Atlanta’s dermatology market is shaped by the city’s sun-rich Southern climate, high UV exposure index for much of the year, and a large, diverse population with skin care needs spanning melanoma screening, acne management, eczema and psoriasis treatment, and an active cosmetic dermatology sector driven by the city’s affluent professional communities. Georgia’s high rates of outdoor activity and the state’s sun exposure profile contribute to skin cancer incidence rates that make regular skin cancer screenings a medically important service in the Atlanta market. Board-certified dermatologists must complete a four-year medical degree followed by an accredited dermatology residency, and fellowship training is available in subspecialties including Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer, pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology. Atlanta Magazine surveys practitioners annually to identify peer-recognized Top Dermatologists in the metro area.
When choosing a dermatologist in Atlanta, verify board certification through the American Board of Dermatology — all board-certified dermatologists have completed accredited residency training and examination. For skin cancer concerns, ask whether the dermatologist performs Mohs surgery in-office or refers out, as Mohs is the standard of care for high-risk basal and squamous cell carcinomas in cosmetically sensitive areas. Confirm the practice accepts your insurance before scheduling, as dermatology practices vary widely in their insurance participation, and some cosmetic dermatology practices operate cash-pay only. Red flags include wait times of more than six weeks for an established patient concern, practices where the physician cannot clearly explain their diagnostic reasoning, and med spas advertising “dermatology services” that are not staffed by board-certified dermatologists.
Top Dermatologist Companies in Atlanta
1. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA)
Address: 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE, Suite 190, Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 256-4457
Website: https://www.dermatlanta.com
Services:
- Medical dermatology (acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea)
- Skin cancer detection and treatment
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Cosmetic dermatology
- Laser treatments
- Body contouring and fat reduction
- Hair and nail disorders
About: Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is a comprehensive dermatology practice with eight distinct specialty centers, providing the broadest scope of dermatologic services available at a single Atlanta practice. Their specialization centers cover medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology across a team of board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants at their Sandy Springs/Perimeter area location. The practice’s scope allows patients to receive continuity of care across medical skin conditions, surgical treatment of skin cancers, and cosmetic procedures without transferring between separate practices. Their Peachtree Dunwoody Road location is accessible from both I-285 and Ga-400, serving patients from across the north Atlanta metro.
2. Dermatology Consultants
Website: https://www.dermatologyconsultants.org
Service Area: Atlanta, Covington, and Decatur
Awards & Recognition: Over 85 years in practice; award-winning practice
Services:
- Medical dermatology
- Skin cancer screening and treatment
- Surgical dermatology
- Cosmetic dermatology
- Full range of dermatologic services
About: Dermatology Consultants has provided dermatologic care to Georgia patients for over 85 years, making them one of the longest-established dermatology practices in the state. Their award-winning practice offers world-class skincare across medical, surgical, and cosmetic services from three office locations, providing broad access across Atlanta’s city and eastern suburbs. The practice’s eight-plus decade history reflects patient loyalty built through consistent clinical quality and the institutional knowledge that accumulates over multiple generations of practitioner experience. Their combination of historical depth and current clinical standards positions them as a trusted resource for both routine and complex dermatologic needs.
3. Steele Dermatology
Phone/Text: (770) 464-6000
Website: https://www.atlantadermatologists.com
Service Area: Buckhead (Piedmont Road) and Alpharetta (Old Milton Parkway)
Services:
- Medical dermatology
- Cosmetic dermatology
- Skin cancer screening
- Laser treatments
- Advanced cosmetic procedures
About: Dr. Steele is a nationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with specialized training from Harvard University, the University of Chicago, and Washington University in St. Louis — an academic background that places him in the top tier of dermatologic training in the country. His two practice locations in Buckhead and Alpharetta serve the high-density professional communities of north Atlanta and the Ga-400 corridor. The combination of elite academic training and Atlanta-market clinical experience makes Steele Dermatology a sought-after practice for both medically complex dermatologic conditions and sophisticated cosmetic dermatology. The Buckhead Piedmont Road and Alpharetta Old Milton Parkway locations are both accessible from major north Atlanta corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I see a dermatologist for skin cancer screening in Atlanta?
A: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual full-body skin cancer screenings for most adults, and more frequently for those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, a history of significant sun exposure or tanning bed use, or skin conditions that increase cancer risk such as numerous atypical moles. Atlanta’s climate and outdoor culture make annual screening particularly important — Georgia’s residents receive high UV exposure throughout the long warm season. Most dermatologists recommend monthly self-examinations at home to look for new or changing lesions between annual professional screenings.
Q: How long does it take to see a dermatologist in Atlanta?
A: Wait times at Atlanta dermatology practices vary significantly. Established patients with urgent concerns can often be seen within a week, but new patient appointment wait times at many Atlanta dermatology practices range from two to eight weeks or longer at high-demand practices. Cosmetic dermatology consultations may have shorter wait times than medical dermatology appointments at some practices. For urgent skin concerns such as rapidly changing lesions or potential infections, many Atlanta dermatology practices maintain limited same-day or next-day urgent appointment slots. Telehealth dermatology consultations are also available through several Atlanta practices for appropriate conditions.
Q: What is the difference between a dermatologist and a med spa for cosmetic treatments in Atlanta?
A: A board-certified dermatologist has completed an accredited medical school and four years of specialized residency training in diseases and conditions of the skin, hair, and nails, and can prescribe medications, perform biopsies, treat skin cancers, and provide medically supervised cosmetic treatments. A med spa typically offers cosmetic treatments including Botox, fillers, and laser services, but the supervising physician may not be a dermatologist — many med spas are supervised by plastic surgeons, family physicians, or other specialists. For cosmetic treatments involving the skin, a board-certified dermatologist with cosmetic training offers the deepest specialist knowledge of skin anatomy and the best ability to manage complications. For medical skin conditions, a board-certified dermatologist is essential.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s dermatology market offers excellent medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic care from board-certified specialists across the metro area. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta brings the metro’s broadest specialty center scope with eight distinct centers under one roof at their Perimeter area location. Dermatology Consultants offers over 85 years of award-winning Georgia dermatologic practice across three metro locations. Steele Dermatology combines elite academic training from Harvard, Chicago, and Washington University with dual north Atlanta office locations. Contact any of these practices to schedule a skin cancer screening or consultation for medical or cosmetic dermatologic needs.