If you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars and brown spots, you should consider a procedure called microneedling. This minimally invasive treatment involves rolling an electric skin-needling gadget over your face. Twelve fine needles prick your skin up to 2mm deep, leaving small wounds behind. This triggers your body to enter healing mode, prompting the production of skin-repairing collagen and elastin.

Microneedling with PRP is even more powerful. This is when the microneedle tips are used to deliver platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your blood to the treatment area. This innovative combination of treatments provides faster, more effective results than microneedling alone.

For the best results, follow these tips leading up to your appointment:

• Keep out of the sun for 24 hours before your treatment.
• Avoid taking autoimmune disease medication for 24 hours.
• Arrive at the clinic with a clean face and no makeup.
• Don’t have microneedling performed if you have used Accutane (Isotretinoin), an acne medication, in the last six months.

During Microneedling Treatment

Here’s what to expect if you decide to try microneedling:

• Some patients say the process feels like having sandpaper rubbed across the treatment area.
• During the microneedling procedure, your skin may become red and tight, creating the sensation that you have been sunburned.
• Your aesthetician will apply a topical numbing cream before treatment begins to improve your comfort level.

After Microneedling Treatment

Here’s what to expect following the procedure:

• Wait at least four hours to wash your face.
• Your skin may feel warm and tight and look red for one to three days. During this period, use a delicate cleanser and moisturizer, and apply 1% hydrocortisone cream as needed to soothe skin irritation. Avoid swimming, strenuous exercise and excessive sun exposure.
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications for several days, which could interfere with your body’s healing process. Pain medications that aren’t anti-inflammatory, including Tylenol (acetaminophen), are acceptable.
• Peeling and flaking of the treatment area may occur three to five days after microneedling as a result of increased skin cell turnover. Avoid picking and scratching at your skin. Instead, use a gentle moisturizer to help combat dry skin.
• The positive results of microneedling will become visible within two to four weeks. In the meantime, you can wear cosmetics to lessen the appearance of skin redness and peeling.
• Expect the results of microneedling to last up to six months. You can repeat the procedure as often as every four to five months.
• You may need three to six treatments to maximize your results. Six to eight sessions may be necessary when treating scar tissue.

Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center has several convenient locations in the greater Atlanta area where you can receive microneedling with PRP treatment. To learn more about this treatment, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 770-422-5557.

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler applied as a facial injection. Hyaluronic acids are sugars found naturally in the skin that help improve its hydration, fullness and elasticity. The purpose of Restylane is to diminish wrinkles while restoring volume and fullness to the treatment area, which may include the face or hands.

The Restylane family of products includes Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Silk and Restylane Defyne. Each clear gel formulation is designed to fulfill a specific purpose.

Make Restylane Lyft part of your anti-aging regimen to correct age-related loss of volume and contour in your cheeks, mid-to-lower face and hands. It can also be used to fill out facial folds between the nose and mouth, known as nasolabial folds.

Restylane Lyft is the first and only FDA-approved hyaluronic filler to treat face and hands. It contains a thicker gel than other dermal fillers, providing durable scaffolding beneath concave areas. The product is carefully injected to create the most natural-looking contours in the treatment area. Plumping up the skin naturally reduces wrinkles and folds as well.

Restylane Silk

If you miss the plump pout of your youth, Restylane Silk can restore it to you. This dermal filler is specifically designed to augment the lips and smooth out wrinkles around the mouth. You could be an excellent candidate for this treatment if you have lost lip volume as a result of aging, or if you have smoker’s lines.

Restylane Silk consists of a thinner gel than other Restylane products and is delivered with an ultrafine needle to ensure softer, more precise results. This is the key to avoiding stiffness or unnaturally full “trout lips.”

Restylane Refyne

Use Restylane Refyne to smooth nasolabial folds and marionette lines on the outside corners of your mouth, taking years off your appearance in the process. This unique dermal filler offers the benefit of making you look younger while retaining the flexibility you need to make natural-looking facial expressions.

Restylane Refyne is injected deep into the nasolabial folds for youthful volume around your mouth. The hyaluronic acid used in this dermal filler doesn’t make your face feel stiff, so you can go on smiling and laughing with confidence.

Restylane Defyne

Similar to Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne targets nasolabial folds and marionette lines around your mouth. Restylane Defyne could be right for you if you have deeper folds and wrinkles that need a stronger dermal filler.

Restylane Defyne contains proprietary XpresHAn technology, which incorporates a special hyaluronic acid compound to fill out deep laugh lines while maintaining a natural-looking smile. Your aesthetician will help you determine if Restylane Defyne is the right treatment for your deep creases and folds.

Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center offers these four Restylane products to patients over age 21. Each one is FDA-approved for your safety and confidence. To learn more about Restylane, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 770-422-5557. We have several convenient office locations in the greater Atlanta area to better serve you.

