Dermatology is a field of medicine that focuses on the skin. There are two sub-fields of dermatology. Medical dermatology deals with health concerns, while cosmetic dermatology deals with aesthetic issues.
Most dermatologists practice both medical and cosmetic dermatology, but some focus only on medical or cosmetic procedures. Read on to find out about other key differences between medical and cosmetic dermatology in Bradenton, FL for help with deciding which type of doctor to visit.
Conditions Treated
Medical dermatologists treat health problems ranging in severity and commonness from moderate acne to skin cancer. They also treat warts, contact allergies, eczema, psoriasis, alopecia, and other disorders affecting the skin. Cosmetic dermatologists also treat some medical conditions, such as psoriasis or skin cancer, but they place more of a focus on avoiding scarring and ensuring that the patient’s skin looks clear and normal.
Cosmetic dermatologists also offer services for patients who don’t have health conditions. They offer treatments for purely aesthetic issues like spider veins, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discoloration that wouldn’t normally be considered cause for concern by a medical dermatologist.
Common Procedures
Medical dermatologists use a combination of topical creams, medications, and minor surgical procedures to treat health conditions. Cosmetic dermatologists also offer procedures like Botox, chemical peels, skin tightening, laser hair removal, and laser skin treatments. The primary goal of these procedures is to keep patients looking young and improve the appearance of their skin.
Insurance Coverage
Medical dermatology is almost always covered by insurance because the procedures performed by these specialists are medically necessary. Some procedures common in cosmetic dermatology in Bradenton, FL are covered, too, but only the ones that treat actual health conditions. Purely cosmetic treatments like skin tightening or laser hair removal won’t be covered by the vast majority of patients’ health insurance policies.
Which One to See
The best solution for most patients is to see a specialist who practices both medical and cosmetic dermatology. That way, they’ll be able to get dedicated medical treatment for their health issues without having to worry about whether they’ll be left with scarring and they can see the same doctors for purely cosmetic treatments.
