What Is Cosmetic Dermatology?
Depending on relevant state law, the person performing your next Botox® or dermal filler treatment could be a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner, a physician’s assistant, a general-practitioner physician, or even a dentist.
That’s right. They don’t have to be a “true” dermatologist. Any appropriately licensed medical professional can go through cosmetic dermatology training and perform cosmetic dermatology procedures under relevant state law.
But what exactly is cosmetic dermatology? Read on to find out.
What Is Cosmetic Dermatology?
Cosmetic dermatology is an area of medical practice focused on skin rejuvenation and beautification. Any cosmetic procedures that involve the skin and underlying tissues, or produce direct and visible changes to the appearance or overall health of the skin, can accurately be described as cosmetic dermatology.
Some common examples of cosmetic dermatology are:
- Botulinum toxin treatments. This popular, minimally invasive injectable treatment temporarily lessens the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face. Marketed as Botox and under other brand names as well, botulinum toxin paralyzes the facial muscles without causing permanent harm.
- Dermal filler injections. This is another popular, minimally invasive injectable treatment that reduces lines and wrinkles while enhancing skin volume. Some types of fillers stimulate collagen production as well, further enhancing volume.
- Chemical peels. This is a skin resurfacing procedure that removes the outer layer of skin (and the dead cells on top) to reveal more youthful, vibrant-looking skin below.
- Laser hair removal. This is a cost-effective and noninvasive technique for removing unwanted hair from the face, arms, legs, body, and bikini area.
- Acne scar repair and removal. This may be minimally invasive or noninvasive, depending on the format. The result is the same: acne scars reduced or eliminated in high-visibility areas of the face or neck.
- Tattoo removal. It’s not often thought of as a dermatological procedure, but tattoo removal absolutely is. It’s surprisingly common too.
- Laser and light therapy. This related group of procedures can aid in both skin resurfacing and in other rejuvenation treatments. Ask your provider about the differences between intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and laser light therapy.
Not all dermatology procedures are considered cosmetic. For example, skin cancer removal is a dermatologic medical treatment, but it’s also medically necessary in a way that Botox or chemical peels are not. However, post-surgical scar removal may be considered cosmetic dermatology.
Who Practices Cosmetic Dermatology?
There is a group of medical professionals — board-certified dermatologists, specifically — known as cosmetic dermatologists. They’re very good at what they do, but they’re not the only ones who practice cosmetic dermatology.
Who else does? That depends on applicable state laws. The following types of medical providers may perform cosmetic dermatology procedures:
- Registered nurses with relevant training
- Nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants
- General practitioners, such as internal medicine physicians
- Plastic surgeons, who also perform more invasive surgical procedures
- Dentists and oral surgeons
Board-certified physicians, surgeons, and dentists may also practice or supervise aesthetic medical treatments that aren’t dermatologic in nature. Those treatments may include hormone replacement therapy, subcutaneous fat removal procedures, and plastic surgery procedures that involve tissues deeper than the lower layers of skin.