Many people think of Botox injections as a cosmetic treatment only. While it helps eliminate wrinkles, the benefits of Botox go far beyond just providing an aesthetic improvement. If you’re considering joining the 4.6 million Americans who seek Botox injections each year, consider the benefits that await you.

• Reduce facial wrinkles: Let’s start with the benefits everyone thinks of first. Botox is an FDA-approved cosmetic procedure used to reduce dynamic facial wrinkles. These are the wrinkles that appear when you make an expression, such as squinting, laughing or frowning. Botox relaxes the muscles across your forehead, between your eyebrows and around your eyes to help you look younger.
• Treat headaches and migraines: If you experience persistent headaches, you know that migraine medication comes with dangerous side effects. Botox provides the relief many patients need with fewer possible side effects. While it’s uncertain how Botox helps migraines, it’s thought to work by blocking sensory nerves that send pain signals to the brain, as well as relaxing muscles that cause tension headaches.
• Treat muscle spasms: Botox was originally created to reduce eye spasms. This treatment method is still viable today and extends to other parts of the body as well, managing muscle stiffness and twitching in the elbows, wrists, fingers, ankles and
• Reduce the effect of Bell’s palsy: As a result of trauma to facial nerves, muscles weaken and droop, often on just one side of the face. Botox treats Bell’s palsy by relaxing unwanted muscle movements and reducing tension in hyperactive areas, creating more symmetrical facial expressions and reducing the signs of facial paralysis.
• Relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate: By injecting Botox directly into the prostate gland, men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate, can find relief from their symptoms. With long-lasting results and no need to take prescription medication, many men are considering this treatment option.
• Reduce symptoms of overactive bladder: Incontinence, frequent trips to the bathroom, and the sudden, urgent need to urinate can disrupt your daily life. Botox may help. When injected into the bladder muscle, it blocks nerves that trigger symptoms of overactive bladder, providing much-needed relief.

Botox injections are fast, affordable and noninvasive. The results also appear quickly – typically within a week or less – and last for three to four months or longer. So, whether you’re looking to improve your self-confidence or treat a serious medical condition, Botox injections could be right for you.

To learn more about the benefits of Botox, or to schedule a consultation, please contact Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center at 770-422-5557. We have multiple convenient locations in the greater Atlanta area to best serve you.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It plays a vital role in protecting you from disease and greatly affects the way you look. For these reasons, it’s important to develop healthy skin habits. Here are the best ways to protect your skin.

Excessive sun exposure and severe sunburns before age 18 are the primary causes of skin cancer. Here’s how The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends protecting your skin:

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, protect your skin with SPF 30 or higher.
• Seek shade when spending time outside between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Don’t visit tanning salons, which are just as harmful to your skin as direct sunlight.

Hydrate Your Skin

Moist skin is important for looking your best and maintaining an unbroken barrier against bacteria and fungus. Follow these tips to hydrate your skin each day:

• Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Start out the day with a tall glass of water or tea to rehydrate after sleeping. Then, strive to drink at least eight cups of water throughout the day.
• Take warm, not hot, showers or baths lasting no longer than five to 10 minutes.
• Apply moisturizer after showering or washing your face to lock in moisture.
• Run a portable humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep.

Keep Your Skin Clean

Washing your face removes dirt, germs, oil, makeup and dead skin cells. Complete this personal hygiene task when you wake up and again before you go to bed. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Wash your hands first.
• Use warm water and a mild facial cleanser.
• Gently massage your face with your fingers. Use small, circular motions, not harsh scrubbing movements.
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all soapy residue.
• Pat, don’t rub, your face dry with a clean, soft washcloth.
• Apply moisturizer to your slightly damp skin.

Prevent Sores and Infections

Because facial skin is so sensitive, it’s more vulnerable to sores and infections than other parts of your body. Take the following precautions to protect your skin:

• Avoid sharing personal items, such as makeup, lip balm, toothbrushes and
• Don’t share drinks with other people.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands throughout the day.
• Don’t pick at cold sores, pimples and other lesions. Get help from a dermatologist to treat these conditions.
• Seek prompt attention for bug bites and animal scratches. To prevent infection, apply antibiotic ointment, bandage the area and clean the site twice a day as it heals.

For more tips to protect your skin, or to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist, please contact Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center at 770-422-5557. We have multiple convenient locations in the greater Atlanta area to best serve you.

Most people understand the importance of wearing sunscreen during the hot summer months, but did you know that you should actually be wearing sunscreen all year long? Wearing sunscreen can feel like an inconvenience, but it’s something that’s necessary to protect your skin. It might seem like it’s overdoing it to wear sunscreen during the colder times of the year like winter, but the sun can damage your skin even in cold temperatures.

