Cosmetic Dermatologist

A cosmetic dermatologist, also known as an aesthetic dermatologist, performs treatments and procedures that focus mainly on enhancing your appearance. According to the Miller School of Medicine in Miami, common dermatologist cosmetic procedures include dermal fillers, Botox, and laser hair removal.

Traditional dermatologists focus more on treating medical issues and health conditions that affect the skin, such as psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer. In comparison, notes the Miller School of Medicine, cosmetic dermatologists focus on reducing signs of aging and enhancing your appearance in other ways to make you feel more confident about the way you look.

Some people confuse cosmetic dermatology with cosmetology, which are not the same. The difference between a dermatologist and a cosmetologist is that a dermatologist is a skin care doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. In contrast, a cosmetologist specializes in beautifying the skin, hair, and nails, says MTI College. A cosmetologist is not a medical doctor and does not perform medical treatments.

A person who wants to become a cosmetic dermatologist must earn a bachelor’s degree with majors in science-based subjects that help them better understand the medical field, reports Windsor University School of Medicine. This is usually followed by four years of medical school, completion of a dermatology residency program, and a one- or two-year fellowship in a cosmetic dermatology subspecialty program, adds the university.

According to the Windsor University School of Medicine, a cosmetic dermatologist can work with you to improve areas of your skin that you feel are unsightly or contributing to an older-looking appearance. In some cases, your skin care doctor may recommend combining one or more treatments to help you achieve your ideal look.

Common treatments

Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers are some of the most common treatments performed by cosmetic dermatologists and can reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, reports the Windsor University School of Medicine. Light therapy can reduce skin discoloration and scarring, while laser hair removal can reduce unwanted hair on the face and other areas of the body. Your cosmetic dermatologist can talk to you in more detail about the treatments and services they offer.

Botox

Botox is an injectable treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. According to Baylor College of Medicine, it works by relaxing muscles in the face that contribute to wrinkling. Botox produces results that last between three and four months. Side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own after a few days.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that plump up the skin to add volume and definition to areas of your face that may be sagging or drooping. They can also help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring, reports the FDA. The ingredients in dermal fillers can boost hydration in your skin to make it fuller and can also stimulate collagen production to make your skin look younger and softer.

Exfoliating treatments

Exfoliating treatments focus on removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin to make it look brighter, smoother, and more rejuvenated. According to Saint Louis University, Facial, chemical peels, micro-needling, and microdermabrasion are some of many cosmetic exfoliating treatments.

IPL therapy

“IPL” stands for intense pulsed light. IPL therapy uses several wavelengths of light to improve various types of skin discoloration, reports the University of Utah. Sunspots, age spots, and broken blood vessels are some of the many types of discoloration that can be treated with IPL therapy.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal can reduce or remove unwanted hair from areas of the body, including your face, underarms, legs, and bikini area. According to Baylor College of Medicine, the laser used in this treatment emits a small pulse of laser energy to target and destroy pigmented hair follicles. The college adds that most people need up to eight treatment sessions to achieve up to 80% hair loss in targeted areas.

Tattoo removal

Tattoo removal involves a laser that breaks up and disperses the pigment under the skin to make your tattoo nearly invisible, reports the University of Utah. This process usually requires nine to 12 treatment sessions over one year. The university adds that black tattoos are normally more difficult to remove than blue or purple tattoos and may require additional treatment sessions.

Non-invasive fat removal

Non-invasive fat removal treatments like CoolSculpting involve freezing and breaking down excess fat cells so they can be naturally eliminated from the body. According to Baylor College of Medicine, CoolSculpting can be used to target areas with excess fat such as the thighs, upper arms, and neck that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

Many times, your cosmetic dermatologist will meet with you before your desired procedure to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate and talk to you about what you hope to accomplish with treatment. During that time, your skin care doctor can talk to you in greater detail about what to expect from treatment, depending on the type of procedure you’re having. Most dermatologist cosmetic procedures take place in an outpatient setting and require no downtime, notes the Baylor College of Medicine.