Hair Loss

May 15, 2023

Dermatology Condition of the Month: Diagnosing & Treating Types of Hair Loss

Hair Loss, The Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research

man-checks-hair-in-mirror Did you know that most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day? That may seem like a lot of lost hair, but considering that most people have over 100,000 hairs on their head, the loss is barely noticeable. This type of hair loss is normal in all people, as hair grows and sheds in cycles throughout the year. However, some conditions can lead to permanent hair loss, affecting men and women of any age. Hair loss can have devastating effects on a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Luckily, many non-surgical treatments are available to help reverse some types of hair loss and even restore healthy hair growth in many cases. To help you better understand the different types of hair loss, and the remedies available, we are highlighting hair loss as our dermatology condition of the month.

What Causes Hair Loss:

The cause of hair loss depends on the type of loss you are experiencing, which is why a proper diagnosis is pertinent for effective treatment. The most common type of hair loss, Androgenic Alopecia, is a genetic condition that affects both men and women. For men, this process can start after puberty, leading to partial or complete baldness. For women, although it can happen at a younger age, this tends to occur after menopause. When women lose their hair after menopause, it is usually due to a drop in female hormones, which helps to regulate the presence of testosterone. Other forms of hair loss can occur due to autoimmune diseases, medical treatments, stress, hormone imbalance, nutritional deficiency, thyroid conditions, and certain types of hairstyles.

How is Hair Loss Categorized:

Hair loss falls into two distinct categories: Cicatricial (scarring) and Non-Cicatricial (non-scarring). Cicatricial hair loss is further broken down into two types. Primary Scarring Alopecia is where the follicle itself is the primary target. This type of scarring alopecia is caused by inflammatory conditions, especially auto-immune. Secondary Scarring Alopecia, where the follicle is an “innocent bystander,” is the result of damage or injury to the dermis/scalp. In both primary and secondary scarring alopecia, a normal follicle is replaced by connective (or scar) tissue rendering it permanently unable to produce a hair. Conditions such as Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA), Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), Discoid Lupus (DLE), and Dissecting Cellulitis of the scalp, are some of the most common types of Primary Cicatricial Alopecia.

As with Primary Scarring Alopecia, Secondary Scarring Alopecia also results from inflammation. However, this type of inflammation is often caused by general damage to the skin/scalp. Burns, infections, cutaneous (skin) cancers, and radiation dermatitis from cancer-treating radiation treatments are some common causes of Secondary Scarring Alopecia.

The second category of hair loss, Non-Cicatricial or non-scarring hair loss can affect both men and women as well. Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, and Telogen Effluvium are all forms of non-scarring Alopecia. Regardless of whether you are dealing with scarring or non-scarring Alopecia, with a proper diagnosis, in most cases we can stop the progression. And with non-scarring Alopecia, in many cases we can recommend multiple non-surgical options to help you regrow what you have lost. Remember to treat early because it’s far easier to help you keep your hair than to grow new hair once it’s been lost!

Types of Hair Loss:

Androgenetic Alopecia: Commonly referred to as male and female patterned baldness or genetic hair loss. Over time, your hair follicles begin to shrink and eventually stop producing hair due to excess exposure to DHT.
Alopecia Areata: The result of an autoimmune disease, your body begins attacking healthy hair follicles on your head and/or body, hindering, or completely stopping the follicle’s ability to produce hair. In some cases, it may be a small area and occur only one time. In other cases, Alopecia Areata can lead to Alopecia Totalis.
Alopecia Totalis: Complete hair loss of the scalp, and sometimes may include facial hair.
Alopecia Universalis: An advanced form of Alopecia Areata which causes complete hair loss of the scalp and hair-bearing areas of the body.
Telogen Effluvium: Physical and rarely emotional stress lead to abnormal stress hormone levels and can cause rapid shedding of hair within a short time period. This can be extremely distressing but is usually self limiting.
Anagen Effluvium: Rapid hair loss most commonly associated with medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

Symptoms of Hair Loss:

Hair loss can appear either suddenly or gradually and can have many different associated symptoms. It is most commonly associated with a receding hairline, gradual, generalized thinning of the hair, circular or patchy bald spots with/ without itching or pain. Often, hair loss is most obvious with brushing, washing, and blow-drying hair. Depending on the type of hair loss, some people may also experience painful bumps that can be filled with pus, redness of the scalp, or shiny, scarred, hairless plaques.

