Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Now Offers Latest Tattoo Removal Laser, PicoSure

 With over 25 years of laser experience, the providers of the Laser Institute of Georgia offer Dermatology Associates of Atlanta patients the most advanced laser systems for their skincare needs. Laser tattoo removal is a procedure that many people often seek when they no longer want a tattoo on their body.

No matter the reason for wanting to remove a tattoo, our experienced providers are skilled in removing tattoo pigments of all colors.  Dermatology Associates is now offering the latest FDA- approved laser, PicoSure™ which can remove difficult tattoos such as blue and green pigments as well as benign pigmented lesions. Through PressureWave™ technology, the targeted ink is shattered into tiny particles. With shorter bursts of energy compared to the current nanosecond lasers, deep and/or dark tattoos can now be removed in fewer treatments. Patients benefit from this laser with better removal results in fewer treatments without the risk of injury to surrounding skin.

During a skin analysis, our providers will be able to estimate how many treatments will be needed for full removal depending on the size, color, age of the tattoo, skin type and amount of ink originally used.  In general, homemade tattoos are much easier to treat than professional ones.  As with all laser procedures there is a risk of scarring. However, our precise laser technology and extensive experience dramatically reduces the risk of side effects.

For more information about PicoSure™ or other laser services we offer, please contact our office today. Be sure to connect with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest dermatology news and events in Atlanta.

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Dermapen® for Multiple Skin Conditions

At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we are committed to providing our patients with optimal skincare. Our providers work with each patient to find the best treatment plan for their unique skin needs. With our multiple specialty centers, the treatment possibilities are numerous. One effective treatment option for patients looking to address wrinkles, scars, stretch marks or acne scars is Dermapen®.

Dermapen® micro needling uses multiple microscopic needles to penetrate the superficial layers of the skin. Similar to fractionated lasers such as Fraxel®, micro needling creates very small wounds on the skin to trigger the healing process and production of new, healthy skin cells. Additionally, Dermapen® can be used to prepare the skin and facilitate the absorption of topical agents used during PDT (photodynamic therapy), PRP (platelet rich plasma), and other skin rejuvenation treatments. This skin renewal process can smooth the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and stretch marks.

Patients benefit from Dermapen® as the needle tips are adjustable to target specific areas of the face with different penetration levels for the best results. Dermapen®‘s smaller hand piece allows easier treatment for small, tight areas around the nose and upper lip. Most patients see results within a day to a week after the first treatment. Similar to DermaFrac treatments, most patients show minimal side effects including a mild sunburn appearance that usually subsides within a day.

We also offer laser resurfacing treatments and chemical peels for skin conditions such as fine lines, wrinkles and acne. If you are interested in Dermapen®, please call our office to schedule your appointment. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for the latest dermatological news and information.

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New Gel Used to Treat Precancerous Lesions

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with one in five Americans developing skin cancer through the course of a lifetime according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. In the past people did not know the risks of pre-mature aging and disease from sun damage. However, current data shows an absolute link between long term skin damage and sun exposure in the form of wrinkles, age spots and possibly cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation reported that over the past 31 years, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s board certified dermatologists and providers know the importance of protecting your skin from and preventing sun damage.  Actinic keratosis is the most common type of pre-cancerous lesion, affecting more than 58 million Americans. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 65 percent of all squamous cell carcinomas arise in lesions that were previously diagnosed as actinic keratosis.

Although actinic keratosis can be a frightening diagnosis, a newly FDA approved gel may be effective in treating the condition.  We have discussed topical treatments in a previous blog used specifically for acne; this new topical gel is designed to treat precancerous skin lesions within several days. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, previous treatments took weeks, and sometimes months, to effectively address this condition. The new gel product, Picato®, is applied for one to three days rather than over a span of weeks or months.

The study researched more than 900 people with actinic keratosis on their face, scalp or body. The results showed that the gel cleared the lesions nearly 43 percent of the time when used on the face or scalp, compared to with nearly 4 percent for the placebo. This medicine has the potential to be very beneficial as patients are more likely to adhere to the treatment instructions’ short required application time.

