People commonly think of dermatologists as individuals who work to improve and maintain their clients' youthful appearance. Women and men alike utilize the dermatology resources available to them in the form of Botox injections, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion to help fight the signs of aging. Other common procedures include laser hair removal and, on the other end of the spectrum, hair rejuvenation. Some individuals opt for more advanced dermatology procedures such as thermage, fat transfer and varicose vein and lipodissolve treatments.

While dermatologists work to improve one’s appearance and self-esteem, they also perform procedures that improve one’s health. Dermatology also involves the treatment of skin cancer, which can have serious side effects if not treated, as well as other less serious skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.

Individuals may receive dermatology education and training by:

1. Completing courses in laser dermatology

2. Completing courses in cosmetic dermatology

3. Reading professional dermatology journals

4. Joining a professional society or association of dermatologists

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Complete laser dermatology courses as part of your dermatology education and training

Dermatologists utilize laser dermatology to treat medical conditions such as severe acne. Patients also seek laser dermatology for cosmetic procedures such as hair removal and skin resurfacing, making this an in-demand skill.

I recommend: The University of Michigan and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center offer laser dermatology programs as part of their dermatology curriculum.

Enroll in cosmetic dermatology courses as part of your dermatology education and training

Cosmetic dermatology is becoming increasingly popular with many individuals in society wanting to 'remove the past.' Individuals wanting to maintain their youthful appearance receive Botox injections, chemical peels and other anti-aging treatments. Tattoo removal is another cosmetic procedure sought out by individuals.

I recommend: Stanford University and Tufts University provide cosmetic dermatology programs to medical students.

Read journals and magazines to stay current on dermatologist information and training opportunities

Professional journals serve as dermatology resources skin doctors can utilize to remain up to date on research conducted in the field of dermatology. You can also find information about new training programs.

I recommend: The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology contain articles submitted by board certified dermatologists on research conducted on topics such as rosacea, retinoids, liposuction surgery and lasers, as well as articles discussing advanced dermatology issues, such as the treatment of skin cancers.

Join a professional dermatologist society for training opportunities

Professional dermatological societies and associations work to continue the progress made in the field by holding conferences, workshops and other events where professionals gather and share research and other information on dermatology.

I recommend: The American Society of Dermatopathology and the Pacific Dermatologic Association serve to continue the scientific advancements made in the field of dermatology by sponsoring conferences and other events where dermatologists can share research and receive education and training.

Many patients desire cosmetic dermatology, but don’t want to find a dermatologist. They wish their trusted primary medical providers were also skin doctors or dermatologists: You can fulfill your patients’ needs and increase your profit by offering basic dermatology services that are in high demand.

Patients want laser dermatology for hair removal, skin resurfacing and vein therapy; Botox injections, injectable facial fillers and chemical peels are also popular. Consider the following before adding these and other dermatology services:

1. Assess which dermatology services will be successful.

2. Determine what advanced dermatology training you will need.

3. Budget the needed dermatology resources, including equipment and supplies.

4. Evaluate promotional dermatologist information.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Analyze the cosmetic dermatology market

Before investing in expensive equipment, objectively analyze the projected income base and competition from dermatologists and other practitioners for the services you intend to provide.

I recommend: Shaw Marketing Partners has a proven record in cost benefit projections for many industries including medicine. Patients Unlimited Marketing Consultants specializes in practice assessment for cosmetic dermatology specialists.

Get the advanced dermatology training you need

These organizations provide hands-on training in use of equipment for cosmetic dermatology and health dermatology.

I recommend: The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery offers instruction in the use of lasers in health care. The Skin Disease Education Foundation offers seminars in cosmetic dermatology including live demonstrations using state of the art technology.

Purchase dermatology resources including equipment and supplies

These companies provide quality products at competitive prices. Depending on the services you provide, you made need lasers, exam tables, lights, instruments, and pharmaceutical injectables.

I recommend: Cosmetic-Lasers.com specializes in refurbished and pre-owned medical lasers. Telluride has a full line of dermatology equipment and supplies and an online catalog. Medical Device Source offers a wide selection of wholesale cosmetic products including botulinum toxins, injectable dermal filters and topical retinoids.

Provide information on dermatology to your patients

Help your patients visualize the possibilities: Promote your dermatology services in your waiting room through video displays of before and after photos. Have a generous supply of educational pamphlets on hand for patients to take home.

