Dermatology is an area of medicine that centers around the skin. A medical doctor who specializes in the health and diseases of the skin, hair, and nails is called a dermatologist. Cosmetic dermatology, meanwhile, is a part of dermatology that focuses specifically on the appearance of the skin.
When Does a Person Need Cosmetic Dermatology?
Unlike some other fields of medicine, cosmetic dermatology is not used to address serious medical problems. Cosmetic dermatology is focused on making the skin look better.
As the skin ages, it slowly loses its natural vitality. Collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and supple, are damaged by the aging process. Most cosmetic dermatology patients are trying to fight against the effects of aging and to thereby retain or regain a youthful, attractive appearance.
What Cosmetic Dermatology Procedures Are Performed?
Cosmetic dermatology is always best performed by a licensed, board-certified dermatologist. A trained dermatologist is a skilled medical professional capable of carrying out many important, valuable cosmetic procedures. Some of the primary procedures include the following:
Botox
Botox works by relaxing muscles. This prescription medicine, which is made with the botulinum toxin, is injected into facial muscles, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The effects generally last for three to four months. Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available.
Microneedling
This procedure involves pricking the skin with tiny needles, which causes the body to produce more collagen and elastin as it heals the skin. Four to six procedures of microneedling are generally needed. Each takes less than 20 minutes. Microneedling can address not just wrinkles and lines, but also acne scars, sun damage, and stretch marks.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use chemicals to remove the outer layer of old, dead skin found on the face. This process encourages newer, healthier skin to grow, although swelling and redness occur in the short term. Peels can vary in strength from superficial to deep applications. Deeper applications are more effective but also have a longer recovery period.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive substance such as sand to remove the outer layers of dead skin. This simple procedure takes about an hour to perform and can treat hyperpigmentation, scarring, and sun damage, as well as signs of aging like wrinkles and lines. It requires no downtime.
Dermal Fillers
Fillers involve the injection of compounds into the chin, cheeks, or lips for the purposes of reducing wrinkles, lines, and sagging. A relatively simple process, the dermal filler procedure can generally be completed in less than 30 minutes and requires no downtime.
Cosmetic dermatology is a valuable and important part of medicine. While cosmetic dermatology might not be as crucial as those areas of medicine that treat life-threatening conditions, improving the appearance of the skin is certainly still vital to the self-esteem, wellbeing, and happiness of many patients.