Other treatments for pre-cancers include photodynamic therapy, cryosurgery, and laser treatments. Determining the best treatment for the patient is imperative in treating the condition before it can become skin cancer.  The providers of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta stress to their patients the importance of getting a skin cancer body check annually to catch skin problems early because skin cancer .

If you would like more information on skin cancer treatment and prevention or to schedule a skin consultation, please contact our office today. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest skincare news and information.

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Case Study on Non-Invasive Skin Tightening Treatments like Ultherapy

Non-invasive procedures are very popular among patients who want to curb signs of aging.  These services are growing exponentially as their safety and effectiveness are improved. Before such non-invasive skin tightening technology was available skin and tissue concerns around the face could only be treated surgically with procedures like facelift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).

A recent study in South Korea looked at how effective noninvasive skin tightening techniques were for patients from Asia. Patients from Asian descent have a greater risk of scarring and pigmentation change making nonsurgical options more attractive.

Specifically, the study concentrated on intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) devices such as Ultherapy®, an FDA approved noninvasive energy source that uses ultrasound to target tissue to lift the tissues of the face and neck.  The study evaluated the effectiveness of IFUS in treating face and neck laxity. Ten of the study’s participants had both the face and neck treated. Two blinded, experienced clinicians reviewed pre and post treatments photos and patients also completed a self-assessment. As a result the clinicians felt that 8 out of 10 patients showed significant improvement 90 days after treatment while 9 out of 10 patients reported personal improvement.

Overall, IFUS devices such as Ulthera® have many advantages including expedited recovery time and lowered risk of adverse effects compared to more invasive, surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta use Ulthera® technology to heat the deep dermal layers of facial tissue to increase the production of collagen while lifting and tightening loose skin.

If you are interested in learning more about Ultherapy® or other non-invasive procedures we offer please contact our office today. Also don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest dermatology news and skin care technology.

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Your CoolSculpting® Fat Reduction Questions Answered

Although we try to answer all your frequently asked questions on our website, we understand that each patient’s situation is different. Here we’ve compiled a few common questions about CoolSculpting® non-invasive fat-reduction technology.

I’m 65 and don’t want to deal with the recovery time of liposuction at my age. Am I too old for CoolSculpting®?

Because no needles or incisions are necessary during CoolSculpting® there is little to no downtime. There is no age that’s technically “too old” for this non-invasive fat-freezing treatment, but it’s important to make certain each patient is healthy enough for the treatment. During a CoolSculpting® procedure, treatment areas are pulled into a cooling device that presses two cooling plates on either side. Areas of thinner skin in older adults may be more prone to bruising during the process, but each person’s case is different. CoolSculpting® is approved as a fat reduction treatment for adults 18 and over. Individuals with larger areas of fat may not be candidates for CoolSculpting®, though. Schedule a consultation to see if CoolSculpting® will work for you.

I’m scheduled to go to the beach after my CoolSculpting® treatment. Can I swim and work out days after my procedure?

The glory of non-invasive fat reduction is the minimal downtime. Each person’s experience with CoolSculpting® non-invasive fat reduction is different, and some patients are able to go to the gym immediately after treatment. Others may experience tenderness or a tingling or numb sensation in the treatment areas a few days after treatment.  These symptoms are temporary and usually attributed to the machine’s cooling applicator. However, there are no restrictions on post-treatment activity for most patients which means you could receive CoolSculpting® and head straight to the beach afterward!

Is there a BMI requirement to be a CoolSculpting® candidate? Can it help with weight loss?

Patients looking to lose weight should resort to diet and exercise before choosing CoolSculpting®. The nature of the procedure means that it is best reserved for individuals in the final shaping process of achieving their desired look. While a certain body mass index (BMI) is not required, we do screen candidates for their eligibility. Patients with small areas of exercise- and diet-resistant fat are the most appropriate candidates.

CoolSculpting® is an exciting new treatment that opens up many opportunities for patients looking for fat reduction without the downtime associated with surgical techniques like liposuction. By cooling treatment areas beyond the point where fat cells can survive, CoolSculpting® can help patients feel more confident in swimwear, fit comfortably into those “skinny jeans,” and feel better about themselves. To stay connected with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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