Dermatology
Conditions We Treat
Personalized dermatologic care for common and complex conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails—available in person in Vinings/Atlanta and virtually throughout Georgia
Find Your Condition
Select a condition to jump directly to its overview, treatment options, patient questions, and appointment information.
Skin Conditions
Acne & Acne Scarring / Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis / Psoriasis / Pigmentation & Melasma
Hair & Scalp
Complex & Inflammatory Conditions
Specialty Care
CLEARER SKIN, PERSONALIZED CARE
Acne & Acne Scaring
Comprehensive acne care for all skin tones, with attention to active breakouts, post-inflammatory dark marks, texture, and scarring.
Eczema is not simply dry skin. Treatment addresses the skin barrier, inflammation, triggers, itch, and infection risk together
WHAT IS ACNE?
One Condition, Several Problems
Acne develops when follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells and inflammation develops within the follicle. It may appear as blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed bumps, pustules, nodules, or cysts.
Hormones, genetics, medications, skin-care products, friction, and stress can influence acne. A treatment plan should match the type and severity of acne rather than simply dry the skin.
COMEDONAL ACNE
Blackheads and whiteheads caused by clogged follicles.
INFLAMMATORY ACNE
Tender papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts with a higher risk of marks.
ACNE AND THE MARK THEY LEAVE
Not every mark after acne is a scar. Correctly identifying discoloration, depressed scars, and raised scars helps determine what will actually help.
ACNE DARK MARKS
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation changes color without changing skin structure.
TRUE SCARS
Ice-pick, boxcar, rolling, hypertrophic, or keloid scars change the skin’s structure.
ACNE IN SKIN OF COLOR
Why the stakes are higher
from the first breakout
Every pimple, cyst, or inflamed lesion is a potential dark mark. In patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV through VI, the inflammatory response of acne almost always triggers melanin overproduction in the surrounding skin — leaving behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that can persist for months to years after the acne itself has resolved. For many patients with darker skin tones, the dark spots become the primary complaint.
This is why treating acne in patients with melanin-rich skin requires a strategy from the start that accounts for PIH prevention — not just acne control. Aggressive treatments that cause significant irritation may clear acne while leaving behind more hyperpigmentation. Dr. Marcelus approaches acne treatment with this reality in mind from day one.
PERSONALIZED ACNE CARE
Treatment Options
How Dr. Marcelus Treats Acne at Cutis MD
Barrier Repair
Fragrance-free cleansing, moisturizing, bathing, and practical daily routines.
Trigger Management
Identifying avoidable irritants and building a sustainable flare-prevention plan.
Phototherapy
Light-based treatment may be considered for selected patients.
A treatment plan combines eczema-friendly skin care with medication and trigger management according to severity.
Topical Therapy
Steroid and nonsteroid prescription options chosen for the body area and age.
Infection Care
Evaluation and treatment when crusting, oozing, pain, or infection is suspected.
Advanced Therapy
Biologic or oral therapy for moderate-to-severe or difficult-to-control disease.
PATIENT QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the dark discoloration that can remain after acne inflammation heals. It is especially common in melanin-rich skin, so treatment should address active acne while minimizing irritation and preventing new dark marks.
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The goal is the opposite. Dr. Marcelus selects acne treatments with skin-of-color safety in mind and adjusts strength, frequency, and supportive skincare to control breakouts without unnecessary irritation that can worsen hyperpigmentation.
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Many patients begin seeing fewer breakouts within six to eight weeks, but acne plans often need several months for their full effect. Dark marks and acne scars usually improve more gradually, and your timeline depends on acne severity, treatment consistency, and skin response.
Ready to Start Your Acne Treatment Plan?
Personalized acne treatment is available in person in Atlanta and through virtual consultations throughout Georgia.
BARRIER-FOCUSED REPAIR
Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis
Individualized care for chronic itch, dryness, inflammation, sleep disruption, discoloration, and recurring flares.
Eczema is not simply dry skin. Treatment addresses the skin barrier, inflammation, triggers, itch, and infection risk together
Dr. Christina Marcelus is a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, Georgia, with specialized expertise in how eczema presents and progresses in patients. Cutis MD Dermatology serves patients throughout Vinings, Buckhead, Cumberland, and greater Atlanta, with in-person and virtual appointments available.
WHAT IS ECZEMA ?
A chronic itch-and-inflammation cycle
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the skin barrier does not function normally. Skin becomes dry, reactive, and intensely itchy, and scratching can lead to additional inflammation, thickening, cracking, and infection.
