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Phone: (404) 256-4457 Toll-Free: (800) 233-0706
Administrative Office hours:  Mon. -Thurs. at 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
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Doctors’ hours will differ from Administrative Office hours, please call for Doctors’ hours.
The Medical Quarters
5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. NE, Suite 190
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 256-4457 Toll-Free: (800) 233-0706
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laser treatments

Commonly Asked Questions About Microneedling

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microneedling treatments atlanta gaIf you have fine lines, wrinkles, or other aspects of your facial appearance that you want to refresh and revitalize, it’s not easy to determine which of the many treatments available today may be the best fit for you. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we proudly offer an extensive menu of skin treatments from laser procedures to cosmetic facial injections, and our experienced board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants provide one-on-one consultations to recommend the ideal treatment option for you.

To help you learn more about one of our popular skin treatments, we’re answering some of the most common questions about microneedling.

How Can Microneedling Improve My Skin?

Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can improve several common cosmetic skin concerns because it activates your body’s natural healing and skin firming process. Most notably, microneedling improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, stretch marks, and acne scars. When used on the scalp, microneedling can help to slow hair loss or stimulate hair growth.

Is Microneedling Safe?

Microneedling is a safe and effective procedure if it is performed by a qualified and experienced medical specialist like a board-certified dermatologist, physician assistant, or other licensed skin care specialist in a clean, well-maintained medical facility. A trusted provider like those at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta can create strong results with a low risk of side effects and complications.

Keep in mind, however, that professional microneedling is different from in-home microneedling such as using dermal rollers. At-home devices have shorter, duller needles to make them safe for at-home use, and because of this, they don’t produce the results that professional microneedling does.

How Does Microneedling Compare to Laser Treatments?

Laser skin treatments, like microneedling treatments, are popular for facial rejuvenation. If you are considering these two procedures, there are key differences to keep in mind.

Microneedling is safe for a wide variety of skin tones. Lasers, on the other hand, typically carry a higher risk of complications for dark skin tones. However, laser treatments can reduce age spots while microneedling cannot.

It’s important to understand that there are different types of microneedling too, such as Réjuvapen® microneedling or microneedling in combination with targeted heat using technology such as Infini™ or Fractora™. While there are many variables that affect the results of both microneedling and laser treatments, our providers can help you determine which one is the best fit for your skin.

How Many Microneedling Treatments Should I Have?

For most patients, we recommend a series of four microneedling treatments for the best results. This will vary, though, based on your needs and your desired results. We may also recommend additional services and techniques to make your microneedling treatments more effective, such as applying natural growth factors during your treatment or combining your microneedling with HydraFacial®.

Scheduling Your Microneedling Treatments at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we’re committed to giving you healthier, more beautiful skin from head to toe, and for many patients, microneedling can help. To find out if microneedling is right for you, schedule a consultation at our Atlanta dermatology office today. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin health tips.

 

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Sagging Skin? Popular Skin Tightening Treatments

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female-receives-Laser-TreatmentsWe all know that as we age, our skin will begin to droop and sag. While this is an inevitable result of gravity and the loss of firmness in aging skin, there are plenty of ways to push back and minimize skin sagging. Whether you’re seeing skin laxity throughout your face, your neck, or both, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is here to help with several popular types of skin tightening treatments.

Laser Treatments

Thanks to advancements in technology, laser treatments are now versatile enough to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns from age spots to unwanted hair. Fortunately, they can help to tighten aging skin too.

The two primary laser treatments we use to reduce signs of aging are called Fraxel® and DOT™ Laser Therapy. While each procedure is slightly different, both of these procedures use a technique called fractionated laser skin resurfacing. They break down damaged surface skin in small dots or sections to stimulate new collagen growth throughout the entire area, leaving your skin firmer and more youthful than it was before.

Microneedling with Radiofrequency Energy

Microneedling is a popular treatment for minor skin imperfections like fine lines, wrinkles, and certain acne scars. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we offer three types of microneedling. One type is called Réjuvapen® microneedling. However, some technologies combine microneedling with another technique, targeted warmth from radiofrequency energy, to stimulate collagen production. We’re proud to offer two treatments that use this combined technique: Fractora™ and Infini™.