What are the Treatments for Hair Loss:

The type of treatment you receive for hair loss depends on the type of hair loss you are experiencing. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta offers prescription topical and oral medications including Finasteride, Minoxidil, and more. Progressive, non-surgical treatments are also available. Some of these treatments include injections, microneedling with natural growth factors, red light therapy, supplements and much more. We also offer Scalp Micropigmentation that utilizes a unique tattoo process to mimic the appearance of hair follicles and stubble.

Getting Expert Care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta has been treating hair loss since we were founded. We are also proud and honored to operate Georgia’s first hair loss facility dedicated specifically to women. Since 2015, The Griffin Center for Women’s Hair Loss has been serving women suffering from various forms of alopecia. Hair loss differs in women, and at times requires specialized diagnostics and treatment.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to our hair loss professionals to schedule an appointment. After a thorough examination and a simple scalp biopsy (if needed), we can identify your type of hair loss and prescribe a course of treatment to address the condition. You don’t have to settle for thinning or receding hair. Our experts understand the importance of having a full head of healthy hair, and we take pride in being part of our patient’s hair journey. If you are ready to contact us for your hair loss diagnosis, schedule your consultation with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. For more information, practice updates, and dermatology tips, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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August 23, 2022

Provider of the Month: Mara Grosswald, PA-C

Botox & Dysport, Hair Loss, Sweat Reduction cosmetic services, educational, provider of the month, providers, skin care

Here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, it’s not enough to simply provide top-level general and cosmetic dermatology services for our patients. While it is incredibly rewarding to be able to help people by effectively treating their skin-related concerns, the real joy for our providers comes from being able to build and maintain relationships with our patients. And part of that process is letting our patients really get to know our providers. So with this in mind, we are excited to share our latest Provider of the Month, Mara Grosswald, PA-C.

Background & Training

Mara Grosswald is a board-certified physician assistant with decades of cosmetic and general dermatology experience. After graduating from the University of Georgia with her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, she would complete her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of South Alabama. Once her education was complete, Mara began her professional career by receiving her certification from the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners of Georgia in 2000. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

Mara Grosswald, PA-C’s Skin Care Specialties Today

As of this writing, Mara Grosswald has been an essential part of the team here at DAA for 20 years. She also has over 15 years of experience assisting patients who experience premature hair loss. While Mara has extensive expertise in performing miraDry® sweat reduction treatments, she is also adept at helping patients by performing cosmetic injectable treatments like Botox® and Dysport®, treating multi generations of patients that experience eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, warts, rashes and other skin conditions. She offers all her patients with full body skin exams to detect and diagnose any potential issues.

Outside of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

While she is truly passionate about dermatology, Mara has a busy life outside of the office as well. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. When she gets the chance, Mara loves to be outdoors, playing tennis and exploring nature.

Appointments with Mara Grosswald, PA-C

We hope our readers have enjoyed this opportunity to get better acquainted with Mara Grosswald. Like all of our other providers, Mara is proud to be able to be there for our patients for all of their dermatology needs. For more information or If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Mara or any of our other board-certified providers, please contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today.

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April 25, 2022

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hair Loss alopecia, blog, dematology, hair loss, treatments

For many men and women, their hair is an instrumental part of their confidence in their appearance. If you start to notice your hair thinning, it can be truly heartbreaking, especially if you don’t know why it’s happening or what to do to stop it.

Our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta has advanced knowledge in both men’s and women’s hair loss, including operating the first clinic exclusively for women’s hair loss in Georgia. To help you better understand why your hair may be thinning, our experts are revealing the most common causes of hair loss.

Male Pattern Hair Loss or Female Pattern Hair Loss

The vast majority of hair loss comes from simple genetics. Your follicles gradually shrink over time, eventually reaching a point when they stop producing hair altogether. This is called male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia.

This type of hair loss can happen to anyone but it progresses differently in men and women. In men, the hair loss usually starts at the temples, the front of the scalp, or the crown of the head. Women, on the other hand, experience thinning hair throughout their scalp without progressing to full “bald spots.”

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an immune condition. It causes your body’s immune system to start attacking your hair follicles, hindering and eventually stopping their ability to grow hair. It is quite different than androgenetic alopecia and looks like small circular patches of hair loss. Some people may notice one tiny patch of hair loss, receive treatment, and never have another problem after their hair grows back. However, others may experience more severe cases and lose all of their hair completely.

Hormonal Imbalances

Your body has a complex balance of hormones, each with different purposes and roles, and they all play a part in the way your body functions. If your body produces too much or too little of certain hormones, it can limit your follicles’ ability to produce new hair. There are a variety of treatments that can help improve hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances.

Excessive Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, but if your physical or emotional stress is excessive and prolonged, it can lead to hair loss. Improving your stress level as much as possible will improve this over time. There is also a condition called trichotillomania in which people pull or pluck their hair to cope with stress, and this can add up to noticeable and often permanent hair loss.

