DAA Frequently Asked Questions

Can lasers be used to remove birthmarks on children?

Absolutely! Advanced laser technology can be used to improve red birthmarks or portwine stains on children and even on infants as young as 2 weeks old. However, some birthmarks, such as congenital brown birthmarks, have a different significance and may need surgical excision rather than just laser destruction to remove.

What are some available acne treatments for people with sensitive skin?

There are several acne treatments that may be recommended for sensitive skin including regularly administered oral medications, more mild topical acne solutions, LED blue and red light therapy treatment, and PDT: which involves treating the skin with a medication and then activating the medicine with a particular wavelength of light. Also offered is the newest acne improvement system available on the market called Isolaz™ deep pore laser therapy. It combines vacuum and light therapy to remove pore debris and aid in penetration of light to kill acne-causing bacteria. Pain-free and safe for all skin types, the Isolaz ™ system also has the added benefit of acting as a facial hair remover.

What types of lasers are used for tattoo removal?

The DAA specialty center, The Laser Institute of Georgia, offers the Q-Switched Ruby, Candela Alex, and Medlite® YAG lasers which are particularly effective for tattoo removal. While the extent and amount of laser treatments necessary to remove a tattoo depend upon the tattoo’s size and color complexity, our laser specialists will determine which technology will be needed to treat each individual patient with minimal scarring.

What types of cosmetic treatments are available with lasers?

Laser technology is one of the fastest growing and most promising fields in the cosmetic world and Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is proud to have been one of the first medical practices to perform these procedures. While there is no one laser technology that does it all, we offer 15 different medical lasers at our in-house laser center to target your specific concerns. Not only can lasers work to correct freckles and age spots, but they can treat everything from fine lines and wrinkles to congenital birthmarks in infants. They can also remove unwanted hair, spider and varicose veins on the face and legs, and even multi-colored tattoos.

How does laser hair removal work and which areas can be treated?

During laser hair removal, a light beam is emitted from a handheld device and targets hair strands, impairing the hair follicle and subsequently destroying future growth.  Because your hair grows in cycles, 4 to 6 treatments are typically needed, depending on hair color, hair type, and the growth stage of the follicles.  If you are a candidate for laser hair removal most any area of the body can be treated, but the most common areas include arms, legs, bikini area, back, facial hair, eyebrows, and underarms. If you have light or gray hair, and are not a candidate for laser hair removal, electrolysis can be a viable option.

What is the difference between facial fillers and popular cosmetic injectables like Botox® or Dysport®; and what can they do for my wrinkles?

With the plethora of facial rejuvenation products now available, it’s easy to become confused with what they all do.  Facial fillers like Restylane®, Juvederm®, Perlane®, Radiesse®, and Sculptra® work by smoothing out wrinkles, adding fullness to the lips and hollow areas of the face, that develop with age.  Botox® and newer competitor Dysport®, popular for use around the brow and eyes, work to relax facial muscles –resulting in reduction or elimination of fine lines and wrinkles.  Extensive experience working with these products throughout the years has allowed us to develop advanced techniques that maximize patients’ results without sacrificing their comfort during the procedure.  A thorough consultation is recommended to see which of these products, or combination of products, best fits your individual needs.

Can anything be done to enhance the look of my eyelashes?

Yes, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta offers Latisse®, the first FDA approved prescription treatment for insufficient eyelashes. To date, there is no other eye lash treatment that can grow the eyelashes as effectively as Latisse®.  Daily application of Latisse® can result in darker, thicker, and longer eyelashes in patients.

What kind of sunscreen should I be using?

You need to look for "Broad-spectrum" sunscreens that provide protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that are water and sweat resistant. Look for the American Academy of Dermatology’s “AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION®” on products to ensure they meet these criteria.

Do I need to be in the sun to get enough Vitamin D?

While your body needs Vitamin D, it does not have to come from the sun – it can come from a healthy diet or even a vitamin supplement (particularly important during winter months.) Being in the sun unprotected is never a good idea and will increase your risk for dangerous skin cancers.

Is laying out in the sun or usage of the tanning bed worse for your skin?

Although direct unprotected sun exposure is more damaging than occasional tanning bed use, most tanning bed use is repeated.  Frequent tanning bed users also tend to forgo sunscreen; thus, the cumulative effects can be more damaging- often leading to skin cancer. Consider sunless tanning products as a safer alternative.

Is visible sun damage, like wrinkles and age spots, irreversible?

The look of wrinkles and age spots can be easily reduced or even eliminated through use of state-of-the-art laser technology. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta houses the southeast’s largest laser center, providing multiple laser treatment options to reduce the look of sun damage and give your skin a smoother, more youthful look.

Can sun exposure get rid of acne?

People often think that ALL light is good for acne, when in fact, the only effective light treatment for acne are specialized blue and red wavelengths found in LED light therapy, like the treatments available at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. In reality, the tanning effect derived from sun exposure merely camouflages acne instead of curing it.