In both of these procedures, an advanced applicator uses ultrathin needles to trigger your skin’s healing process. While these needles are in your skin, the tips emit a directed warmth that reaches deeper layers of your skin for more extensive skin tightening results.

Ultrasound Skin Tightening

Precise warmth is known to activate your body’s natural collagen production to lift aging skin and restore firmness and thickness to your skin. While Infini™ and Fractora™ put this knowledge to use with radiofrequency energy, there is another highly effective treatment that uses warmth as well: Ultherapy® skin tightening.

Ultherapy® is a procedure that uses a unique handpiece to apply ultrasound energy to your skin. That ultrasound energy generates heat in the deeper layers of your skin, triggering that collagen production process.

Getting the Skin Tightening Treatment You Want

As natural as aging may be, you don’t need to let genetics or nature choose the pace for your facial aging. Non-surgical skin tightening treatments can restore youthful firmness to your skin and give you a rejuvenated, refreshed facial contour.

These are only a few of our most popular skin tightening treatments, and our skin care experts can consult with you to determine which is the best fit for you. Additionally, keep in mind that skin tightening is a process that often requires multiple treatments, and it takes weeks for your body’s collagen production to create the results you want. To learn more about what you can expect and to find out which of our skin tightening treatments is the best fit for you, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule your consultation today. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more cosmetic skin care tips as well as our latest special offers and events.

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Laser Treatments for Your Holiday Wishlist

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female-receives-Laser-TreatmentsThe holidays are coming up quickly, and who doesn’t want to look their best for all those pictures and reunions with family and friends? It takes time to make changes to your appearance, though, so now is the time to start if you want to look younger or brighter for the holidays. In fact, if a rejuvenated look, more convenient hair removal solution, reduction in spider veins, or less tattooed appearance is on your wish list, these laser treatments at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta may do the trick.

Laser Hair Removal

Removing unwanted hair through traditional means like waxing or shaving can take a lot of time, and the problem never goes away: you’ll be waxing every few weeks or shaving every few days forever. Laser hair removal is a gift that keeps giving because you may enjoy results for years.

Keep in mind that it takes several treatments to see full results. So, while your laser hair removal won’t be complete before the holidays, you can start it now so you’ll have smoother skin by the time the warm weather has returned. Make sure to choose an experienced laser hair removal center, like Dermatology Associates of Atlanta where we have been performing laser hair removal for over 30 years.

Laser Treatments for Wrinkles

Aging is one of the most common aesthetic concerns for people across many age groups. It’s not surprising, then that there are several laser treatments available to address signs of aging and create a younger, revitalized look. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta has been performing laser treatments for over 25 years, with every laser treatment performed by a board-certified dermatologist or physician assistant rather than a technician. We’re proud to offer a variety of options, including:

  • DOT Laser Therapy, a fractionated laser treatment that ablates your skin in a pattern of dots, stimulating the healing process to smooth and firm skin while also reducing signs of sun damage and minimizing acne scars
  • Fraxel®, a renowned fractionated laser that offers similar advantages and results to DOT Laser Therapy
  • LaseMD™, a newer non-ablative laser that treats age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles with less recovery time than ablative fractionated laser treatments
  • PicoSure®, a laser that was first known for advanced tattoo removal but added a new lens array a few years ago that stimulates your body’s natural healing process to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots using very, quick pulses of light

Laser Tattoo Removal

You may not be able to remove a tattoo as easily as you’d remove a piece of jewelry but it doesn’t have to be permanent either. If you have a tattoo you’d like to remove or modify, our advanced picosecond lasers including PicoSure® and PicoWay® are able to treat most tattoos more efficiently and with stronger results.

