Dermatology as a medical specialty is bifurcated into two distinct groups. One group comprises cosmetic dermatologists who address the patients’ needs for maintaining a youthful appearance and mitigating signs of aging.
The second group comprises medical and surgical dermatologists. These medical professionals help treat medical conditions impacting the skin’s health and appearance.
Both groups of dermatologists provide patients with an invaluable service. In some ways, both types of dermatologists help patients improve their skin appearance and achieve healthy, radiant skin. Every year in the US, more than five million cosmetic surgical or nonsurgical procedures are administered by dermatologists.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist. Dr. Tri H. Nguyen, provides a range of skin care procedures to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding communities and towns across the horizon.
Medical Dermatology
The term dermatology has two root words, which are both Greek. The first part of the term comes from “derma,” meaning skin. The second part of the term comes from “logia” which means a study of. Therefore, a medical dermatologist means a skin doctor etymologically. However, their purview is much broader.
Medical dermatologists diagnose and evaluate conditions of the hair, nails, skin, lips, and mouth. Some skin conditions can point to other serious diseases. Therefore, these dermatologists should have the ability to recognize such skin issues.
Only in a few cases, a doctor may operate exclusively as a medical dermatologist. The focus of medical dermatology is the patient’s overall health. Dermatologists should ideally have a board certification from a recognized dermatology board. Many times, physicians refer patients to dermatologists for the diagnosis of skin conditions.
Medical dermatology involves the use of medicine and creams. Patients usually need a diagnosis to obtain these treatments.
Cosmetic Dermatology
Similar to medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology focuses on the skin, lips, nails, hair, and mouth. It is not difficult to distinguish it from medical dermatology considering the scope of the two fields.
Medical dermatology centers on health while cosmetic dermatology focuses on aesthetic appeal. For instance, medical dermatology will treat conditions such as eczema, but cosmetic dermatology will help address scars, wrinkles, and lines.
Cosmetic dermatology also involves diagnosis and prescriptions. However, it is typically not required. There are various OTC creams available to patients, and a dermatologist can guide a patient to one of these rather than signing a prescription.
Many dermatologists undergo cosmetic training as a part of their medical education. Similarly, cosmetic dermatologists must have board certification similar to medical dermatologists. The most significant difference is that cosmetic dermatology concerns overall beauty, and medical dermatology focuses on skin health.
Surgical Dermatology
Surgical dermatology is not very different from medical dermatology or cosmetic dermatology. It usually complements both these fields. Surgical dermatology refers to any procedure requiring anesthesia or involving a knife. Some examples of surgical dermatology include skin tumor removal, moles, and cancers.
Dermatological surgery has made significant advancements. Many procedures are now minimally invasive. While these procedures still involve some incisions or injections, it should not be cause for concern for the patient.
Board certified dermatologist, Dr. Nugyen, receives patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and other cities and towns in the Lone Star State.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Nguyen receives patients for laser skin resurfacing and other dermatology treatments from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and nearby areas.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Springs, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
