Archive for May, 2010
DOT Laser Can Pin-Point Skin Problems
The professional laser technicians at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s Laser Institute of Georgia will regularly use a combination of their over 15 different lasers to best remedy patients’ skin issues. The laser technology world is also learning the advantages of combination treatments evidenced by the invention and increased popularity of the DOT (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) laser.
The advancements in laser skin therapy have come a long way in the past couple of years. Invented more recently, the Fractionated (Fraxel) CO2 lasers have the marked advantage of being able to increase collagen and elastin production to treat wrinkles, hyper pigmentation (skin darkening), and facial scarring in specific areas of the face, neck, and hands through tiny columns penetrating the dermis.
Originally introduced in the 1960’s, CO2 Laser Resurfacing was a great invention for eliminating deep wrinkles on those patients with fair complexions. The down-side to the original CO2 Laser was that it had to be used over the entire face to prevent an uneven appearance, and the strength of the treatment required significant recovery time (typically a whole month.)
The DOT laser combines the main advantages of both the original CO2 and Fraxel CO2 by penetrating the lower collagen-containing layers of the dermis through tiny microscopic points. This combination results in magnified results (smoother, tighter, younger looking skin) with significantly decreased pain and recovery time.
While the DOT laser is a viable option for most skin-types and a variety of skin issues, it’s important to schedule a consultation and speak with one of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta licensed laser technicians by calling (404) 256-4457 or visiting our website.
Drivers Beware: Left Sided Skin Cancer Rates Increasing Warn Dermatology Associates of Atlanta
You wear sunscreen at the beach to protect you from sunburn; you avoid tanning bed use; you wear protective clothing when you are outdoors for prolonged periods of time. But have you ever stopped to think about potential sun damage while you are behind the wheel of your car?
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that, for professional drivers that spend prolonged amounts of time in the car, more skin cancer appeared on the left side of their faces. At least for drivers in America, our left side (especially our face) is exposed to more sunlight because the driver’s seat and driver’s side window is located on the left side of the car. The sun that penetrates the window and hits our skin can be just as harmful as if we were outside, an aspect of sun safety that many people tend to overlook.
With almost 12,000 skin cancer deaths last year alone (according to the American Cancer Society), it is more important than ever to protect yourself from the sun no matter where you are – and that includes the car.
Make sure to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen (protecting against UVA and UVB rays) everyday, even if you do not plan on being outdoors. Wear protective clothing while in the car for prolonged periods of time. It is also a good idea to get your windows tinted or look into UV filters for your car windows, especially if you drive a lot for your profession.
For more information on sun safety, look at our previous blog. Or if you wish to schedule an annual skin cancer check with one of our board certified dermatologists, contact our office today.
Calling All Sun Bathers- Deadly Skin Cancer Rates Soar For Generation Of Baby Boomers
If you’ve read any of our past blogs, you’ve probably noticed how adamant the professionals at Dermatology Associates are about protecting your skin from sun exposure. Hopefully readers will now heed their warnings- SunSmart, a UK based Skin Cancer research organization, has compiled findings which show that adults of the Baby Boomer generation are now five times more likely to develop Melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) than previous generations.
The UK group attributes this trend to the rise in popularity of low-cost package vacations and the introduction of tanning beds in the 1970’s. Baby Boomers, who as a group were in their 20’s and 30’s during this period, remember a culture where “burning before tanning” was the norm for everyone. Even more astounding, the study also found that of the Baby Boomer cohort, men in their 60’s and 70’s were seven times more likely to develop Melanoma than men of the same age 30 years ago.
The most important thing to remember about sun damage is that it is preventable. Wearing a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF for your complexion (no lower than SPF 15) and remembering to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours while outdoors are imperative. The information from this study isn’t just a call to Baby Boomers, this trend could very easily repeat itself with Generation X, Y, and Z’ers if proper preventative sun protection is ignored.
If you have a fair complexion with light hair, light eyes, freckles, or have lots of moles you are naturally more susceptible to sun damage. If you have a history of sunburn you are also at an increased risk for developing Melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. So, when it comes to sun exposure remember- lather with sunscreen and repeat!
To learn more about preventative skin care or to schedule a consultation with one of Dermatology Associate’s professionals, visit our website or call (404) 256-4457.
ATTENTION: Next Cosmetic Day is May 12! Take Advantage of Specials on our Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures
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Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s Skin Medics Medical Spa Offers Special on Oxygen Facial
Skin Medics™ Oxygen Facial Special
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