A growing field of cosmetic and laser dermatology

Dermatologists can use cosmetic modalities, including injectables, lasers, and other energy-based devices to treat complex medical dermatological conditions and their cosmetic sequelae. The AACD coined the term “restorative cosmetic dermatology” to describe this emerging area of dermatology, which can have a significant impact on patient quality of life and function. 

Examples

• Filler injections for HIV-related lipodystrophy, which can cause disfiguring and sometimes painful changes in body fat distribution
• Laser hair removal for hidradenitis suppurativa, a painful condition that causes boils and scarring to develop around hair follicles
• Neurotoxin injections for hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating
• Resurfacing laser and laser-assisted drug delivery for scars, including severe burn scars that can impair function
• Pigment and vascular laser for birthmarks, which can be disfiguring and affect nearby structures such as the eye 
• Chemical peels and laser for non-melanoma skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions, which can be helpful to avoid surgery in certain scenarios 
• ...and many more