What is Cosmetic Dermatology?

Cosmetic dermatology, also known as aesthetic dermatology, is a sub-specialty that deals with addressing concerns regarding a person’s appearance. These may be procedures that make a person look younger, such as Botox. Cosmetic dermatology also involves procedures that restore damage such as acne scar treatment. It is sometimes subjective as to whether the treatment of a problem is medical or cosmetic. We know that as we are social beings, cosmetic concerns are very important in a person’s quality of life

Do Cosmetic Dermatologists do Surgery?

Yes, cosmetic dermatology involves many procedures that include steel scalpel surgery. In recent times; however, the term procedural dermatology has become more common as many of the services offered today are minimally invasive and are safer. They don’t involve cutting and scaring. Some examples of cosmetic procedures that dermatologist perform includes: lasers, radiofrequency, neurotoxin injections, fillers, and chemical peels. They also advise around skincare for the purpose of enhancing appearance and looking younger.

Is it Better to See a Dermatologist or Esthetician?

It depends on what you are looking for, the type of service, and how severe your problem is. There is some overlap in what cosmetic dermatologist and estheticians do. Dermatologists are physicians with medical licenses which allows them to do much of what an esthetician does as well as offer other services.

An esthetician has a cosmetology which allows them to offer a variety of beauty services. Dermatologist and estheticians often work together but have a different scope of practice. For example, with a patient of acne a dermatologist would be able to offer prescription medicine, certain medical procedures, as well as the less invasive beauty treatments and skin care that the esthetician would only be allowed to offer.

Dermatologist vs Plastic Surgeon

There is a lot of overlap between cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery. Cosmetic dermatologists are more focused on the minimally invasive procedures and have more specific training on skin disease, whereas plastic surgeons do the more invasive procedures such as breast reconstruction and face lifts.

Is Cosmetic Dermatology Covered by Insurance?

Generally, no. When a service is determined to be cosmetic, insurance will not pay and patients have to cover the cost themselves.

For example: If a doctor determines that a mole needs to be removed because it may be cancerous, that would be considered medically necessary; therefore, covered by insurance. If the patient wants a mole removed because they think it is unattractive, that would be considered cosmetic; therefore, the insurance company will not pay for it.

Read: Are chemical peels covered by insurance?