Certain Hairstyles and Hair Treatments

If you regularly wear your hair in hairstyles that pull your hair or put strain on your scalp such as a tight ponytail or braids, this can eventually lead to a condition called traction alopecia by damaging your follicles and their ability to produce hair. Something similar can happen because of items like head coverings on your scalp or socks around your ankles rubbing against your hair follicles repeatedly, and this is called friction alopecia. Friction alopecia can be reversed in many cases if the ongoing friction is eliminated or reduced. Certain types of hair treatments can damage your scalp after repeated use too, including perms, chemical relaxation, and color treatments. Whether the condition is temporary or permanent has much to do with how far along the damage is.

Certain Health Conditions

Some types of health conditions can affect your hair follicles directly or indirectly, resulting in hair loss. Those conditions can include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), psoriasis of the scalp, thyroid conditions, and deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals.

Scarring Alopecia

Inflammation in your scalp can cause your body to develop scar tissue. When this happens, the scar tissue can damage hair follicles so they can no longer grow hair. This is known as scarring alopecia.

Select Medications or Medical Treatments

It is well-known that chemotherapy treatments for cancer often lead to hair loss. There are other medications that can cause hair loss as a side effect as well.

Identifying and Treating Your Hair Loss

It’s clear that there are many potential reasons you may be losing your hair. Some of these hair loss conditions are permanent while some are temporary and many can be improved. The first step to effectively treating your hair loss is identifying why it’s happening, and we can help. Call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule your hair loss consultation today. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more insights on hair, skin, and nail health.

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December 21, 2021

Lesser-Known Cosmetic Issues Our Dermatologists Can Treat

Dermatology News, Hair Loss, Microneedling dermatology, hair loss, microneedling, stretch marks, sweating

Our experienced board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants are honored to help patients every day to both treat their skin conditions and enhance their appearance. Most of our patients are already aware that we offer treatments that improve fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and other common aesthetic concerns. However, there are many cosmetic issues we treat that are not so well-known, including excessive sweat, a “double chin,” thinning hair, and stretch marks.

Excessive Sweat

Unwanted underarm sweat can be a source of embarrassment for anyone, and it’s not limited to hot days. If you struggle with excessive sweat, you may be a good candidate for miraDry® sweat reduction. With this non-invasive and FDA-approved cosmetic treatment, we are able to use targeted microwave technology to impair the sweat glands in your underarms so they can no longer produce sweat.

Double Chin

Fat can accumulate anywhere on the body, and some pockets of unwanted fat are more stubborn than others – and the area under the chin is one of them. It’s often known as the “double chin” but whatever you call it, it’s often resistant to diet and exercise and it can be a problem for people of any size.

To address this stubborn area, we offer CoolSculpting® nonsurgical fat reduction. During this procedure, the CoolSculpting® applicator delivers precise cooling to the treatment area to selectively damage fat cells in the area, slimming it down for a leaner contour.

Thinning Hair

Hair loss affects men and women of all ages, and it can put a serious damper on your confidence. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta has been treating hair loss for 40 years and offers a variety of non-surgical hair restoration treatments, including:

Non-surgical hair restoration
Microneedling with natural growth factors
Microneedling with AnteAGE MD®
Red light therapy
HydraFacial® Keravive scalp treatment
Scalp micropigmentation
Regenerative cell therapy
Oral supplements and prescription medications
Prescription topical compound medications

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are common in people of all ages, but especially in women who have given birth and people who have experienced weight fluctuations. If you would like to minimize your stretch marks, our team offers microneedling treatments. During these treatments, we use ultrafine needles to break down the old collagen fibers in your stretch marks and stimulate new collagen, leading to a smoother and more even look.

At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, our goal is to offer the safest and most effective ways to both enhance your skin health and achieve the cosmetic results you want. To find out how we can help with your needs, call our Atlanta dermatology office today to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for special offers and skin care tips.

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October 28, 2021

Little-Known Treatments for Hair Loss

Hair Loss, Microneedling dermatology, hair grwoth, hair loss, hair restoration, microneedling

Hair loss is an incredibly common cosmetic problem, and that’s good news! Not only does it mean that you aren’t alone if you have hair loss, but it means that researchers have invested a lot of time into treatment options because of the large potential impact they can have. Today, there are many more ways to minimize your hair loss and stimulate new hair growth than you probably realize.

Everyone knows about Rogaine®, but there are plenty of other ways to rejuvenate your hairline too. Consider these top non-surgical procedures our team is proud to offer at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta.

