eye makeup is so fun more fun because I really feel like you notice the look – it’s the lashes that finish off the look to perfection! I have been able to tell so many friends about the product and my experience with Atlanta Dermatology and Laser surgery. Some people are hesitant to try it out and invest in the product but when they take a look at my results, they can really see the value!

 

In the beginning, I applied the product daily. Now that my lashes have reached the length and thickness that I want, I apply the latisse three times a week to keep them at this point. Not only do I use much less letting the Latisse last longer, but I don’t worry when I miss an application. All of the compliments I’ve received has improved my confidence and overall happiness with my look. Lashes seem so small and insignificant, until you see the results and the improvements it makes. I love my lashes and would definitely recommend anyone and everyone to try it out! Thank you Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery for this exciting experience!

Want the proof? Check out Laura's Lashes, they'll blow you away!

Laura before Latisse

Laura after one month of Latisse

Laura after two months of Latisse

Laura after three months of Latisse

Laura after four months of Latisse**


**Laura began using Latisse less frequently after 3 months, best results are seen with using Latisse daily.

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

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/