Nobody wants to get skin cancer which is the main reason why it’s so important to wear sunscreen. Even short exposures to the sun on a cloudy or cool day add up and can damage your skin. Most people apply sunscreen if they’ll be at the beach or pool, but they forget about how much sun they get when they’re driving in their cars or walking down the street. Studies show that short and intense exposure to the sun increases your risk of melanoma, so you should always protect yourself by wearing sunscreen.

Clouds can partially block the sun’s rays, but some of them still make it through. The temperature outside doesn’t matter because the sun shines just as bright on a cold day as it does during summer. You might think you’re being protected by your car’s windows, but the sun’s UVA rays can penetrate them quite easily. For this reason, you should use a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays (often labeled “broad spectrum”).

It’s critical to teach your children the importance of wearing sunscreen year-round, and it’s never too late to start protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If your skin has already been damaged by the sun, contact Skin Care Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center  today. We provide a comprehensive skin cancer screening and perform a variety of procedures that can improve the appearance of your skin.

When it comes to skin cancer, there’s good news and there’s bad news. Let’s start with the bad news first: skin cancer is the most common type of cancer that the average person will face, with more than three million people being diagnosed each year in the U.S. The good news about skin cancer is that it’s one of the few cancers that can be seen on your skin’s surface which means it can be diagnosed early on.

Everyone has a potential risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is highly treatable when it’s detected early, but it can be deadly. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to look for the warning signs of skin cancer and have a professional skin cancer screening.

It’s recommended that you examine your skin once a month from head to toe. Check for marks or moles on your skin that appear flesh colored as well as other bumps or sores. If you aren’t sure how to check your skin, remember the A, B, C, D, E method.

• A – Asymmetry: Look for a difference between one side and the other
• B – Border Irregularity: Look for the border of the mark being poorly defined or scalloped
• C – Color: Look for the color being varied from one area to another
• D – Diameter: Look for a diameter greater than a pencil eraser size
• E – Evolution: Look for a mark that is evolving or changing from what it used to look like

You should plan on a professional skin exam and cancer screening once a year, but if you encounter any of these signs you’ll want to get an appointment as soon as possible. To schedule a skin cancer screening with Skin Care Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center, give us a call today at 770-422-5557.

Are you embarrassed by excessive underarm sweat? Do antiperspirants stain and ruin your shirts? When you can’t get relief from topical over-the-counter treatments for underarm sweating, this might mean you have a condition known as hyperhidrosis, which is caused by overactive sweat glands. As a result, you may feel sticky and sweaty almost all the time, even when you’re not overheated or engaging in physical activity.

Fortunately, there’s a non-invasive, permanent solution called miraDry that can help with excessive sweating. This treatment is available at Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center in Atlanta. We’ll help you decide if this procedure is right for you.

miraDry Treatment Process

The miraDry system is surprisingly simple, convenient and requires little to no downtime. The process, which is FDA-cleared for treating hyperhidrosis, begins with marking the customized underarm treatment area using a temporary template. Next, the clinician applies a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure.

The clinician then places a handpiece directly on your skin, lining it up with the marked treatment area. You will feel a slight suction as the handpiece pulls your skin and glands closer to the surface for maximum results.

Once activated, the handpiece delivers controlled electromagnetic energy to the treatment area. This heats up the deep layers of your skin to destroy sweat and odor glands from your underarms. At the same time, the handpiece generates a soothing, cooling effect on the surface of your skin to reduce discomfort and all but eliminate your recovery time.

The entire process takes about two hours, and patients generally see an immediate decrease in sweating. Typically, only one treatment is required, though severe cases of hyperhidrosis may call for two treatments spaced about three months apart.

miraDry Results

You can expect to see an 85 percent reduction in sweating after having a miraDry treatment. This means your body can still release sweat to help you cool off when exercising, but antiperspirant will do its job so you no longer feel self-conscious.

Be aware that you may experience mild side effects from miraDry, including tenderness and swelling in the treatment area. These issues typically resolve within two to three days. Then, you’re left with long-lasting relief from excessive underarm sweating.

Just picture it: you’ll be able to live a carefree and confident life. Your underarms will stay fresh and dry, even after a long, hard day at work, and you’ll have the self-assurance to accept spur-of-the-moment social invitations without fretting about your underarms. You can also expand your wardrobe to include silk and light colors because underarm stains are now a thing of the past!

With miraDry, there’s no reason to suffer with excessive underarm sweating. Contact Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center at 770-422-5557 to schedule a hyperhidrosis consultation today. We have several convenient locations in the greater Atlanta area to serve you best.

Technology has come a long way and there are now multiple options when it comes to aesthetic procedures. Two of the more popular and effective procedures for getting rid of unwanted pockets of fat under the chin are CoolSculpting and Kybella.

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive way to get rid of that double chin appearance without using liposuction or any other surgical procedures. Another non-invasive treatment option is Kybella, which is an ideal solution to treat moderate to severe fullness underneath the chin.