Symptoms and affected areas change with age. The goal is to control inflammation, rebuild daily skin care, reduce flares, and make sleep and everyday life more comfortable
UNDERSTANDING ECZEMA
Four Concepts That Explain Why Eczema Behaves the Way it Does
SKIN BARRIER
A weakened barrier allows moisture to escape and makes skin more vulnerable to irritation.
FLARES
Weather, stress, allergens, illness, and harsh products can trigger worsening symptoms.
ITCH–SCRATCH CYCLE
Scratching damages the barrier, increases inflammation, and prolongs discomfort.
SKIN OF COLOR
Inflammation may heal with lighter or darker discoloration that can persist after the rash improves.
How Eczema Looks Different in Skin of Color
One of the most significant gaps in dermatology training is how eczema is taught. Medical textbooks have historically shown eczema almost exclusively on lighter skin tones, where it appears as a clearly red, inflamed rash. In patients with darker skin, eczema looks fundamentally different — and this difference has led to decades of underdiagnosis and undertreatment in Black and brown patients.
In melanin-rich skin, eczema may appear grayish, ashen, dark brown, or violaceous rather than red. The inflammatory areas often look more muted, less dramatic — and are consequently dismissed or missed entirely by providers who weren't trained to recognize it. By the time many patients with darker skin tones receive an accurate diagnosis, their eczema has already left significant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: the dark patches that remain long after the active inflammation resolves.
Dr. Marcelus evaluates eczema with full understanding of these presentation differences and treats both the active inflammation and its aftermath, including the hyperpigmentation that can persist for months to years.
CONTROL THE FLARE. PROTECT THE BARRIER.
Treatment Options
How Dr. Marcelus Treats Eczema at Cutis MD
Barrier Repair
Fragrance-free cleansing, moisturizing, bathing, and practical daily routines.
Trigger Management
Identifying avoidable irritants and building a sustainable flare-prevention plan.
Phototherapy
Light-based treatment may be considered for selected patients.
A treatment plan combines eczema-friendly skin care with medication and trigger management according to severity.
Topical Therapy
Steroid and nonsteroid prescription options chosen for the body area and age.
Infection Care
Evaluation and treatment when crusting, oozing, pain, or infection is suspected.
Advanced Therapy
Biologic or oral therapy for moderate-to-severe or difficult-to-control disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about eczema, flares, and dark spots
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In patients with melanin-rich skin, eczema appears gray, ashen, or dark purple rather than red — because darker skin tones have more melanin that mutes the visible redness of inflammation. This is why eczema is so commonly missed or misdiagnosed in Black patients. At Cutis MD, Dr. Marcelus evaluates eczema with full understanding of how it presents across all skin tones.
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The eczema itself does not cause permanent discoloration, but the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation it leaves behind can take months or even years to fade without targeted treatment. Dr. Marcelus addresses this directly as part of eczema management — not as a separate concern.
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Many patients with eczema also have allergic conditions like hay fever or asthma — a connection called the atopic triad. However, eczema is primarily a dysfunction of the skin barrier and immune system, not purely an allergic condition.
Ready for Calmer, Healthier Skin?
Build an eczema plan that fits your skin, your routine, and the way your symptoms affect daily life.
Ready for Calmer, Healthier Skin?
Build an eczema plan that fits your skin, your routine, and the way your symptoms affect daily life.
COMPLEX & INFLAMMATORY SKIN CARE
Psoriasis
Diagnosis and individualized treatment for skin, scalp, nail, and possible joint symptoms across every skin tone.
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition—not an infection—and effective treatment can reduce inflammation, scale, discomfort, and disease burden.
Dr. Christina Marcelus is a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, Georgia, who treats psoriasis with a comprehensive, evidence-based approach tailored to your skin type, the severity of your disease, and your individual treatment goals. Cutis MD Dermatology serves patients throughout Vinings, Buckhead, Cumberland, and greater Atlanta, with in-person and virtual appointments available.
WHAT IS PSORIASIS?
Inflammation that speeds skin-cell turnover
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition that accelerates the skin cell life cycle. Skin cells build up rapidly on the surface, forming patches of thick, scaly skin that can crack, bleed, and itch intensely. Psoriasis is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. It is a systemic inflammatory condition — meaning the inflammation extends beyond the skin — and patients with psoriasis have elevated risk of psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
PSORIASIS IN SKIN OF COLOR
Color and scale may look different
but the burden is just as real
In patients with lighter skin tones, psoriatic plaques typically appear pink or red with a silvery scale. In patients with melanin-rich skin, this presentation changes significantly: plaques may appear dark brown, purple, or grayish rather than red, and the scale may be less prominent. This difference means psoriasis in Black and brown patients is consistently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed and treated later than it would be in lighter-skinned patients.
