Medical vs. Cosmetic Dermatology - Missing the Boat

There has been a raging debate within the dermatology community whether or not "physicians" should embrace cosmetic practices and therapies. Dermatologist were the first to recognize the cosmetics trend, but they have been the last to join. Here is a link to a great article that highlights the schism. http://www.skinandaging.com/article/1804

However, it is apparent to me that the winner in this divide is the .... plastic surgeons. Where traditional doctors won't go, plastic surgeons have become marketing mavens. Now what do plastic surgeons know about skin care and therapies? They are highly trained surgeons, artists of their trade. Their training on skin care consists of one chapter in a multivolumn curriculum.

Recognizing that they didn't know much about skin care and therapies, they hired licensed estheticians to come into their practices and teach their patients the nuances of skin care. In my experience, plastic surgeons recruit and train the best skin care specialists in the industry and spend alot of money and time training them. Of all the trade shows and conferences we attend, I am always most impressed with the training done by the Society of Plastic Surgery and Skincare Specialists.

So here is the problem from my point of view. Dermatologist will not sanction an aesthetics group within the American Academy of Dermatology. There are alot of good aestheticians here in the US that work for dermatologists. The only sources of their education and training comes from the general aesthetics group, which lacks serious medical oversight and from product based training, which is biased at best.

The purpose of the aesthetian is to bridge the gap between what is learned in the medical community and the general public. Their purpose is not to provide general medical services. This is what concerns the medical dermatology community.

Therefore, until the dermatology community embraces the aestheticians and sanction their existence, the plastic surgeon will outmarket and out perform the cosmetic dermatologist all day long.

With the reimbursements coming from insurance companies and government sources diminishing everyday, you are going to see more general practitioners moving into the medical dermatology field. With the plastic surgeons poaching on the cosmetic side of things, I'm afraid dermatology may slowly dwindle away to insignificance. Unfortunately, cosmetic dermatology is the only segment of their practice that is making money. Therefore, in order to keep dermatology a strong and thriving discipline, they must embrace cosmetic dermatology in order to keep the medical aspects alive. If they don't do this, I'm afraid they are missing the boat completely. Their first step should be to sanction a licensed aesthetician's group within the AAD.

Comments

[cosmetic surgery upland]

Recognizing that they didn't know much about skin care and therapies, they hired licensed estheticians to come into their practices and teach their patients the nuances of skin care.Because when it come to skin we wanted the best. You have very infor mative blog keep posting.

by: sphin

[Laser Surgery Varicose Veins]

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[Seattle dermatology]

Realizing that they didn't know much about skincare and options, they used qualified estheticians to come into their methods and show their people the intricacies of skincare.Because when it come to epidermis we desired the best. You have very infor mative site keep publishing.