Dermatology is an area of medicine that focuses on medical conditions affecting the skin. Cosmetic dermatology – also known as aesthetic medicine – is a subspecialty within dermatology that helps patients improve their skin, hair, and nails for cosmetic (aesthetic) purposes, rather than for health reasons.
The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it is the first line of defense against disease and injury. It protects all of the organs and other structures inside the body. It is also vulnerable to skin diseases and cancers, plus most people consider the aesthetic look of their skin highly important.
Every dermatologist graduated from medical school and completed residency training, during which they specialized in dermatology. Dermatologists can choose to practice medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, or both. Let’s talk about how these two fields are connected and how they are separate, and where you can go in the greater Miami area and South Florida to see an outstanding family dermatologist who also practices cosmetic dermatology.
When Should I Visit a General Dermatologist?
General dermatologists are ready to effectively identify, treat, and help you manage a variety of skin conditions, including:
- Abscesses
- Acne
- Actinic keratosis (rough, scaly skin due to excessive sun exposure)
- Skin cysts
- Skin cancers
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Melasma
- Moles
- Nail conditions (such as fungal infections)
- Psoriasis
- Rash
- Rosacea
- Skin tags
- Vitiligo
If you have any unusual skin growths or coloration, or if you would like to have a skin checkup to make sure you don’t have any signs of cancer, see a general dermatologist. Do not assume that darker skin protects you more than lighter skin, because anyone can get skin cancer.
How Does Cosmetic Dermatology Work?
Cosmetic dermatology focuses on enhancing the skin – primarily on the face and neck – for cosmetic purposes, as opposed to treating a medical condition. Cosmetic dermatology treatments can dramatically improve the appearance of the skin, thereby also helping to improve the patient’s self-confidence.
A cosmetic dermatologist can treat a number of different skin conditions, such as:
- Unusual skin growths and warts
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Signs of premature aging
- Skin pigmentation issues (light spots or brown spots)
- Acne
- Skin issues after having surgery for something else
- Sunburn
- Scars
- Moles
A cosmetic dermatologist can provide a variety of aesthetic services to help patients feel and look their very best, including:
- Botox
- Dysport
- Fillers, such as Restylane
- Skin peels/microdermabrasion
- Ultrasonic skin rejuvenation
- Laser skin tightening/rejuvenation to improve skin tone and minimize scars
- Laser removal of tattoos and brown spots
- Laser hair removal
- Vascular laser treatments (for varicose veins and spider veins)
- A range of skincare products, such as day and night creams, sunscreens, eye creams, lip treatments, and facial cleansers
Cosmetic Dermatology and Family Dermatology in Greater Miami
At Children’s Skin Center Pediatric and Adult Dermatology, we provide a wide range of cutting-edge dermatological treatments for your whole family. Our board-certified dermatologists offer comprehensive care for skin health and cosmetic services to help you look and feel great.
To learn more about our services, or to schedule an appointment with one of our world-class dermatologists, contact us today by calling or texting us at (305) 669-6555. We look forward to serving you and your family!
