By Jessica Clark, MD FAAD
I have been surprised lately that patients do not realize that dermatologists not only “do botox and filler”, but we are also the experts. Board certified dermatologists are considered experts in skin conditions and aesthetic skin treatments because of their extensive training and expertise in cutaneous anatomy and physiology.
Medical Training: Dermatologists complete four years of medical school after a bachelor’s degree, followed by a dermatology residency program that typically lasts three years. The basis of dermatology is internal medicine and dermatologists are often the first to diagnose internal disease as well as cutaneous conditions. During this time, they receive in-depth training in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions, including complex diseases, infections, and cancers. This broad knowledge allows them to effectively manage all aspects of skin health.
Specialized Expertise: Dermatologists specialize in the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes after learning general medicine. This makes them uniquely qualified to understand the complexities of skin anatomy, function, and aging, all of which are essential when performing cosmetic procedures like neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and lasers.
Board Certification: Becoming board-certified involves passing rigorous exams and continuous education. Board-certified dermatologists must stay up to date with the latest advancements and research in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. This ensures they provide safe and effective treatments.
Cosmetic Treatments Expertise: Dermatologists receive additional training in cosmetic procedures, including neuromodulators like Botox, dermal fillers, and lasers. Their knowledge of skin anatomy and how different treatments interact with the skin allows them to achieve optimal, natural-looking results while minimizing risks and complications.
Patient Safety: Dermatologists have a deep understanding of potential risks, side effects, and complications related to aesthetic treatments. They can manage and mitigate these risks by tailoring treatments to individual patients, considering their skin type, health history, and desired outcomes.
The injection of filler can be dangerous in a non-qualified injector causing skin necrosis or even blindness. Your face is not a place to look for bargains or specials.
Holistic Skin Care: Board certified dermatologists consider both the cosmetic and medical aspects of skin health. They can provide personalized, comprehensive care, addressing both aesthetic concerns and underlying skin issues, such as acne, rashes, chronic skin conditions, and aging.
This combination of extensive medical training, specialized expertise, and commitment to patient safety makes dermatologists the top choice for skin conditions and cosmetic treatments. Physicians swear by the Hippocratic oath that first says “Do no harm.” Providers who do not get a degree in medicine do not take this oath. Also, unfortunately, in 2025 it is possible to get a PhD online and then call yourself a doctor. I wish patients did not have to be savvy and ask about credentials but in today’s world, there are many people who present themselves to be experts who have very little training and may not even know basic anatomy.
I tell my patients to inform their friends and family to check the credentials of anyone treating them medically and verify there is board certification in the specialty being practiced. I would advise everyone to ask who the supervising physician on staff is before allowing anyone to perform procedures on your face and make sure they are actually in the office in case a complication does happen. In the state of Florida, it is not required for the physician to be on-site and I do not think the public is very aware of that.
