What Does a Dermatologist Really Do? Medical, Cosmetic & Surgical Dermatology Explained
Many people believe that a dermatologist is only concerned with diagnosing and treating medical skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer. In reality, dermatology is a highly diverse specialty — equally rooted in medical, surgical, and cosmetic expertise.
In fact, a significant portion of global dermatology training and reference literature is dedicated to aesthetic and procedural aspects of skin care.
Dermatology: A Multifaceted Specialty
The most respected reference text, Bolognia’s Dermatology, allocates around 30% of its content to:
a- Cosmetic dermatology: Treatments like Botox, fillers, skin rejuvenation.
b- Procedural dermatology: Laser treatments, surgical excisions, scar treatments.
c- Dermatosurgery: Skin cancer surgery, mole removals, and aesthetic surgeries.
This comprehensive inclusion shows that aesthetics and surgeries are not side branches, but a core part of dermatological science.
Pioneering Aesthetic Innovations by Dermatologists
Many of the most popular aesthetic treatments today were pioneered or refined by dermatologists:
1- Botulinum toxin (Botox) for wrinkles
Dr. Alastair Carruthers & Dr. Jean Carruthers — Canadian dermatologists introduced Botox for cosmetic use in the late 1980s. [1]
2- Laser hair removal
Dr. Rox Anderson & Dr. Melanie Grossman — dermatologists at Harvard who first developed safe laser hair removal in 1996. [2]
3- Fractional laser resurfacing
Innovated by dermatologists to rejuvenate aging skin with less downtime compared to traditional lasers. [3]
4- Fillers for facial rejuvenation
Dermatologists were among the first to systematize filler use for anti-aging treatments. [4]
These examples demonstrate that the dermatology field is at the forefront of developing aesthetic and laser treatments, not just their application.
Why Some Dermatologists Focus Only on Medical Dermatology
While every dermatologist is trained in these cosmetic and procedural techniques, not all choose to practice them. Some prefer to focus exclusively on:
a-Complex skin diseases
b-Pediatric dermatology
c-Immunological skin disorders
d-Skin cancer management.
e-This specialization is often personal but doesn’t reflect a limitation of their education — a board-certified dermatologist is qualified across all aspects of skin, hair, and nail care.
Evidence of the Broad Dermatology Practice
A JAMA Dermatology 2018 study reported that 41% of dermatology visits in the US are for cosmetic concerns or procedures.
The American Board of Dermatology’s certification curriculum mandates competence in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
Furthermore, the International Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ISDS) and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) continuously drive research and guidelines for cosmetic innovations.
How to Verify If You’re Seeing a True Dermatologist
At Cutiscity, we’ve made it easier for patients
Use our Dermatologists Directory to verify if your doctor is officially licensed as a Specialist or Consultant Dermatologist.
In the UAE and globally, these designations ensure that the physician has completed specialized, regulated training.
Conclusion
Dermatology is not just about diseases — it’s about comprehensive skin health, aesthetics, and surgery. The reality is that most discoveries in aesthetic medicine have dermatologists behind them, thanks to their deep understanding of skin biology.
If you seek aesthetic, laser, or surgical treatments, always consult a qualified dermatologist to ensure safety, expertise, and evidence-based care.
References
1- Carruthers A, Carruthers J. History of the cosmetic use of Botulinum toxin A. Dermatol Surg. 2007.
2- Anderson RR, Grossman MC. Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science. 1983
3- Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RK, Tanner H, Anderson RR. Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal injury. Lasers Surg Med. 2004.
4- De Boulle K, Heydenrych I. The facial aging process: a practical review for the clinician. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2015.
5- JAMA Dermatology. Cosmetic Dermatology Procedures in the US. 2018.