Laser Treatments for Facial Redness and Facial Spider Veins

Facial redness, including redness from rosacea, and facial spider veins are very common but they can still be unwanted and they’re not easy to conceal with makeup. Instead, you can use laser treatments to reduce or remove these types of issues. We offer several options at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, including:

  • VBeam® Prima, a laser treatment that is safe for most skin types, with results after a few days
  • FotoFacial®, a type of light therapy called intense pulsed light or IPL which uses pulses of light to reach deep into your skin and reduce rosacea symptoms, facial spider veins, and even some signs of aging
  • Lumecca™, another type of IPL technology that reduces facial redness, spider veins, and signs of aging

Checking Off Your Laser Treatment Wishlist

For so many cosmetic concerns from aging to unwanted hair and even a tattoo that no longer fits your aesthetics, there are laser treatments that can help you attain the results you want, whether it takes one treatment or a series of sessions. To explore your options or to give yourself an early gift for this holiday season, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today to schedule a consultation. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and insights.

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Why Not All Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments are Created Equal

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shoulder-tattooWe all have things in our life that we look back on and ask, “Why did I do that?” or “Why was I ever interested in that?” Maybe it was a particular fashion choice or a type of music you followed, or perhaps it was even something more long-lasting: a tattoo.

If you have a tattoo that no longer fits your interests or the image you want to portray, you’re not alone. Our laser specialists at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta and our Laser Institute of Georgia perform laser tattoo removal on people of all ages on a daily basis. In fact, as members of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, we have been performing laser tattoo removal for over 20 years. As you browse around for laser tattoo removal, you’ll probably find many different facilities and providers that offer this service. Does your choice of a provider make a difference?

The short answer is yes, it does. In fact, there are several factors that affect the safety and effectiveness of your laser tattoo removal sessions because of the provider you choose.

Reasons Your Treatment Provider Will Affect Your Laser Tattoo Removal Results

If you know people who have had laser tattoo removal, you may know that some people’s tattoos took longer to remove than others. Some of this variation is due to differences in the tattoos themselves, like the tattoo depth, colors, and more, but there are also numerous ways your choice of a tattoo removal provider will impact your results.

1. Providers Have Different Lasers

There are several types of lasers that can be used for tattoo removal, and not all treatment providers have access to the ideal lasers for your needs. For tattoo removal to be effective, the specific type of laser light needs to be attracted to the pigment in the tattoo so that the laser can break up the ink particles. Different colors attract different types of light, so your provider needs to use the right laser based on the color of ink in your tattoo.

On top of targeting specific colors, there are more advanced lasers today that are more effective than the lasers that were used for tattoo removal in the 2000s and earlier. The most advanced lasers for tattoo removal today are called picosecond lasers, which go by brand names like PicoSure and PicoWay. If you choose a provider that has access to these superior lasers like our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, you’ll get better results.

2. Your Treatment Provider’s Skill Matters

Laser tattoo removal isn’t an automated process. It needs to be carefully optimized and controlled by a well-trained, knowledgeable, and experienced provider such as a board-certified dermatologist or specialized physician assistant. At DAA, all our laser tattoo removal treatments are performed by board-certified dermatologists or licensed physician assistants, not by aestheticians or medical assistants like the treatments you would find at many other facilities.

Your provider must assess factors like your skin type, tattoo depth, tattoo colors, tattoo age, and more to choose the perfect laser and adjust the settings accordingly. They also need to observe how your skin is reacting during the session and adjust the treatment if necessary.

3. Your Treatment Facility Matters

Laser tattoo removal is a medical procedure, so it needs to be performed in a sterile and safe environment. This is why it’s best to choose a true medical facility like a dermatology office for your laser tattoo removal.

On top of the sanitary environment, your treatment facility needs to have the proper safety protocol and safety equipment, such as goggles to protect your eyes. They need to maintain their laser equipment well too to ensure that it works properly.

4. A Good Provider Guides Your Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Care

There are steps you need to take before and after your tattoo removal treatments to keep your skin safe and healthy. For example, you need to avoid sun exposure before and after each session, and after your treatment, you need to keep the area clean while it heals. An effective provider will counsel you on pre-treatment and post-treatment care.

If you have a tattoo you’d like to remove, choosing the right treatment provider is the first step on the path toward safely getting the results you want. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is here to help with experienced providers, the most advanced lasers available, and a safe medical environment. To learn more, schedule a tattoo removal consultation with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more skin care tips.

