Cosmetic Dermatology: A Guide to the Field and Career Path

Cosmetic Dermatology is a specialized branch of dermatology focused on enhancing the appearance of the skin, hair, and nails. In this article, you'll learn about the roles and responsibilities of a cosmetic dermatologist, their work environment, and the steps required to become one.

A common question that’s always asked about this specialty is “what does a cosmetic dermatologist do or what work environment do they work in”. A typical place that they could work in is dermatology clinics, general practices or even medical spas. They also address anything that the patient wants or needs. Some examples of things they can perform are correcting skin tone, smoothing wrinkles, removing hair on the face or body, reducing surface fat, tightening skin, removing tattoos, treating cellulite, treating acne and acne scars. In addition to this they might prescribe medications and make recommendations for lifestyle and skin care.  Some additional things that you can see cosmetic dermatology for are cosmetic procedures such as: botox injections, dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid fillers, synthetic wrinkle fillers, collagen wrinkle fillers, autologous wrinkle fillers), exfoliating treatments (physical exfoliation, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser skin treatment).

If you are passionate about becoming a cosmetic dermatologist, the road path to becoming one is going to college and obtaining a bachelor degree in any major of your choice as long as you have taken the prerequisite courses for medical school. After college you would need to go to an accredited medical school and complete an accredited residency program in dermatology which includes a year of internship plus three years of residency. After you finish your residency you can focus on cosmetic dermatology training. After doing the training some doctors even  consider additional cosmetic dermatology courses or fellowships to deepen their expertise. 

A frequently asked question is: "Why do people choose to become cosmetic dermatologists ?" Many enter the field because they are passionate about improving people’s appearance and self-confidence. Cosmetic dermatology allows doctors to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals through advanced medical procedures, ultimately boosting their self-esteem and overall well-being.