Additionally, as psoriatic plaques heal, they frequently leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — dark patches that can persist long after the active plaque has cleared. Managing both the psoriasis and its aftermath is a core part of treatment at Cutis MD.
SKIN, SCALP, NAILS & JOINTS
Treatment Options
How Dr. Marcelus Treats Psoriasis at Cutis MD
Topical Therapy
Prescription anti-inflammatory and scale-reducing treatments for localized disease.
Phototherapy
Controlled ultraviolet treatment may help selected patients with more extensive disease.
Biologic Therapy
Targeted medicines can treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis and some forms of psoriatic arthritis.
The plan depends on severity, affected locations, joint symptoms, medical history, and what has or has not worked before.
Scalp Treatment
Solutions, foams, oils, or shampoos selected for scale, inflammation, and hair practices.
Oral Medication
Systemic therapy may be considered when topical care is not sufficient.
Coordinated Care
Referral and collaboration when joint symptoms or related health concerns are present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about psoriasis, flares, and treatment
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There is no permanent cure for psoriasis, but it can be very effectively managed. With modern biologic therapies, many patients achieve near-complete or complete skin clearance. The goal at Cutis MD is finding the right treatment to keep your psoriasis well-controlled with minimal side effects.
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No. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition — it cannot be spread through skin contact or any other means.
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Common triggers include stress, certain medications, skin injury (the Koebner phenomenon), infections, and alcohol. Identifying your personal triggers is part of the management approach at Cutis MD.
Ready for Calmer, Healthier Skin?
Build an eczema plan that fits your skin, your routine, and the way your symptoms affect daily life.
Ready to Find a Psoriasis Plan That Fits?
Get a treatment plan designed for your affected areas, symptoms, skin tone, and long-term goals.
PIGMENT-CONCIOUS DERMATOLOGY
Pigmentation & Melasma
Diagnosis-centered care for melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and other changes in skin color
UNDERSTANDING PIGMENT
Diagnosis comes before fading
Not all dark spots are the same — and treating them effectively requires knowing exactly what you're dealing with. The most common pigmentation concerns Dr. Marcelus evaluates include: melasma (hormonally-driven patches on the face); post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH (from acne, eczema, injury, or any skin irritation); solar lentigines (sun spots from UV exposure); drug-induced hyperpigmentation; and vitiligo (an autoimmune condition causing areas of depigmentation).
Accurately identifying the type and depth of pigmentation is the essential first step — because the wrong treatment for the wrong type can make the condition significantly worse.
COMMON PIGMENT CONCERNS
Melasma
Blotchy brown or gray-brown facial patches influenced by light, hormones, and individual susceptibility.
Post-inflammatory marks
Darkening after acne, eczema, rashes, irritation, injury, or procedures.
Uneven tone
Multiple pigment patterns may overlap and require a combined approach.
Loss of pigment
Lighter areas may arise from inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, or other causes.
TREAT THE CAUSE + PROTECT THE SKIN
Treatment Options
How Dr. Marcelus Treats Pigmentation at Cutis MD
Diagnostic Assessment
Confirming whether the concern is melasma, PIH, or another pigment disorder.
Barrier Support
Reducing irritation and treating the inflammatory condition that created the marks.
Chemical Peels
Carefully selected procedures for appropriate skin types and diagnoses.
Treatment is selected according to the diagnosis, pigment depth, skin sensitivity, and risk of further discoloration.
Prescription Topicals
Individualized brightening and pigment-regulating therapy.
Sun & Visible-Light Protection
A daily protection strategy selected for tone, comfort, and adherence.
Combination Plans
Layered home and office treatment with maintenance to reduce recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about melasma, PIH, and pigmentation
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Melasma is a chronic condition that can be effectively managed but not permanently cured. With consistent treatment and sun protection, most patients achieve significant and sustained improvement — but the condition can recur with hormonal changes or UV exposure without ongoing maintenance.
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In the wrong hands, yes. Chemical peels that are too aggressive or not calibrated for your skin tone can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin. At Cutis MD, peel selection is specific to your Fitzpatrick type.
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Over-the-counter brightening products can support treatment but rarely produce meaningful results on established melasma or deep PIH on their own. Prescription-strength topicals and professionally supervised protocols are typically necessary for significant, lasting improvement.
Ready for Calmer, Healthier Skin?
Build an eczema plan that fits your skin, your routine, and the way your symptoms affect daily life.
Ready to Begin Your Pigmentation Plan?