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How Do You Treat Skin Cancer?

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How to Treat Skin CancerThe summer is a fantastic time to get some fresh air and enjoy the warmth of the great outdoors. Unfortunately, amid all that outdoor fun, it’s easy to forget about protecting your skin from the sun. This sun exposure can catch up to you more quickly than you expect in the form of skin cancer.

There are multiple types of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most commonly known skin cancer but it is also one of the rarer types. The other two main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

As intimidating as it may be, skin cancer is very treatable. If you find yourself with a suspicious spot on your skin and you’re concerned about skin cancer, here is a peek into the potential skin cancer and pre-cancer removal treatments from our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta.

Topical Treatments

Some skin cancers and pre-cancers can be treated with a simple topical cream or lotion. These creams could be a topical form of chemotherapy or other medications like imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil, also called 5-FU.

Light Therapy

It may seem ironic, but even though skin cancer is caused by a form of light, it can be treated with light too. Photodynamic therapy or PDT is a treatment that uses precise wavelengths of light to break down pre-cancerous cells. We use a photosensitizing agent that disappears from healthy cells but stays longer in pre-cancerous cells, so when we apply specific light wavelengths to the area, it targets and destroys the pre-cancerous cells.

Cryosurgery

You might know that “cryo” means “extreme cold,” so cryosurgery is a technique in which we “freeze” the pre-cancerous cells to destroy them. Liquid nitrogen allows us to specifically target the pre-cancerous lesion and keep your healthy surrounding skin safe.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments for skin cancer removal are precise like cryotherapy treatments but they use laser energy instead of extreme cold. Our specialists at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta use a laser to kill cancer cells in an efficient way.

Surgical Excision

In some cases, the best way to remove skin cancer is to surgically remove it. A surgical excision is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the cancerous lesion.

Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery

A more in-depth surgery for skin cancer removal, especially common for skin cancers that have begun to grow further under the skin, is called Mohs surgery. Using this method, our experts will surgically remove your tumor and examine its edges under a microscope to see if we removed all the cancer or if there are still cancerous cells remaining around its border. If we haven’t removed all the cancer, we go back and remove more tissue. We repeat the process until we are confident that all the cancer is gone.

How Do I Know What Skin Cancer or Pre-Cancer Treatment is Best for Me?

There is a reason why there are so many different skin cancer treatments: because there are several different types of skin cancer and levels of progression. Our skin cancer and pre-cancer treatment plan for each patient depends on the exact nature of their disease. In the case of skin cancer, the type of cancer and other details about how the cancer has progressed, where it’s located, and so on are important to formulating this plan.

Ultimately, the only way to know what to expect if you have skin cancer is to schedule an appointment with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. Our specialists will be able to assess the details of your skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesion and determine the best treatment for your specific needs. Be sure to also follow DAA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more skin health tips to prevent skin cancer and other common conditions.

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Age-Defying Treatments with the Fastest Results

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Age defying treatmentsThe beauty of living in our high-tech era is that there are many options available for cosmetic goals like rejuvenating your appearance. If you have time and patience on your side, you could have over a dozen possibilities that can work with your body’s natural healing processes to create long-lasting results.

Sometimes, though, you’re on a deadline. If you have a special event on the horizon and you need to look your best before the big day, some anti-aging treatments are more suitable than others. We’ll feature other age-defying treatments in future blogs but for a fast fix, take a look at these top options from our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta.

Botox® and Dysport® Injections

For expression lines like crow’s feet, forehead creases, and frown lines between your eyebrows, Botox® and Dysport® are effective and precise ways to get quick results. Our skilled providers can specifically target the wrinkles you are concerned about within a brief treatment. Your results will start to appear after about seven days and they can continue to improve for up to two weeks.

