atlanta
Harvest Something Beautiful this November at Skin Medics Medical Spa
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s Skin Medics™ Medical Spa is offering a fabulous fall special on Microdermabrasion paired with a Pomegranate Peel. Prepare for those holiday parties and family get-togethers with this relaxing facial rejuvenation combination. See the flyer below for more details and schedule your microdermabrasion/peel combo before this great deal expires by calling (678) 552-2163.
Women and Men Get Skin Cancer Checks for Different Reasons
As the seasons change, we like to remind our patients that fall is the time we recommend our skin cancer body check. The Archives of Dermatology reported that in a survey of patients, men and women seek skin cancer screenings for very different reasons. Women are more likely to schedule skin cancer body checks after noticing a change in skin lesions, due to a family history of skin cancer and sun exposure. Men, on the other hand, most often attend skin cancer screenings much later in life after being prompted by a female spouse or family member or after a previous skin cancer diagnosis.
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Evidence shows that while family history does play a part, extended unprotected sun exposure (including time spent in tanning beds) is a recognized cause of skin cancer, and that early detection is an important key in catching signs of pre-cancers.
While it seems as though women are seeking skin cancer screenings for the right reasons, it is still important to do so in a timely manner. The median age of women in the survey was around 53 years old. The truth is that people of any age should seek a skin cancer body check if they notice any troubling change in their skin texture or tone. Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancer that is most often found in commonly sun damaged areas like the face, top of the shoulders, and arms. These actinic keratoses are characterized by red, rough, and scaly spots of skin that become rough, and almost even tender when rubbed.
If left undetected and/or untreated, actinic keratosis can lead to one of three kinds of skin cancer including squamous and basal cell carcinoma as well as melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma appears as irritated, scaly patches of skin, while basal cell carcinoma is characterized by raised, smooth bumps around the head, neck, or shoulders. Sometimes it can look like a sore that never heals. Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer and most often looks like a darker brown or black lesion. Actinic keratoses may seem harmless because they aren’t cancer, but if patients go too long without treatment, they can turn into basal or squamous cell carcinomas and even melanoma.
Though it’s the most serious form of skin cancer, it’s important to know that melanoma can be 100% curable if detected early.
Monitor your skin for changes in moles including changes in shape, size, elevation, and color. To help with at-home monitoring of potential skin cancers, we often tell our patients to look for the ABCDE’s when checking any moles or suspicious lesions:
- Asymmetry
- Borders (irregularities)
- Color (changes)
- Diameter (bigger than a pencil eraser)
- Evolving over time
During a medical skin cancer body check, your dermatologist will carefully examine your skin for any curious moles or lesions. If you have any concerns, it’s best to address them with your doctor, and he or she can track any new or existing moles from year to year to measure any growth or other changes.
If necessary, your dermatologist may recommend a treatment option based on any existing pre-cancers or cancers he or she finds. For example, photodynamic therapy uses laser light to destroy cancerous tissues, while cryosurgery uses extreme cold to eliminate abnormal cells and pre-cancers.
Skin cancer screenings are a short, painless prevention measure that can help individuals of any age recognize the signs and symptoms of skin cancer. The survey published in the Archives of Dermatology demonstrates that women are ahead of men in terms of staying on top of skin cancer checks. Regardless of age, sex, or sun exposure habits, it’s important to track your yearly skin changes.
Contact us for more information on Dermatology Associates of Atlanta and to schedule your skin cancer body check. You can also stay up-to-date on our news and events by “Liking” us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
Join Us November 9th for our Cosmetic Day savings!
On Wednesday, November 9th, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta will host Cosmetic Day. Be sure to join us to save on cosmetic skin treatments like Fraxel® cosmetic laser treatments, cosmetic injectables, and facial fillers, plus you’ll receive discounts on spa products from Skin Medics™ Medical Spa. See the flyer below for details and call to schedule your appointment at 404-382-2970.
California Passes Tanning Bed Ban for Teens
California recently became the first state to ban those under 18 from using tanning salons because of connection between tanning beds and skin cancer. While awaiting FDA regulations on teens and tanning, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the measure prohibiting tanning salons from allowing anyone under 18 to use tanning beds, regardless of parental approval. Georgia hasn’t banned the use of tanning beds for those under 18, but it is one of the states that requires in-person, parental permission for anyone under 18 to tan in a tanning bed.
According to stats from the National Cancer Institute up to 35% of 17-year-old girls will use a tanning bed to maintain their summer glow. Other studies have indicated that tanners, especially young girls, can exhibit behaviors demonstrating an addiction to indoor tanning. Additionally, tanning beds use activity that exposes humans to some of the highest levels of carcinogens to humans, increasing the risk of developing melanoma by 75%. Tanning beds utilize concentrated ultraviolet light which can cause sunburn and speed up the skin’s aging process and increase the risk of deadly skin cancer. Those who tan indoors are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
In fact, a recent article published in Skin & Allergy News links the spike in current melanoma cases amongst women aged 25 to 34 to the use of tanning beds during their teens in the 1990s. One dermatologist said that almost all of his melanoma patients admitted to using a tanning bed at some point in their past.
