Medical vs Cosmetic Dermatology: What are the Differences?

It is safe to say that the world of dermatology is divided into two separate camps. On the one side, there are cosmetic dermatologists. These individuals use BOTOX® injections and other services to cater to the needs of patients looking to maintain their youthful appearance and remove the signs of aging.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are medical dermatologists. These individuals focus on providing help to patients with medical conditions that are affecting the appearance and health of their skin.

Both types of dermatologists provide an invaluable service to their patients. Both, in some ways, help patients improve the appearance of their skin and will work with patients to help them have skin that is as healthy as it can possibly be.

Cosmetic dermatology is a field that is growing in popularity. Research performed by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery indicates that since 1997 cosmetic dermatology procedures have increased.

On an annual basis, over five million cosmetic surgical or nonsurgical procedures were performed by dermatologists.

One side effect of the growth of the cosmetic dermatology industry is that there is an ever-present shortage of medical dermatologists.

Noting this trend, many dermatologists are splitting their time between the cosmetic side of the field and the strict medical side of the field.

Dermatologists as a whole do not want to forget the medical problems associated with dermatology. In order for the cosmetic side of the industry to grow, constant research must be done on the medical side. Dermatologists realize that they cannot give up their focus on this area.

Dermatologists are clear to state that they are not seeing a wholesale flight of medical dermatologists to the cosmetic surgical field. What they are noticing is that more dermatologists have included cosmetic surgery as a portion of work they do.

The American Academy of Dermatology commented that on average, dermatologists spend about five hours of the week doing cosmetic procedures and 32 hours of the week seeing patients who have medical issues that need to be treated.

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At the end of the day, while cosmetic and medical dermatology are different, it is almost impossible to separate the two areas of practice from each other. They work hand-in-hand to help patients feel better and look better.

For more information, contact Rao Dermatology today to schedule an appointment. If you are in the Manhattan, NY or Fresno, CA area, contact us today.

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