Cosmetic treatments

Key messages

• The results you see after any cosmetic treatment depend largely on the skills and training of the person performing the treatment. That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology urges patients considering a cosmetic treatment to choose a board-certified dermatologist to get optimal results and consider their overall health.

• The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that patients do their homework and consider a physician’s training and credentials before deciding if they are the right choice.

  • Board-certified dermatologists have expertise in the medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair, and nails.

• To find a board-certified dermatologist, visit aad.org/findaderm.

Supporting messages

Bridge to these messages by using phrases like: “It’s important to know,” “I want to emphasize,” “Many may not know,” “Let me share what I’ve been seeing.” Build off these messages by leveraging your expertise about this topic.

• Common cosmetic treatments include wrinkle fillers, laser skin resurfacing, liposuction, and varicose and spider veins treatment.

• Cosmetic treatments may look easy; however, knowing whether a treatment is safe for you and can deliver the results you want requires in-depth medical knowledge of the skin.

  • Patient safety is the top priority of dermatologists, who have the most extensive medical training to avoid complications and provide patients with the best outcomes.

• While nonphysicians performing cosmetic treatments in spas, shopping malls, and walk-in clinics may offer convenience, the limited equipment, training and supervision available in these environments can jeopardize patients’ health, safety, and appearance.

  • Some of the most common complications include bruising, changes in skin pigmentation, burns, infection, scars, swelling, droopy eyelids, and “frozen” facial expressions, and severe cases may involve the breakdown of the skin or even permanent disfigurement.

• As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with cosmetic treatments. You can reduce those risks by asking the right questions.

Questions to ask when considering cosmetic treatments

• What are the doctor’s credentials? Are they a board-certified dermatologist or another appropriately trained physician? Ask to see their credentials.

• Who is going to perform the treatment? How many of these procedures has the physician performed? The procedure should be one that the doctor performs regularly.

• What results can be expected? How long is the recuperation period? Ask to see before and after photos of the physician’s previous patients but remember that results may vary from patient to patient.

• What are the risks? What type of anesthesia will the physician use? Do the benefits of my cosmetic treatment outweigh the risks? If I experience complications, will the doctor be available to help?

• Where is the procedure being performed? The procedure should be performed in a medical center or doctor’s office.

Related Academy resources for the public

Last updated: 12/04/24