At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we encourage our patients to avoid unprotected sun exposure including the use of tanning beds. For those who may not have adhered to this rule in the past, we perform annual skin cancer screenings to ensure no cancer is present, and identify any pre-cancers (actinic keratosis), to begin skin cancer treatment plans if necessary.
Skin cancer treatments like photodynamic therapy which destroys cancerous tissue, topical chemotherapy for basal cell carcinomas, cryosurgery to freeze and eliminate abnormal tissue, and Mohs skin cancer surgery to remove the cancerous tissue layer by layer, are all available at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. Depending on the patient and type of skin cancer, some laser treatments from our Laser Institute of Georgia may also be used instead of cryosurgery.
For more information on skin cancer symptoms, prevention, and treatment, contact us. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest dermatology and skin cancer news.
Mark Your Calendar for Our Spooktacular Cosmetic Day!
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta invites you to spend this Halloween (Monday, October 31st) at our Skin Medics Medical Spa‘s Cosmetic Day Spooktacular event for one day only savings on dermal injectables, laser skin treatments, and skincare products.
Discounts will only be valid for procedures scheduled or completed on Cosmetic Day, so mark your calendar to join us! Make sure to take some time out of your busy Halloween day to take advantage of our offers on Botox®, Juvederm®, Radiesse®, and more!
To stay up-to-date on events like the Cosmetic Day Spooktacular and DAA’s most recent news, “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter.
Save the Date for Skin Medics Medical Spa Peel Day October 25th
As the saying goes, beauty is only skin deep. However, the truth is that healthy, glowing skin is often actually just below the surface. Chemical peels can bring out your most beautiful skin by removing the dull, dead outer layers of skin, smoothing and evening out skin tone and texture. Now is the perfect time to try a chemical peel if you never have, or to come back for your favorite peel with Skin Medics™ Medical Spa’s Peel Day.
Join us October 25th from 7am to 4pm for great specials on our most popular chemical peels. A $125 reservation fee gets you a free Vitalize Peel® ($150 value) and credit toward select SkinMedica® Pre-Made Regimens and products (a $200-750 value). The Vitalize Peel® improves skin tone and texture while reducing fine lines for a youthful glow with little recovery time.
With a $200 reservation, you will receive a free Rejuvenize Peel™ (worth $250) and credit toward select SkinMedica® Pre-Made Regimens and products (a $200-750 value). The Rejuvenize Peel™ works deep within the skin to alleviate the appearance of skin conditions like acne, wrinkling, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
Those who wish to purchase $299 worth of SkinMedica® products will receive a limited edition SkinMedica® Gift Set for only $99, or you can get a free gift set with a $400 SkinMedica® purchase.
These great specials are only available by reservation on Tuesday, October 25th. Make sure to save your spot by calling (404) 969-2943. You can also keep up with our other events and savings opportunities by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. See you there!
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Featured in Jezebel Magazine Who’s Who of Atlanta
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta‘s Drs. Griffin, Karempelis, and Curtis were featured in Jezebel Magazine‘s October Who’s Who issue on newsstands now! For more information on DAA and our doctors or to schedule an appointment, contact us! You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for more news and updates.
Treating Skin Conditions for Children, Teens, and Patients of All Ages
Although Dermatology Associates of Atlanta offers various cosmetic skin services like laser hair removal, fat reduction, and facial rejuvenation (to name a few), we are still board certified dermatologists trained to treat a variety of skin conditions. A blog from Best Health magazine earlier this month reminded us of how difficult it is for children and teens to deal with acne, psoriasis, eczema, and more. The Article was intended to help parents teach their children how to maintain a positive body image and equip them with tools to deal with insensitive peers.
As we all know, acne is frustrating at any age. No one wants a big whitehead on his or her nose, but most of us remember a period when hormones seemed to cause pimples to crop up like crazy. It’s not only important to teach your children how to ignore teasing from their peers, but also to teach them how to take care of their skin so future breakouts are minimized. You could also take them to see a dermatologist for different alternatives such as skin treatment options like Isolaz™for acne if over-the-counter cleansers are not working and you want to avoid oral medications. However, tried and true medications for acne include benzyl peroxides (OTC), topical antibiotics, topical retinoic acid, and topical salicylic acid (OTC). While some of these medications are available over-the-counter a dermatologist can prescribe stronger versions if needed. Oral medications are usually considered in more severe cases, and in the most severe cases Accutane may be prescribed.
While not as common in younger people, psoriasis is another skin condition that can be physically, emotionally, and socially uncomfortable for a child or even teenager. We have an entire center devoted to psoriasis, the Psoriasis Treatment Center. While psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is rarely relieved by ointments and medications, our patients often find relief with our PHAROS EX-308 Eximer Laser treatments. We also offer prescription compounds and other therapies like psoralen soaks for the palms and soles to relieve discomfort and itching. Light treatments are also common for psoriasis patients. Now for some patients biologics may be the only treatment that gives total body lasting control, but this is usually reserved for the older patients where all other forms of treatments have been tried.
