Career Profile of a Cosmetic Dermatologist
Job Descriptions December 5, 2012While dermatology deals with treatment of the skin, cosmetic dermatology are relied on by people interested in enhancing their skin and who want to look better by employing cosmetic procedures. Uneven skin pigmentation, skin growths that are otherwise benign, extraneous hair, allergic reactions, acne, skin aging, and fungal or bacterial infections are the different kinds of problems that ruin the appearance of the skin and causes people to seek the help of cosmetic dermatologists who provide surgical and medical treatment to resolve the problems.
Job Responsibilities
Aging, unhealthy lifestyle, excessive exposure to the sun, fluctuating hormone levels, stress and underlying medical conditions are among the factors that cause damage to the skin. People who seek to improve the health of their skin consult with cosmetic dermatologists who work to diagnose and remedy the problem.
The skin are freed of blemishes and revitalized from the services and procedures that dermatologist employ, such as microdermabrasion, collagen fillers, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, skin tightening, laser hair removal and botox injections. People who seek laser tattoo removal, and resolution of problems such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or hair loss consult cosmetic dermatologist’s specialist.
Cosmetic dermatologist perform cosmetic procedures either specialized or common variety; they make a valuable contribution to scientific research in universities and hospitals. Accelerated aging, skin cancer, and other infections of the skin are treated by cosmetic dermatologists via an examination of genetic and cellular causes of skin problems apart from a study of molecular biology. Additionally, cosmetic dermatologists’ researches findings help develop safe new technologies and products that enhance the skin.
Growth & Wage Potential
Job growth for all physicians and surgeons are projected to grow at twenty-two percent during the period between 2008 and 2018 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (www.bls.gov)). This is a much higher growth rate than the average for all professions. As of November 2011, a dermatologist earned an average annual salary of $251,528 (source: Salary.com). A dermatologist who owns an independent practice usually takes home a higher income than salaried earning dermatologists.
Prerequisites
In order to practice professionally, a cosmetic dermatologist has to obtain certification from the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). To qualify for the certification exam, the potential dermatologist must hold a degree from an accredited osteopathic or medical school and must have a valid license that allows them to practice medicine.
Additionally, they must have four years of training after graduation, including a three-year residency program in dermatology and one year of clinical training in a core program with accreditation. Coursework for residency training includes science fields such as oncology, biochemistry and anatomy. The trainees are given valuable experience in outpatient and inpatient care. They are expected to be skilled in various medical and cosmetic procedures such as preventive medicine, laser surgery, procedures aimed at countering dermatological surgery and allergies, and systemic and topical pharmacology.