Microneedling with Natural Growth Factors

Microneedling is a highly versatile treatment that is used for hair restoration as well as facial rejuvenation. For hair growth, microneedling stimulates your body’s natural healing process to nourish and revitalize your dormant hair follicles. Most importantly, though, it creates tiny pathways that allow us to apply specialized products in a way that reaches the deeper levels of our skin. Those products can reach your hair follicles to stimulate growth in follicles that have stopped or slowed their hair production.

One way we create exceptional results with scalp microneedling is by using the natural growth factors your body produces. We take a sample of your blood and process it in a centrifuge to separate out the plasma that is rich in growth factors. When those growth factors reach your hair follicles and surrounding areas with the help of microneedling, they stimulate growth and renewal.

AnteAGE® MD Hair Restoration

The AnteAGE® MD procedure starts with microneedling, much like our treatment with your natural growth factors. Instead of extracting growth factors from your blood, though, AnteAGE® MD offers a unique growth factor serum that is specifically designed to initiate new hair growth and reawaken dormant follicles. For continued results, we also offer at-home maintenance products from AnteAGE® MD.

Red Light Therapy

A fully non-invasive way to reduce hair loss and often stimulate new hair growth is with red light therapy. For this treatment, researchers have isolated a specific wavelength of light that stimulates and activates dormant hair follicles. During the procedure, our hair restoration specialists apply this particular wavelength of light to your scalp over the course of several sessions. We also offer products that allow you to have low-level red light therapy at home, like LaserCap®.

Regenerative Cell Therapy

We’ve talked about how microneedling works with natural growth factors as well as the growth factor serum of AnteAGE® MD. Another similar option is regenerative cell therapy with XoGlo®. XoGlo® is a cutting-edge way to introduce growth factors to your hair follicles with the help of microneedling. In fact, the procedure introduces over 1000 growth factor proteins with this advanced serum. Regenerative cell therapy is typically performed in a series of three treatments to provide you with the best results.

Finasteride

You may not be familiar with finasteride, but you may have heard it by the brand names Propecia® or Proscar®. By any name, this prescription hair restoration medication is an FDA-approved way to treat your hair loss at home. Our specialists will often prescribe oral finasteride to maintain and enhance your results from hair restoration procedures. Additionally, we have a special topical prescription compound that includes finasteride among other important medicines that work together to provide a topical option for those who prefer this method.

Supplements for Hair Growth

In addition to professional treatments and prescription medications, there are specific supplements that have been designed to support hair growth and minimize hair loss. Viviscal® Professional is a supplement that has a successful track record with our patients at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, so our hair loss specialists can determine if it is a good fit for your needs.

Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp micropigmentation takes a different approach to help hair loss. Rather than reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth, micropigmentation camouflages the appearance of hair loss. Using a precise tattoo-like process, our experienced scalp micropigmentation specialist applies pigment that mimics the appearance of hair follicles and stubble. This treatment is highly effective in hiding areas of thinning hair and small patches of hair loss, and it reduces the appearance of scars in your scalp as well.

If you’ve noticed that your hair is thinning, don’t put your confidence on the back burner. The earlier you consult with our non-surgical hair restoration specialists, the better we can determine the best way to reduce your hair loss and often stimulate new hair growth as well. To get started, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule your non-surgical hair restoration consultation. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more cosmetic dermatology tips.

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August 26, 2021

AQUAGOLD® fine touch™: The Wrinkle Treatment You Haven’t Tried but Should

Hair Loss, Skin Care, Wrinkle Treatments anti-aging, dermatology, hair loss, skincare, wrinkles

Wrinkle treatments are so common today that many of them have become household names. Most people have heard of Botox®, injectable fillers, and chemical peels for example. But the field of cosmetic medicine is constantly improving, and that includes introducing highly effective treatments that you may not be familiar with yet. One of those treatments is AQUAGOLD® fine touch™.

This unique procedure is a powerful and customizable tool that allows board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants like our experts at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to give you fantastic cosmetic results. To make sure you understand all your cosmetic options, we’re giving you an inside peek into this effective procedure.

What Is AQUAGOLD® fine touch™?

AQUAGOLD® fine touch™ is a relatively new type of treatment tool called a microchannel microinjector. It uses ultrafine needles, thinner than a human hair, to inject small doses of cosmetic solutions into your skin. The solution itself is customized for each treatment based on the results you want to achieve and the area your provider is treating.

What Cosmetic Issues Can AQUAGOLD® fine touch™ Treat?

