Your Dermatologist Knows

When it comes to providing personalized care for your skin, no one is more qualified than a board-certified dermatologist. Surprisingly, a recent study by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) shows that younger people, while retaining a very positive attitude toward dermatologists, have a greater tendency to view non-physician clinicians and aestheticians as experts.

While non-physician aestheticians can help with some skin care needs, their experience is limited. Only board-certified dermatologists have the training, tools, and expertise to provide you with a full continuum of dermatology care from the time you’re a child through the golden years of your life.

However, to truly understand the advantages dermatologists provide, it’s helpful to know what a dermatologist is and how they earned their title. How does a dermatologist differ from an aesthetician or beauty influencer? Let’s find out

What is a Dermatologist?

Dermatologists are medical doctors that specialize in conditions that affect a person’s skin, nails, and hair. From acne, wrinkles and psoriasis to rashes and melanoma, nobody understands your hair, skin, and nails to the depth and scope of a board-certified dermatologist.

What Exactly Does a Dermatologist Do?

Board-certified dermatologists undergo extensive training that they use to diagnose and treat over 3,000 types of skin, hair, and nail diseases. Dermatologists also help diagnose and solve many cosmetic concerns as well, such as wrinkles, hair removal, and treatments for brown spots, benign skin growths and skin redness.

A dermatologist knows the difference between a minor issue and a severe problem. They know that deadly conditions require their expert care. At the same time, they understand that some skin problems don’t have to be life-threatening to be life-changing.

To get to this level of expertise, years of hard work and education are required.

What Kind of Training Does a Dermatologist Undergo?

In terms of diagnosing and treating conditions that affect a person’s skin, nails, and hair, nobody has had to undergo more training than a board-certified dermatologist. Before they can practice their trade, dermatologists must complete over a decade of education. A dermatologist’s training and education include:

• Four years of undergrad college to earn a bachelor’s degree
• Four years of post-grad medical school to become a medical doctor
• One year of training as a medical intern
• Three years of residency training, working with experienced doctors clocking 12,000 – 16,000 hours treating dermatology patients.

To further their expertise, dermatologists also become board-certified practitioners. The exam to become a board-certified dermatologist is especially challenging and must be completed through one of three organizations:

•  American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
• American Board of Dermatology
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Board recertification is required every 10 years along with completing continuing medical education (CME) annually to remain certified.  

When to Choose a Board-Certified Dermatologist…when to choose an Aesthetician

If you want to give your skin, hair, and nails the highest level of care, you should choose a board-certified dermatologist. Unlike aestheticians, board-certified dermatologists can diagnose and treat a plethora of skin problems, from benign warts to dangerous skin cancers. Plus, dermatologists understand the nuanced interactions between your skin and your body. What might seem like a common rash could actually indicate something more serious.

By contrast, aestheticians are professionals that offer non-surgical treatments to beautify your skin. They can help with cosmetic issues like improving your skin’s appearance. They are not medical professionals. 

While board-certified dermatologists are known for specialized medical and surgical care, many offer cosmetic services. The experts at Center for Dermatology offer cosmetic treatments including:

• Laser Treatments
• Botox Treatment for fine lines and wrinkles
• Cosmetic treatment for lesions such as skin tags and seborrheic keratosis
• MiraDry Treatment for excessive sweating

People trust board-certified dermatologists with their cosmetic problems because dermatologists understand the skin and the anatomy of muscles and nerves that lie underneath. This expertise helps give the best cosmetic approach to patients.

Trust the Center for Dermatology Difference

As a member of the American Academy of Dermatology Association and American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, Dr. Robert Zabel is a board-certified expert offering medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services in Lakeville, MN.

We want you to feel confident that when you choose the Center for Dermatology, you’re working with qualified, experienced, and caring healthcare professionals. We invite you to schedule an appointment and look forward to meeting you!

Call us today at (952) 469-5033 to schedule a dermatology appointment in Lakeville, MN!