Tips for Choosing Between a Plastic Surgeon, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, and Cosmetic Surgeon for

When dealing with problems regarding the skin and physical appearance, you can easily be overwhelmed and confused on which specialist to see—especially if this is your first time finding a solution for your condition. Some of the most common specialists you could encounter are plastic surgeons, cosmetologists, dermatologists, and cosmetic surgeons. For the common man, it can be confusing to determine who is right for your needs. One can go through the following tips before choosing the right professional for your skin and body conditions:

Plastic Surgeon

See a plastic surgeon if your problem requires restorative or corrective measures. Plastic surgery is not all about cosmetic enhancements, after all. This branch of medicine is dedicated to reconstructing body and facial defects due to trauma, birth disorders, disease, and burns. Plastic surgeons typically specialise in reshaping or reconstructing defects, or correcting dysfunctional parts of the body to improve the appearance and promote normal function.

Cosmetic Surgeon

Many people think that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are similar because some plastic surgeons are also certified in cosmetic surgery. But these two types of surgeons are different. Cosmetic surgery aims to enhance the appearance by boosting the aesthetic appeal, proportion, and symmetry. Hence, a cosmetic surgery procedure can be done on all areas of the body, neck, and head. Cosmetic surgery is considered elective. Many doctors practise cosmetic surgery, including plastic surgeons and some dermatologists. They can provide facial contouring, breast enhancement, facial rejuvenation, skin rejuvenation, and body contouring.

Dermatologist

To put it simply, a dermatologist is a doctor of the skin. Hence, he or she can diagnose and treat various skin conditions and the appendages of the skin, like hair and nails. Dermatologists can treat a wide range of skin disorders, hair loss, acne, fungal infections, and provide skin lightening or whitening treatments, too. Some dermatologists are also certified cosmetic surgeons, while others are licensed to provide certain treatments like Botox, laser resurfacing, filler treatments, facelifts, and brow lifts.

Cosmetologist

A cosmetologist is a professional that focuses on beauty, skincare, and makeup products. He or she may specialise in hair treatments like straightening, perming, colouring, extensions, and straightening. A cosmetologist must be certified and licensed to be able to provide additional treatments like fillers and Botox, skin lasers, and weight loss, but he or she may not necessarily be a medical doctor or a dermatologist. Some cosmetologists are practitioners of alternative therapies and other specialties that are not related to treating skin disorders, unlike a dermatologist.

Always check the doctor or a specialist's credentials to verify their specialties. This way, you can be sure that you are seeking treatment from a certified expert in problems that you have regarding your skin or physical appearance.

Dr. Debraj Shome is the Co-Founder and currently heads the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery – The Esthetic Clinics, at Jci accredited top-line multi-specialty Indian corporate hospital.