Injectable Facial Fillers

Facial fillers or dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Resytlane® are efficient tools to combat common signs of aging. After we inject the fillers to fill in your key wrinkles or give your targeted areas a youthful plumpness, you will begin to see your results immediately.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are highly effective for facial rejuvenation because they can often address fine lines and mild wrinkles as well as age spots. It’s important to note, though, that peels vary significantly in their depth and potency, so the timeline for your results varies as well. You may see your optimal results from a light peel within a week, while deeper peels could take several weeks.

LaseMD™ Skin Rejuvenation

Unlike many laser treatments for facial aging, LaseMD™ skin rejuvenation is a non-ablative laser. This means that it doesn’t break the skin, so the healing process is much shorter. After your procedure, you may see mild flaking as your skin sheds its damaged outer layers to reveal youthful skin with fewer fine lines and age spots. Your results can begin to appear within one to six days after the treatment. Keep in mind that in some cases, it takes two or three treatments to enjoy the best possible results.

DOT™ Laser Therapy

DOT™ Laser Therapy is a laser treatment known as fractionated laser skin resurfacing. The procedure treats your skin with a pattern of “dots” from the laser which stimulates your body’s natural healing process. DOT™ Laser Therapy is effective for age spots and hyperpigmentation as well as lines and wrinkles.

It can take two weeks or more to recover from your DOT™ Laser Therapy procedure in order to see your full results. Keep in mind that there are other laser treatments for facial rejuvenation too, like Fraxel®, and our providers will be able to recommend the best option for you based on your needs and your available recovery time.

PicoSure® Facial Rejuvenation

While the PicoSure® laser was originally best known for its success in laser tattoo removal, it has now become a popular tool for facial rejuvenation when paired with its new FOCUS™ Lens Array. This advanced procedure addresses multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, as well as freckles and other types of sun damage. While it can take several treatments to achieve your best results, this unique laser procedure carries minimal downtime.

Fractora™ Facial Rejuvenation

Fractora™ is a procedure that improves a variety of signs of aging through a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency energy. The microneedles deliver targeted warmth to various layers of your skin using radiofrequency energy. This stimulates your natural healing process to restore skin-firming collagen. Results begin to appear within two weeks after your treatment, though they can continue to improve for several weeks.

Getting the Facial Rejuvenation You Need

When there is a special event on the calendar, time isn’t always on your side. Thanks to advances in medical technology, we have more ways than ever to help you look your best in time for the big day. Still, the earlier you schedule your consultation, the more options you will have. Get started today when you schedule a consultation with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more skin care tips.

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The Best Cosmetic Treatments to Get While You’re Social Distancing

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We have now spent nearly six months social distancing and staying home to limit the spread of COVID-19. Throughout this pandemic, we have all needed to find ways to continue living our lives and enjoying our days while taking the necessary precautions. One way many people have been keeping their spirits up at home is by making an investment in their appearance.

smiling-female-hands-on-neckCosmetic treatments can be a great way to boost your self-confidence and feel a bit closer to “normal” throughout the pandemic. In fact, social distancing creates the perfect opportunity to get some of the treatments you may not have considered when you were going to the office and maintaining a full social calendar. Take a look at these procedures that are especially convenient during your time at home.

Fractionated Laser Facial Rejuvenation

Fractionated laser facial rejuvenation is a comprehensive and effective way to treat a variety of cosmetic concerns at the same time. Your laser procedure can treat wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, an uneven skin texture or uneven complexion, and more. We offer a variety of options customized to treat your top priorities, including laser skin resurfacing with Fraxel, LaseMD™, PicoSure®, and DOT™. For other cosmetic goals like facial veins and facial redness, we offer treatments like the VBeam® Prima laser and intense pulsed light or IPL therapy. If you want to look brighter and more rested on all those video calls, a laser treatment is often a powerful way to get the results you want.

Laser treatments often require recovery time, and they also require to you avoid sun exposure before and after the procedure to minimize your risk for side effects. During this time of social distancing, those precautions are easier to follow because you are already staying inside limiting your social engagements.

Laser Hair Removal

As with laser facial rejuvenation, laser hair removal produces the best results when you avoid sun exposure before and after each treatment. The current social distancing precautions as well as the end of summer make this the perfect time to start a hair removal treatment plan.

