Is Aesthetics an Integral Part of Dermatology?

Dermatology is a science that focuses on healing skin and hair, while cosmetic dermatology is a branch of this science that emphasizes improving one's appearance. It includes injectables, lasers, facials, peels, and other treatments that are designed to improve the look of skin and hair. Not only does it have the potential to improve physical appearance, but it can also have a positive effect on mental health by boosting self-confidence and self-perception. Aesthetic medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on improving the cosmetic appearance of patients.

This is done by treating conditions such as wrinkles, moles, excess oil, spider veins, sagging skin, liver spots, discolored hair, excess hair, and scarring. Non-surgical cosmetic dermatology encompasses a variety of procedures that are known to be safe and effective. These procedures include therapy with energy-based devices, neurotoxins, and dermal fillers. The desire to look attractive has been part of human civilization since ancient times.

In fact, studies have shown that looking good leads to a greater sense of well-being. This is why cosmetic dermatology is one of the fastest growing areas within dermatology today. When deciding whether to seek dermatology or aesthetic services, it is important to understand the difference between the two. Dermatologists have more training in subspecialties and interest in various areas such as skin cancers, skin surgeries, pediatric dermatology, aesthetics, venereology, immunological skin diseases, drug eruptions, and dermatopathology.

The main objective of cosmetic dermatology is to improve a person's appearance by reducing or eliminating imperfections. Some of the most commonly used aesthetic treatments and areas of application in dermatology include dermal fillers for correcting fine lines and wrinkles; anti-wrinkle treatments for a younger look; medical lasers for tightening skin and eliminating age spots; microdermabrasion for skin rejuvenation; and HydraFacials for deep cleansing and moisturizing. At our dermatology office, we take our responsibility for the health of our patients very seriously. We offer only safe and proven methods to achieve the desired appearance while discouraging exaggerations and unnatural processes.

We also have lasers to eliminate disgraced tattoos. Dermatologists have an advantage over aesthetic doctors in that they can put aesthetic treatments to “treat skin conditions”. Qualifications such as Dip Derm (Diploma) or MSc Derm (Master's Degree) held by some aesthetic doctors do not mean accreditation as a specialist in Dermatology. To ensure that dermatology residents have essential knowledge of basic and advanced aesthetic procedures, there has been a shift from informal training to a structured program.