Although it’s one of the most common skin conditions, itchy eczema can also make kids and teens want to hide their skin. Our dermatologists can prescribe compounds to help relieve eczema symptoms in hopes that children and teens with eczema will feel as comfortable as possible in their own skin. Light therapy is commonly used to tame the more difficult eczema cases. At times, dermatitis may be aggravated by certain laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Avoiding free washing with drying soaps and fabric softeners designed for the dryer seem to be most helpful in the long-term control of this unyielding dermatitis. DAA’s Laser Institute of Georgia can also provide removal of skin conditions or imperfections with laser birthmark removal (hemangiomas), laser wart removal, and mole removal.
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta believes it’s important to educate young patients on proper skin care, skin condition treatment, and positive body image. It’s very important for parents to support their children in dealing with their skin conditions. Talking about problems like skin conditions helps children understand that there are no underlying causes, although, genetics may have something to do with conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Parents play a role in helping their child deal with these long-term conditions. We also think beginning regular dermatology visits is important for the continued health of young patients through adulthood. To learn more about our general dermatology services or to schedule a consultation, visit our website. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter as well.
It’s Not Too Late to Save on All Your Favorite Cosmetic Products and Treatments
Join us this Wednesday, October 12th for a chance to save on the cosmetic treatments and products that you use most and learn about some you haven’t tried.
Our providers will demonstrate and discuss new skin treatment options at DAA! Dr. Ashley Curtis will discuss V-beam laser treatment and Aesthetician Cindy Hall will speak on the benefits of Jane Iredale® makeup.
We’re also offering great deals on syringes of facial fillers like Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Perlane®, and Radiesse® which help re-plump areas of lost volume around the nose and mouth and smooth fine lines.
Our cosmetic injectables like Botox® and Dysport® will also be discounted. These two injectables work to relax the muscles in the upper face that cause a furrowed brow and forehead lines.
You can also take advantage of specials on our Jane Iredale® cosmetics and other spa products from Skin Medics™ Medical Spa.
Come to Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s Cosmetic Day for great savings on your favorite cosmetic products and treatments. The event will also feature one day only discounts to patients who schedule treatments through the events. We hope to see you there!
For more information on Dermatology Associates of Atlanta or our Cosmetic Days, contact us. You can keep up with the latest skincare and dermatology news by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Peel Day Encore Helps You Put Your Best Face Forward
Skin Medics™ Medical Spa brings Peel Day back to Dermatology Associates of Atlanta by popular demand on October 25th, 2011. If you missed out on our September Peel Day, we hope you will join us for a discounted chemical peel, as well as opportunities to save on spa products and more. See details below and be sure to contact us to reserve your spot.
Weekend Plans? Come Visit DAA’s Table at the For Sisters Only Expo
This weekend, representatives from Dermatology Associates of Atlanta will be present at the 20th annual For Sisters Only Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center. For Sisters Only is a two day marketing and entertainment expo with something for everyone to enjoy. Hip hop, jazz, R&B, and gospel music artists will provide entertainment, and over 200 businesses will be offering samples and selling products. Plus, there will be plenty of places to hang out like the sports bar, gaming zone, and kids zone (to name a few).
With artists like Monica, Jagged Edge, and Lloyd on the entertainment list, › Continue reading
Say Hello to Longer Lashes and Goodbye to Wrinkles Before Holiday Photos: How to Save on Botox, Juvéderm, and Latisse at DAA
We know it may seem a little absurd to even mention the upcoming holidays when it’s only September, but it’s the beginning of fall and before you know it, we’ll be ringing in the New Year. As we all know, preparation is key in avoiding the stress that can sometimes accompany family gatherings and group activities. In an effort to make sure you’re holiday greeting card photo-ready in plenty of time, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta would like to make you aware of the skin care product specials we’re currently running.
Now through November 30th, patients who receive Botox® Cosmetic and Juvéderm™ wrinkle treatments during the same visit will receive an instant, $100 in-office rebate. All you have to do to take advantage of the Duet Dividends offer is register as part of the Brilliant Distinctions program before your visit. Simply log on to the manufacturer’s website and complete the requested information. By registering, you become privy to the latest cosmetic injectable specials and can earn discounts toward other skin treatments.
You can also save $25 on Latisse® for eyelashes at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta by joining the Brilliant Distinctions program before you purchase your next Latisse® kit. Clinically proven to treat hypotrichosis (an inadequate number of lashes), Latisse® helps you grow longer, thicker, darker eyelashes with daily application. The Latisse® and Duet rebates are limited in quantity while supplies last, so be sure to schedule your consultation today.
To learn more about the specials at Dermatology Associates’ specialty centers be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
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