I recommend: Profect Medical Technologies sells an easy to use photography and software system for storing and exhibiting before-and-after photos of patients. Contact the American Academy of Dermatology for a full line of patient education pamphlets.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with major insurance carriers to determine which dermatology services are covered by their plans. This information is useful in promoting services to patients.
• •  Have prices and payment plans available alongside educational pamphlets.
• •  Offer dermatology consultations at no charge. Patients will feel at ease and schedule subsequent procedures.
• •  Model the services you offer. You can be your own best advertisement. This shows patients you have confidence in your dermatology procedures.

Individuals often turn to dermatological treatments to help them look and feel younger. Besides treating fine lines, improving skin texture and leaving individuals with a smoother, tighter skin, dermatologists also treat skin conditions such as acne, acne scarring and skin cancer. Common dermatological procedures used for treating individuals suffering from skin conditions and those seeking treatment for cosmetic purposes include BOTOX injections, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, thermage, laser skin resurfacing and cryosurgery.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

BOTOX

Cosmetic benefits of BOTOX injections include the minimization of wrinkles, as well as helping individuals who suffer from severe sweating.

I recommend: Refer to Allergan for more information on BOTOX and its uses.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels, which may utilize alphahydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acids and phenol, remove the outer layers of the skin, revealing a smoother texture. Individuals suffering from conditions such as acne scars, facial blemishes, sun damaged skin, fine wrinkles, pre-cancerous growths and uneven skin pigmentation may benefit from chemical peels.

I recommend: Refer to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website for more information on chemical peels.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a type of skin resurfacing that improves skin texture, acne and acne scars. An advantage of microdermabrasion over other skin resurfacing treatments is that the patient requires no anesthesia.

I recommend: For more information on microdermabrasion, refer to eMedicine.

Thermage

Thermage is a non-invasive treatment that results in tighter and smoother skin and less visible wrinkles, as well as a more youthful appearance.

I recommend: Refer to the Thermage website for more information on this treatment.

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin and improves the appearance of wrinkles and scarring from acne. In comparison to chemical peels and microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing does not have as many side effects, such as swelling and redness.

I recommend: For more information on laser skin resurfacing, refer to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a process in which a dermatologist applies extreme cold to skin tissue affected by conditions such as warts, skin tags and skin cancer. As the extreme cold temperature is applied, ice crystals form which in turn cause the cells to break apart. Possible side effects of cryosurgery include redness and pain where treatment has occurred.

I recommend: Refer to the American Academy of Family Physicians for more information on cryosurgery.

If you're looking for a career with a sunny future, check into dermatology education and training advice and ratings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the medical field—including in dermatology—are expected to expand in the next decade. Skin cancer is on the rise, and cosmetic procedures continue to be popular. But in order to thrive in this career, you'll need proper training. Whether you wish to be a dermatologist, a dermatology nurse or a dermatologist's assistant, the better the training you have, the easier it is to find an excellent job.

To offer your future patients the best possible care—and to find the best placement once you've graduated—carefully choose which medical school you'll attend. There are several popular sources of information about colleges and dermatology courses. Explore them all, taking time to research the possibilities.

Consider the following:

1. Popular sources of information about which schools are the best for a dermatologist education.

2. How popular sources for college rankings determine which schools for dermatologist training are best.

3. And dermatology associations for information about ongoing education to fulfill your dermatology certification.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read what popular college rankings have to say about dermatology courses

Two of the most popular and reliable guides to colleges in the United States are U.S. News & World Report and Students Review. U.S. News & World Report is well known for its ranking of American colleges, and is easy to search, school by school. Students Review allows you to research what students in colleges across the United States think of the dermatology schools they've attended.

I recommend: U.S. News & World Report ranks medical colleges and allows you to search by program. Students Review allows you to see what college students have to say about dermatology programs in the United States.

Understand what popular rankings mean for your cosmetic dermatology education

U.S. News & World Report allows a residency director scoring and a peer assessment score to make up 40% of its total scoring system. Another 30% is based on the funding the school has for research, and the rest of the scoring is based on the ratio of teachers to students and things like mean MCAT score. Students Review allows students to make up their own scoring criteria.

I recommend: College Confidential gives an overview of U.S. News & World Report's ranking system and what it really means for America's courses for dermatology. PBS offers a conversation about how useful college rankings really are.

Look to professional organizations for ongoing dermatology classes

Continuing education courses vary widely in what they offer; one of the best ways to rank dermatologist classes is to look for programs supported by an established professional association.

I recommend: The Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) offers a list of appropriate continuing education programs. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also publishes a list of credible regional dermatology seminars suitable for ongoing education.