The FDA has approved both treatments for smaller areas of the body, and they are most commonly used under the chin. Kybella is an injection that contains a naturally occurring molecule that works by dissolving fat. Your body then flushes out that fat, improving the appearance of your face under your chin. Kybella has proven to be effective for those who have good skin and clearly feature a double chin.

CoolSculpting utilizes CoolMini to treat that same under the chin area. The procedure freezes fat cells away by creating ice crystals inside fat cells. In just one session a third of the fat under your chin can be frozen. This is a good option for people who don’t like needles and don’t want any downtime. Women who have looser and more mature skin are ideal candidates.

Kybella typically has three treatment sessions four to six weeks apart, while most patients need one or two CoolSculpting treatments. The amount of treatments you need will be determined by a professional on a case by case basis. Both CoolSculpting and Kybella are great options but a consultation with your doctor can help you determine the best choice for you.

To learn more about the differences between CoolSculpting and Kybella, schedule a free consultation with Skin Care Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center today by calling 770-422-5557.

Each year more than a million people receive a chemical peel treatment. The procedure helps improve the youthful appearance of the skin and is FDA-approved. It’s quite effective in making your face look younger and more exuberant. If you’ve never had a chemical peel, the name of the procedure can sound a bit intimidating.

During a chemical peel an aesthetician will apply a chemical solution to your skin. This process treats conditions like wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and more. The top layer of your skin will shed off, making way for a new healthier layer of skin. You’ll want to prepare your skin before your chemical peel in order to maximize the procedure’s effectiveness.

Consult with a professional such as those at Skin Care Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center to find out if a chemical peel is the best option for you. Check out the facility where you plan on having the procedure to make sure they are credible and licensed and that whoever will be performing the procedure is experienced.

Before your chemical peel you should stop using any at-home exfoliants a few days prior to undergoing the procedure. You’ll want to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated as well. If you are taking any medications for acne or aging you may need to temporarily stop them but be sure to consult your aesthetician. Don’t schedule a chemical peel too close to a big event such as a wedding because your skin will need some time to heal so you can look picture perfect.

During your chemical peel your skin may have a burning or tingling sensation. Before you know it, you’ll be finished and on your way back home with newer, healthier skin. Most treatments will cause your skin to peel for three to ten days. Be sure to care for your skin by applying sunscreen and avoiding getting overheated.

To learn more about what to expect from a chemical peel and schedule an appointment contact Skin Cancer Specialists at 770-422-5557.

Everyone craves beautifully bronzed skin, but at what price? Hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with melanoma each year in the US. You may even know someone who has had skin cancer. Still, you might find it hard to resist the call of the tanning bed, where you can fake-and-bake just in time for beach season.

Thankfully, there’s a safer way to achieve a sun-kissed glow called VersaSpa Spray Tanning. You might recall the early days of spray tan technology where uneven variations of yellow and orange were common. With VersaSpa, these days are far behind us! You no longer have to choose between risking your skin’s health and achieving a natural golden glow.

In addition to reducing your risk of, here are the other reasons why spray tans are better than tanning beds.

• Save time: Spray tans take as little as 20 minutes to apply, and the results appear gradually over the next four hours. If you’re in a hurry to darken your skin tone, you can add an Instant Cosmetic Bronzer to give your tan an extra boost up front. In no time at all, you’ll enjoy the same sun-kissed look that takes hours to achieve in a tanning bed.
• Match your skin tone: You can select the level of results you want, from one shade darker for a subtle change to several shades darker for a dramatic, exotic look. The choice is yours!
• Promote healthier skin: We’ve already discussed how spray tans can reduce the risk of skin cancer, but VersaSpa does much more than this! It contains grape seed extract to naturally boost collagen production, green tea extract to reduce stress on the skin, and ginger root extract to increase circulation.
• Prevent premature aging: Prolonged UV exposure (from the sun or tanning beds) prematurely ages your skin, causing wrinkles, fine lines and a leathery look. Age spots, discoloration and rough patches also form, which can lead to skin cancer.
• Protect your eyes: While genetics are a primary reason for cataracts to develop, excessive sun exposure can also cause clouding of the usually clear lenses of your eyes. To prevent this, stay out of the sun, wear sunglasses while outside and achieve bronze-colored skin with spray tans.

Sensible sunlight exposure is acceptable, but lying out in the sun or a tanning bed is just plain unsafe. With spray tans, there’s no burning, no redness and no recovery time – just gorgeous, bronzed skin. That’s why this is the recommended method for achieving the golden glow you’re after while promoting healthier, younger-looking skin at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds!

Ready to get the perfect tan in just 20 minutes? If so, please contact us at 770-422-5557 to schedule a VersaSpa spray tanning appointment at Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center in Marietta.