The Difference between Cosmetic and Medical Dermatology

It is important to explain that there’s a blurring between some cosmetic and medical dermatology treatments. Many people assume that all cosmetic treatments don’t pierce the skin. This isn’t the case—such as with dermal fillers and injectables.

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The Difference between Cosmetic and Medical Dermatology

Dermatology comes in two distinct guises: cosmetic and medical. However, for those outside the industry, it can sometimes be challenging to differentiate between the two.

The following is an easy guide to understanding the key differences between cosmetic and medical dermatology, plus explains some of the most common treatments that fall beneath each category.

Defining the Difference between Cosmetic and Medical Dermatology

  • Cosmetic dermatology vs. medical dermatology
  • Examples of cosmetic dermatology
  • Examples of medical dermatology

Cosmetic dermatology vs. medical dermatology

The easiest way to define the difference between cosmetic and medical dermatology is this:

Cosmetic dermatology defines treatments that enhance your looks. Medical dermatology treats medical conditions that affect the skin.

However, the treatment of some medical conditions might also benefit from various cosmetic treatments. Despite this, it’s important to understand that only a medical skin professional—known as a dermatologist—is qualified to recommend any cosmetic treatments to treat a clinical condition.

It’s also worth mentioning that some treatments that are considered cosmetic can only be carried out by a medically-trained and qualified doctor. This includes anything invasive to the body, such as any plastic surgery (for example, rhinoplasty—or nose reshaping) that’s carried out to enhance a person’s appearance.

Examples of cosmetic dermatology

Many types of cosmetic dermatology treatments don’t require a physician or doctor to do them. While the field is well-regulated and requires practitioners to be board-certified, you should always carry out due diligence to ensure that any potential provider is trained and qualified to perform the treatment.

Some of the most commonly carried out cosmetic dermatology treatments include:

  • Injectables and fillers: Such as Botox and Dysport—used to target wrinkles and fine lines. 
  • Laser hair removal: Permanent or semi-permanent hair removal.
  • Electrolysis: Another method of hair removal.
  • Chemical peels: A deep exfoliation that removes the top layers of skin and reduces the signs of aging.
  • Microneedling: Stimulates collagen and elastin production deep within the skin. Promotes increased skin structure and quality.
  • Laser body shaping: A non-invasive method of targeting fat reduction, including the highly popular and effective Coolsculpting.
  • Vein and blood vessel reduction: Often using a laser to target problem areas.
  • Laser skin resurfacing: An alternative to chemical peels.

Some of these treatments may also be used by dermatologists to treat a variety of medical conditions, such as excessive sweating and rosacea.

Examples of medical dermatology

As already mentioned, medical dermatology targets diseases and other clinical conditions. 

Examples include:

  • Acne and associated scarring
  • Wart removal
  • Alopecia
  • Psoriasis
  • Contact dermatitis and contact allergies
  • Eczema
  • Skin cancer
  • Rosacea
  • Excessive sweating

Medical dermatology also covers health conditions that affect the hair and nails, as well as the skin.

It is important to explain that there’s a blurring between some cosmetic and medical dermatology treatments. Many people assume that all cosmetic treatments don’t pierce the skin. This isn’t the case—such as with dermal fillers and injectables. However, while this could be considered invasive, it is minimally so. That’s why simple injections like this are classified under the cosmetic, rather than the medical banner.

Any procedure that involves cutting the body tissue, such as wart removal, is considered to be clinical.

Bayou City Dermatology Offers the Ultimate in both Cosmetic and Medical Dermatology

Bayou City Dermatology is a leading medically-led dermatology clinic that offers both cosmetic and medical treatments. The benefits of choosing a doctor-led provider are many but include the reassurance that you’ll only be considered for either type of treatment following a detailed medical assessment.

There are many contraindications to even the simplest of skin procedures—sadly, something that too many people only find out after an inexperienced practitioner has deemed it safe. 

Don’t entrust your precious looks and skin to anyone other than the experts. Visit 

https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/services and call today to book a no-obligation consultation.