AQUAGOLD® fine touch™ is a particularly versatile treatment that can treat very different cosmetic concerns. It is a popular procedure to address signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, and the treatment can reduce enlarged pores as well. However, our skilled providers also use AQUAGOLD® fine touch™ on the scalp to treat hair loss.

What Makes AQUAGOLD® fine touch™ Unique?

One of the most unique aspects of AQUAGOLD® fine touch™ is its customizability. By treating precise areas and choosing the ideal solution to inject, our experienced providers can treat your specific concerns. Namely, we perform these treatments with Botox® or Dysport®, facial fillers like Juvederm® or Restylane®, or your own natural growth factors that we can extract from a sample of your blood.

For example, if you want to reduce fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful look, we can use facial fillers throughout your face to create a more youthful fullness and fill in fine lines. Or, if you want to minimize hair loss and stimulate hair growth, we can use your natural growth factors and administer them to your scalp using AQUAGOLD® fine touch™.

Another advantage to this procedure is how easy it is for patients to receive. It brings little or no recovery time, and the ultrafine needles are gold-coated so they are hypoallergenic. You receive effective cosmetic results with minimal skin irritation.

Am I a Candidate for AQUAGOLD® fine touch™?

As with any cosmetic treatment, there are several factors that will determine whether you are a candidate for AQUAGOLD® fine touch™. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. Our providers will discuss your cosmetic goals, determine if AQUAGOLD® fine touch™ is the right fit for you, and identify the best way to tailor the treatment to your needs.

To get started, schedule your consultation appointment today. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for our latest skin care tips, special offers, upcoming events, and more.

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March 6, 2020

Hair Loss Conditions

Hair Loss, New Technologies, News from DAA, Skin Care dermatology, hair loss, hair regrowth, scalp, skin

Hair loss conditions can leave you self-conscious, confused, and frustrated. Hair loss can be induced in a variety of ways—some are stress-related, hormonally-induced, psychologically-related, or related to autoimmune diseases or medications. In this article, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta puts together a list of hair loss conditions you may have experienced and how to remedy them. The conditions that we will be discussing today are telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata.

Telogen Effluvium

Also known as “Shock Loss,” this common hair loss condition occurs when stress pushes hair follicles into the “resting” phase. This follicle phase can last for prolonged periods of time, causing hair to fall out more easily when washing, brushing, combing, or touching it. This condition can also be caused by hormonal changes, stress, and other factors. Red laser treatments, oral and topical medications, and injections are just a few of the treatment options available at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta that may improve this condition.

Trichotillomania

Have you ever found yourself so stressed out that you were literally pulling out your own hair? You may have experienced Trichotillomania. This hair loss condition is psychological in nature. Trichotillomania is the compulsive pulling out of hair. This action is usually a means of relieving stress and anxiety and is most common amongst teen girls. The compulsive condition may be improved with the help of a mental health professional.

Alopecia Areata

This autoimmune disorder can occur when your immune system begins attacking your hair follicles. Although there is no cure for this disorder, some patients may see improvement of their symptoms from injections, light therapy, oral or topical medications, or a combination of these treatments. However, each case is unique and should be assessed by a professional health provider.

How to Remedy Hair Loss

Due to the nature of these hair loss conditions, professional help is the only sure way to fix them. If you are having trouble with one of these conditions, please learn what resources are available to you in order to construct a hair restoration plan. Here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we are experienced in both male and female hair restoration. We have a variety of hair loss treatments and medications that may also help to stimulate hair growth—including natural growth factor injections, red light therapy, topical and oral medications, and our new HydraFacial® Keravive scalp treatment.

If you would like to learn more about restorative hair procedures that may replace some of the hair you’ve lost during a stressful time, feel free to give us a call at (404) 256-4457.

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Hair Loss

Dermatology Condition of the Month: Diagnosing & Treating Types of Hair Loss

What Causes Hair Loss:

How is Hair Loss Categorized:

Types of Hair Loss:

Symptoms of Hair Loss:

What are the Treatments for Hair Loss:

Getting Expert Care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

Provider of the Month: Mara Grosswald, PA-C

Background & Training

Mara Grosswald, PA-C’s Skin Care Specialties Today

Outside of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

Appointments with Mara Grosswald, PA-C

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Lesser-Known Cosmetic Issues Our Dermatologists Can Treat

Little-Known Treatments for Hair Loss

AQUAGOLD® fine touch™: The Wrinkle Treatment You Haven’t Tried but Should

Hair Loss Conditions

Our Centers

Up Coming Events

Archived Posts

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Our offices will be closed Wednesday, November 22nd (starting at 12pm) through Sunday, November 26th for Thanksgiving week.

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