Start with a clear diagnosis and a strategy designed to improve tone without sacrificing skin health.
PROTECT. STABILIZE. SUPPORT.
Treatment Options
How Dr. Marcelus Treats Hair Loss at Cutis MD
Diagnostic Evaluation
Dermoscopy, focused laboratory testing, and biopsy when clinically appropriate.
Growth Support
Topical or oral growth-supporting therapy selected for the diagnosis.
PRP or PRFM
Regenerative procedures may support selected nonscarring hair-loss plans.
Treatment depends on whether the condition is scarring or nonscarring, how active it is, and which factors may be contributing.
Anti-inflammatory Care
Topical or injected treatment to calm active scalp inflammation.
Prescription Therapy
Oral medications may be considered for hormonal, autoimmune, or scarring patterns.
Hair-Care Guidance
Practical styling changes to reduce tension, irritation, and ongoing breakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about hair loss, CCCA, and regrowth
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In areas where the follicle has been permanently destroyed by scarring, hair cannot regrow. This is why early diagnosis and treatment are so critical — the goal is to stop the progression and preserve the follicles that remain. In early CCCA, halting progression and preventing further loss is achievable with appropriate treatment.
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In most cases, yes — if caught before scarring occurs. With timely treatment and style modification, significant or complete regrowth is possible. In cases where tight styling has been practiced for many years without any treatment, some permanent thinning may remain.
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CCCA is a scarring condition — meaning it permanently destroys hair follicles. Regular hair thinning from androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium does not destroy follicles. The distinction is critical for treatment planning, which is why dermoscopy and sometimes biopsy are important diagnostic tools.
Ready for Calmer, Healthier Skin?
Build an eczema plan that fits your skin, your routine, and the way your symptoms affect daily life.
Ready for Calmer, Healthier Skin?
Build an eczema plan that fits your skin, your routine, and the way your symptoms affect daily life.
COMPLEX & INFLAMMATORY CARE
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
Specialized, long-term care for painful recurring nodules, abscesses, drainage, tunnels, and scarring—without blame or dismissal.
If you've been living with painful, recurring bumps or abscesses in your underarms, groin, thighs, or beneath your breasts — and haven't been able to get answers — you may have hidradenitis suppurativa. Dr. Christina Marcelus is a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, Georgia, with specialized expertise in the diagnosis and long-term management of HS. Cutis MD Dermatology serves patients throughout Vinings, Buckhead, Cumberland, and the greater Atlanta area, with in-person and virtual appointments available.
WHAT HS ?
A chronic itch-and-inflammation cycle
Hidradenitis suppurativa, or HS, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, recurrent lumps, abscesses, and tunnel-like tracts beneath the skin, most commonly in the underarms, groin, inner thighs, buttocks, and under the breasts. It is not contagious. It is not caused by poor hygiene. It is not simply ingrown hairs or recurring cysts.
HS is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition driven by abnormal follicular occlusion, chronic inflammation, and in many patients, a significant genetic component. Without appropriate treatment, HS tends to progress, leading to more frequent flares, deeper scarring, and a substantial impact on quality of life
PERSONALIZED CARE.
Treatment Options
How Dr. Marcelus Treats HS at Cutis MD
Topical Care
Targeted topical care or antimicrobial therapies for selected areas and early disease.
Hormonal Options
Hormonal therapy may help selected patients with hormonally influenced disease.
Procedural Care
Advanced systemic treatment may be considered for moderate-to-severe HS.
Treatment is selected according to disease severity, affected areas, symptoms, previous therapies, medical history, and your preferences.
Oral Therapy
Anti-inflammatory antibiotics or other oral medicines when appropriate.
Biologic Therapy
Advanced systemic treatment may be considered for moderate-to-severe HS.
Wound & Surgical Coordination
Practical wound guidance and coordinated referral for persistent tunnels or scarring.
COMPLEX & INFLAMMATORY CARE
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
Specialized, long-term care for painful recurring nodules, abscesses, drainage, tunnels, and scarring—without blame or dismissal.
