Did you know that the skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a very large role in keeping our body protected from foreign organisms entering the body that may cause disease? This is why we believe that it’s important to find the best dermatologist for your medical care and elective cosmetic procedures. Continue reading to learn why.
BENEFITS OF FINDING THE BEST DERMATOLOGIST
A dermatologist is a specialist doctor who cares for the skin, nails, hair and mucous membranes. Dermatologists have many years of training. To be a dermatologist, an individual must have a:
- Four-year bachelor’s degree followed by four years in medical school
- One-year internship
- And, a minimum of three years in a residency program
They receive an estimated 12,000 to 16,000 hours of patient care, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat an estimated 3,000 diseases and conditions of the skin, nails and hair. They have a deep understanding of the cellular level of the skin and the layers of the skin which is important, not only for medical conditions but also for skin health care and the popular cosmetic procedures like Botox injections and dermal fillers.
CONDITIONS A DERMATOLOGIST SHOULD TREAT
The most common conditions you might need a dermatologist for are acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss and vertigo, a disease that makes the skin loses its pigment in patches.
Skin cancer is also a very large part of what a dermatologist does. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. There are several different types of skin cancer with melanoma, being the most likely to spread which can cause death if not caught early enough. Having an annual skin check with a dermatologist each year can catch pre-cancerous areas and point out skin cancers to help reduce your risk and provide early treatment.
Dermatologists can improve more than just the health of your skin. Many diseases treated by a dermatologist are more than just skin diseases. They might be able to determine an underlying disease based on your skin condition. Since your skin is such a major part of your body, dermatologist work with other physicians to help diagnose skin conditions with possible internal issues which could include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pulmonary disease, or even celiac disease.
If you are diagnosed with a skin condition, a dermatologist will help you set up a plan of treatment. They will educate you as a patient on the condition, how to treat the condition and how to manage the condition in the future.
WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE SHOULD A GOOD DERMATOLOGIST HAVE?
A good dermatologist should have experience in good visual skills and communication skills from their medical training in dermatology. You want a doctor who listens, allows you to ask questions, answers your questions and doesn’t try to sell you something. Although you may come in for a specific reason, a good dermatologist will want to do a full body complete skin exam. They will be able to see lesions or moles perhaps you can’t see or reach to protect you from skin cancer.
Some dermatology offices also perform cosmetic procedures, including:
- Micro-needling
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peels
- Laser hair removal
- Vascular laser treatments
- Photo-dynamic therapy
- Botox injections and dermal fillers
To learn more about our cosmetic procedures, download our guidebook below:
All of the cosmetic procedures mentioned above should be performed by a dermatologist or under the guidance of a dermatologist. A good dermatologist is knowledgeable in facial anatomy and structure. They have a deep understanding of the specific fillers and the appropriate usage and placement of the fillers to avoid complications. They can customize and tailor these injections based on your needs.
It’s important to know who is injecting you and have confidence that the person injecting you has a thorough knowledge of the products that are being used and what to do if a reaction or complication arises. Above all, the dermatologist will provide a sterile environment for these procedures to reduce the risk of further complications.
VISITING A DERMATOLOGIST
When you go to a dermatologist for the first time, be sure to take a thorough list of medications or vitamins (or bring them) you consume on a regular basis with you. If you have had a previous skin biopsy, be sure to tell the doctor when and where it was located on your body. Know your family history as this is important information for your dermatologist as well. The dermatologist will ask questions about your tanning bed usage, sunburns and blistering sunburn history.
Most importantly, be aware of your skin and any changes that may be occurring and see a dermatologist for an annual skin check!
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our dermatologists, Drs. Michele Maouad and Rola Gharib, give us a call at (304) 598-3888.
The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, has 25 years of experience under Drs. Michele Maouad and Rola Gharib. Learn more about them here.
