Dermatology in NYC · Cosmetic & Laser Dermatology

Dermatology

A dermatologist is a medical doctor earning an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) license that allows the individual to specialize in treating many of the physical features that make you human. Your dermatologists treat conditions and diseases that affect your:

• Skin
• Nails
• Hair
• Mucous membranes

There are more than 3,000 different conditions that can affect those areas of your body. More common ailments that dermatologists see on a regular basis include:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Rashes and bruises
• Scaly skin
• Cancer
• Warts>
• Psoriasis

Unlike many other MDs, dermatologists (often misspelled as dermatologist or dermatologist) work two sides of the medical fence — health issues that always take precedence and the appearance issues that bother so many people. Since many skins, hair, and nail conditions affect the way you look, it’s vital that your New York-based dermatology expert is skilled at both. Some of the cosmetic problems your dermatologist treats on a regular basis include:

• Scars
• Stretch marks
• Aging skin and facial wrinkles
• Age spots
• Cellulite
• Sun damage
• Spider veins
• Acne scars

The Road to Relief

Best dermatologists undergo intensive training that goes beyond their Bachelor’s degrees and medical school diplomas. They must serve a one-year internship and then practice for three years in a dermatology residency program. Most dermatologists don’t stop there either.

To become board certified, they must pass rigorous exams after their residencies from the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Association. And with all the advances that take place in the specialty, even board-certified dermatologists have to retake the exam every 10 years to prove they keep up. Most Manhattan dermatologists join the American Academy of Dermatology; they add the letters “FAAD” after their names and medical designations. That shows they’re Fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Specialties Within The Profession

While all dermatologists in New York receive training in the various types of treatment you might need, many take extra steps to increase their knowledge and experience in the main areas covered by profession: cosmetic dermatology, surgical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, medical dermatology, and dermatopathology.

• Cosmetic Dermatology: Cosmetic dermatologists (commonly misspelled as dermatologists or dermatologists) primarily deliver treatments that improve your appearance rather than treat or monitor medical conditions. Doctors usually pursue a fellowship in cosmetic dermatology before specializing in treatments that include:
  • Vein treatment (sclerotherapy)
  • Skin cancer treatment called Mohs
  • Botox injections
  • Chemical peels
  • Laser skin surgery
  • Hair transplantation
• Dermatopathologist: This type of doctor goes above and beyond his medical training to take additional years to study pathology, which can take up to four extra years. Your regular dermatologist in NYC often takes skin, hair, and nail samples to send for testing to either develop or confirm a diagnosis. Those samples are sent to a dermatopathologist.

One of the most common reasons for testing is to check for cancer. As a matter of fact, most skin samples undergo cancer screening. The pathology specialist then provides your doctor with the report, called a biopsy.

• Mohs Surgeon: If your NYC dermatologist determines that you do indeed have skin cancer, you’ll most likely be referred to a Mohs surgeon. These dermatology specialists have undergone considerably more training to successfully remove cancers and provide you with reconstructive surgery if necessary.

Our doctors are best-in-class board-certified physicians. Please call for an appointment.As with pathology, your medical dermatologist has received training in Mohs operations and often may perform the procedures himself. Whether you’re a candidate for Mohs depends on the type of cancer you have and where it’s located.

Part of a Team

For many people, a dermatologist is a vital member of a total team of health professionals. Cancer treatment and organ transplant follow-up almost always include the expertise of a dermatologist. Any disease that reduces your immune system makes you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

In addition to monitoring spots that appear on your skin and giving you a thorough examination of your skin on a regular basis, a dermatologist can provide you with life-saving measures to prevent ongoing illnesses. The earlier you can catch a melanoma (skin cancer) or even pre-cancerous mole, the better chance you have of eradicating it completely.

Organ donor recipients are particularly prone to developing life-threatening skin cancers. A good dermatologist recommends that you:

• Stay out of the sun
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing
• Stick to shady areas when you’re outside
• Wear a hat and sunglasses outdoors at all times
• Give yourself a regular skin exam
• Keep appointments with your dermatologist to rule out developing tumors

Seek Help

You may think that a dermatologist is only needed when you have a skin problem, but your New York-based dermatologist also treats a wide range of other conditions you may not even realize. Before dismissing the idea of visiting a dermatologist, call ahead to ask questions about your condition. Even if it just puts your mind at ease about a new or unfamiliar spot of your skin, you’ll rest easier and possibly prevent serious consequences.

In addition to treating your skin for itchy, flaky, or strange-looking marks, dermatologists also help you with:

• Various signs of aging also include your genital membranes, increased fat in your body, and wrinkles.
• Children, who represent a large majority of dermatology patients, especially in their teens, when acne strikes
• Herpes or cold sores
• Fungal nail infections

And treatments can vary just as much, ranging from topical creams to laser surgery and lifestyle recommendations.

All symptoms and skin findings should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and physical examination for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan in order to exclude any underlying serious condition.

Important Reminder: This information is only intended to provide guidance, not definitive medical advice. Please consult dermatologist NYC about your specific condition. Only a trained, experienced board-certified dermatology doctor or pediatric dermatologist could determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.