In addition, laser hair removal takes multiple treatments to produce lasting results, with approximately a month or more between each session. While many patients start seeing some results right away, it often takes three to six months before you will see the full results you want, though this varies from person to person. If you start your hair removal treatments now, you’re likely to have the smooth skin you want by the time the spring rolls around and swimsuit weather reappears.

As an added bonus, now is an especially great time for laser hair removal because we are offering a special discount on the procedure in September. You’ll receive 10% off a previously treated area and 15% off new areas. See our current skin care specials for the details.

Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Under the Chin

Now that most of us are spending far more time on video calls, many people are struggling with the same issue: a “double chin.” How many of us have spent valuable time trying to find that perfect angle for a video call that doesn’t give us a double chin?

Instead of facing that insecurity every day, now is a great time to get non-surgical fat reduction under the chin. Our practice offers multiple options, including Kybella® injections and CoolSculpting® for the double chin. Both of these treatments offer long-term results, so unless you gain weight in the future, you can expect to keep enjoying a slimmer chin and neck until long after social distancing is over.

The social distancing from COVID-19 has taught us a lot about ourselves, our families, and the little joys we appreciate in life. For many of us, it has also shown that even when we aren’t going out and meeting up with friends, we still feel more confident when we look our best. The cosmetic treatments above can allow you to make this pandemic an opportunity to invest in yourself. To start that process, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule your appointment. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest treatment specials and skin care tips.

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Melasma vs. Age Spots: Everything You Need to Know

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Frequently-Asked-Questions-about-Age-SpotsAs you get older, it’s natural for spots and blemishes to appear on your skin. It’s also natural to wonder what those spots are and how you can get rid of them.

If you have developed brown patches on your face or other areas, they are likely to be one of
two conditions: melasma or age spots. While neither of these issues necessarily presents a
health risk, both of them can be cosmetically frustrating.

What is the difference between melasma and age spots and what can you do about these
conditions? Our specialists at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are here to help.

Melasma vs. Age Spots: What’s the Difference?

Both melasma and age spots look like brown patches or spots on your skin, and in fact, both
can be triggered by sun exposure. Their underlying causes are very different, though.

Melasma is an increase in skin pigment due to hormonal changes in your body. When your
body has more estrogen and progesterone than usual, it may activate the pigment-producing
cells in your skin to start creating excess pigment.

Age spots, on the other hand, are caused by sun damage that builds up over time. When your
skin is exposed to the sun, your pigment cells produce extra pigment to absorb the light and
protect the deeper layers of the skin. When this happens repeatedly over time, it can lead to
age spots.

How to Tell if You Have Melasma or Age Spots

Melasma and age spots often look similar, so how do you know which one is causing your
brown spots? There are several guidelines that can help.

Melasma is somewhat predictable in its appearance. It usually forms on the forehead, the
cheeks, or both. Interestingly, melasma tends to be symmetrical too. In other words, you’ll
generally have it on both cheeks rather than just one.

Age spots, on the other hand, are more random. They can appear anywhere on your face or
body.

There are also some differences in the way melasma and age spots look. Age spots often start
as small spots, while melasma tends to look more like large patches.

Ultimately, though, the only way to know for sure whether you have melasma or age spots is to
visit an experienced dermatologist or physician assistant who specializes in dermatology. We
will be able to evaluate your skin spots and determine what the condition is and how to treat it.

Treatments for Melasma vs. Age Spots

After our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta determines which condition you have, we
can recommend treatments to reduce your brown spots and even out your complexion.

There are many treatments that can effectively reduce and in some cases even remove age
spots. Laser treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion are all popular choices. Our
providers can explain all your options and recommend the best fit for your needs.

Melasma is trickier to treat. Our providers can determine if options like prescription topical
medications, oral medicines, chemical peels, or picosecond lasers may help.

If you have unwanted brown spots on your skin, you don’t need to sit back and hope to cover it
with makeup. Call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to find out more about your condition and
to determine the best treatment options. For more skin care tips, follow us on Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram.