Conditions Dr. Marcelus treats in children
Dr. Marcelus sees pediatric patients for a wide range of conditions, including:
Eczema and atopic dermatitis — the most common pediatric skin condition, frequently undertreated in Black children because it presents differently on darker skin
Acne — including early-onset adolescent acne and acne in pre-teens
Hair loss and alopecia — including tinea capitis, alopecia areata, traction alopecia, and early CCCA, which can begin in childhood or adolescence
Rashes, viral infections, and contact dermatitis
Birthmarks, pigmentation irregularities, and vascular lesions
Molluscum contagiosum
Seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap and scalp flaking)
Keloids and hypertrophic scars
Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation concerns
Nail conditions
Skin of color in children
Many dermatologic conditions that disproportionately affect Black and brown adults begin or have roots in childhood. Eczema in Black children is particularly underrecognized — it appears grayish or ashen rather than red, and is frequently dismissed as dry skin. CCCA, the most common scarring hair loss in Black women, can begin in the teenage years or even earlier — and early diagnosis can preserve follicles that would otherwise be permanently lost. Traction alopecia from tight protective styles is another condition that begins in childhood and can cause permanent hair loss if not addressed early.
Our approach with young patients
Every pediatric appointment at Cutis MD is conducted with patience, clear communication, and an unhurried pace. Dr. Marcelus explains findings and treatment plans to both child and parent — in age-appropriate language for the child and clinical language for the parent. You will never leave a pediatric appointment without understanding exactly what was found, what it means, and what the plan is. Cosmetic and aesthetic services are available to patients 18 and older.
FAQ
FAQ Questions
Q: At what age should my child see a dermatologist?
There is no minimum age. If your child has a skin condition causing discomfort, that hasn't responded to over-the-counter treatment, or that your pediatrician has been unable to resolve, a dermatology evaluation is appropriate at any age.
Q: My child has had eczema since birth. Why isn't it getting better?
Eczema in children often requires prescription treatment to achieve meaningful control. Over-the-counter products are frequently not strong enough for moderate to severe pediatric eczema. There are also now biologic options approved for children as young as 6 months. A dermatology evaluation can identify the right protocol for your child's specific presentation.
Q: Can children get hair loss?
Yes, and several types of hair loss occur specifically in children. CCCA and traction alopecia can begin in childhood, and tinea capitis — a fungal scalp infection — is one of the most common causes of hair loss in school-age children. Early evaluation is important to determine the cause and begin treatment before permanent damage occurs.
Booking CTA
Cutis MD accepts new pediatric patients for all medical dermatology concerns. In-person in Vinings, Atlanta. Virtual consultations available for appropriate conditions.
Not every dermatology concern requires an in-person visit — and not every Georgian lives near a specialist. Dr. Christina Marcelus offers teledermatology appointments for patients throughout Georgia, providing the same board-certified expertise available in the Vinings office through a secure video consultation from wherever you are. Cutis MD's virtual visits are particularly well-suited for patients managing chronic conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa, eczema, hair loss, and acne — and for patients who have been waiting months for an appointment with a dermatologist who understands their skin.
What can be done in a virtual visit?
Many dermatology concerns can be effectively evaluated and managed through a high-quality video consultation. Virtual visits at Cutis MD are appropriate for:
Hidradenitis suppurativa follow-up visits and medication management
Acne evaluation and treatment
Eczema and atopic dermatitis management
Hair loss evaluation (with photos)
Prescription refills for established patients
Review of labs or prior test results
Second opinions on a prior diagnosis or treatment plan
Initial consultations for many conditions
Follow-up after procedures
Skincare and medication questions
What requires an in-person visit?
Certain evaluations and procedures require in-office equipment or direct examination: skin biopsies and excisions; full body skin checks and mole mapping; dermoscopy; injectable treatments (Botox, fillers, PRP); chemical peels and microneedling; and any procedure involving direct skin contact. If after your virtual evaluation Dr. Marcelus determines you need an in-person visit, she will let you know clearly and help coordinate it.
How it works
Book your virtual visit at cutismdcare.com and select Virtual Appointment as your visit type. You will receive a confirmation with a secure video link. At your appointment time, join from any device with a camera — smartphone, tablet, or computer. Come prepared with close-up photos of any skin concerns in good natural light, a list of current medications, and any prior records relevant to your concern. After the visit, prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy. Follow-up instructions are provided digitally.
FAQ
Q: Are virtual visits covered by insurance?
Cutis MD is currently completing the credentialing process with major Georgia insurers. During this transition, virtual visits are available on a self-pay basis at transparent, clearly communicated rates.
Q: Can Dr. Marcelus prescribe medications through a virtual visit?
Yes. Dr. Marcelus can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe appropriate medications through a virtual visit. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy.
Q: What if my condition can't be diagnosed virtually?
If Dr. Marcelus determines after your virtual visit that an in-person evaluation is needed, she will let you know directly and can schedule you at the Vinings office.
Booking CTA
Virtual appointments are available for patients throughout Georgia. Book online and select Virtual Appointment as your visit type. In-person appointments are available at our Vinings, Atlanta location.