FAQ’s

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 port wine 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. We also offer 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 multicolored 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. The most common areas include the arms, legs, bikini area, back, face, eyebrows, and underarms. If you have light or gray hair, and are not a candidate for laser hair removal, electrolysis may 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®, Restylane Lyft®, Juvederm®, Radiesse®, and Sculptra® work by smoothing out wrinkles and adding fullness to the lips and hollow areas of the face that develop with age. Botox® and 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 eyelash treatment that can grow the lashes 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,” SPF 30 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. However, 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 and can even worsen it.

Why does DAA have two hair loss specialty centers?

As with many medical conditions, hair loss is different in men than it is in women. For instance, women have a higher likelihood of hair loss that is caused by factors like physical or emotional stress, illnesses, hormonal changes, scarring, or medications, while male hair loss is nearly always the result of genetic male pattern baldness. Hair loss also looks different in men and women. Throughout the nearly 40 years since the opening of The Center for Hair Restoration and Research, our hair loss specialists have recognized a strong need for more specialized care for female hair loss patients, prompting them to open The Center for Women’s Hair Loss.

Is it true that light can help thinning hair grow?

This is true, but only with very precise wavelengths of light. This method, called red light therapy, is often used as part of a treatment plan for both men and women, often in coordination with topical medications and/or hair transplant surgery. At DAA, our two hair restoration specialty centers offer this procedure in multiple forms based on your specific needs, including LaserCap® and iGrow®. To find out whether you’re a candidate for red light therapy, schedule a consultation at The Center of Hair Restoration and Research or The Center for Women’s Hair Loss.

Is there anything I can do to sweat less in my underarms?

Yes. While some patients have found success with prescription-strength antiperspirants, Botox®, or other methods, we now also offer a highly effective treatment called miraDry® sweat reduction. This procedure sends targeted energy into the skin of your underarms, which selectively damages your sweat glands. The result is that up to 80% of underarm sweat is eliminated, so you can once again raise your arms with confidence.