 

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Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Start Acne Treatment

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As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today.” This is just as true now as it was during his time. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we make a concerted effort to treat all skin conditions sooner rather than later to help patients achieve the best cosmetic and clinical results possible. This philosophy is especially important with acne. The aesthetic ramifications of untreated acne may only worsen over time, so it’s crucial that people begin treatment as soon as they notice symptoms.   

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Start Acne TreatmentWhat are the Early Signs of Acne?

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if you have the symptoms of acne because they can vary from person to person. If you consistently experience any of the following signs, we recommend that you make an appointment with one of our dermatology providers:

  • Whiteheads
  • Tender red bumps
  • Blackheads
  • Lumps with pus beneath skin’s surface
  • Large pimples with pus at the end

The Threat of Acne Scarring

The presence of acne doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll experience scarring. However, immediate prevention is your best defense against this potential threat. Acne scarring typically forms when excess oil, dead skin and bacteria infiltrate a pore, causing damage to the follicle wall. Once this happens, deep lesions can form when the pore blockage-material infects the surrounding tissue. Then, during the natural healing process, scar tissue forms that is noticeably different in appearance from the surrounding skin. Besides medical treatment, the best thing you can do to prevent scarring is to avoid aggressively picking or squeezing acne blemishes.

What to Do if You Already Have Acne Scars

If you waited to treat your acne and you’ve already developed scarring, don’t panic. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta uses many custom surgical and non-surgical procedures to safely improve the appearance of acne scarring. At our skin care facility, we offer:

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  • Prescription acne medicines
  • Topical solutions
  • Antibiotics
  • Retinoids

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  • Laser Treatments
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Chemical Peels
  • Custom prescription compounds

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Each patient is paired with a treatment that suits their specific needs. This will be determined during a consultation with one of our experienced providers.

If you’re concerned about your acne, don’t wait to seek professional help. There are more preventative options than you might think and starting them earlier could make a significant difference in your cosmetic appearance. For more information about acne treatment, call our office at (404) 256-4457. Don’t forget to also follow our monthly specials on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to save money on popular cosmetic procedures and products.

 

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Meet Our Providers: Dr. Scott Karempelis, M.D.

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For board-certified dermatologist Dr. Scott Karempelis, the life-changing possibility of taking care of a patient’s skin problem, whether it’s cancer or cosmetic, is inspiring. In the nearly 30 years that Dr. Karempelis, affectionately known as Dr. K., has been a founding partner of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA), he’s taken on many roles within the practice. He values being an important piece of a cutting edge practice that prioritizes the latest technology, which he takes an active role in learning about and implementing.

dr k - dermatology associates of atlantaKnown for his friendly, witty, and knowledgeable demeanor, Dr. Karempelis serves as the Medical Director of DAA’s Laser Institute of Georgia, which offers 18 medical lasers.  The vast selection of lasers available in this center treat anything from skin cancers, pre-cancers, acne, and rosacea, to removing unwanted hair, veins, brown spots, tattoos, scarring and wrinkles.  With Dr. Karempelis’ expertise, he helps to educate patients on the best ways to get the most out of their laser treatments.

While Dr. Karempelis has earned a dependable reputation as a top dermatologist in the use of medical lasers, DAA holds seven other specialty centers that offer hair transplants, facial rejuvenation with injections, skin cancer/MOHS surgery, esthetician services, psoriasis treatment, liposuction and more. Additionally, Dr. Karempelis is an expert in facial injectables and SlimLipo™. The possession of these specialty centers, the proper lasers, treatments, and products combined with a talented team of providers improves the capacity to diagnose and treat skin problems.  When Dr. Karempelis chose the medical career path, one of his main goals was to be able to identify the immeasurable number of ailments and concerns associated with each individual skin type and treat them effectively. With his interaction with so many wonderful patients at DAA, this can be fully achieved.

In addition to being a valued provider at DAA, Dr. Karempelis enjoys waterskiing, snowskiing, and UGA football.  We look forward to introducing you to DAA’s providers in the coming months to provide further insight into their essential roles. If you are interested in the cosmetic treatments we offer, please contact our office for additional details.  For more information on the skin care treatments we provide, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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