How to Choose Your Cosmetic Dermatologist

Tips for Finding the Right Person to Help You Look Your Best
A qualified cosmetic dermatologist, supported by the equipment and resources of a quality facility, can do wonders to help you feel better about your appearance and maintain healthy skin. This article provides tips to help you select the skin-care specialist who you will feel best seeing.

The effects of skin treatments are not just skin deep. Taking an informed approach will help you achieve two important results:

Quality – A knowledgeable, qualified specialist will help you select the right treatments that will achieve the best results for you.
Safety –  Most importantly, a qualified professional will have the training and qualifications to provide an equal commitment to your safety and health.

Here’s a list of questions that you should ask any clinic offering these services:

• Does a board certified physician actually perform or supervise the treatments on-site? Board certification means the doctor has had additional training and testing in that specialty.
• Is the doctor a Board Certified: Dermatologist by either the American Academy of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology? These are the only two legitimate dermatology certifying bodies in the US.
• If a patient has a complication or unwanted side effect, what happens? It is important to have confidence in your provider’s protocols in these situations.
• How long has the clinic been providing these treatments? Make sure you feel good about how long the facility has been providing the treatment you will receive.
• Who is the medical director of your clinic and are they a Board Certified: Dermatologist, Plastic Surgeon, Ophthalmologist or Otolaryngologist?
• Can you have a consultation with a Board Certified Dermatologist at your appointment?
• Does the medical director actually see and treat patients at your clinic or does your clinic/medispa use their name, Drug Enforcement Agency number and medical license to purchase medically controlled products/lasers and medications (like BOTOX® Cosmetic and Restylane) in exchange for financial compensation?
• When coming in for a medical or laser treatment is a complete medical history taken and reviewed by a board certified physician before any treatments are provided?This is important to ensure extra precautions are taken if your medical history warrants them or indicates a particular procedure could not be safe.
• Does anyone affiliated with your clinic have any sanctions against them filed with the State Board of Medical or Nursing Practice?

Choosing your skin care provider is an important decision. Make sure to choose a provider who has the qualifications that will help them provide you the highest quality results and who will also help protect your health and safety.

If you have questions about the skin care services at Vita, contact us or request a complimentary consultation.