Cosmetic Dermatology: Common procedures, challenges, advancements, and more

What is Cosmetic Dermatology? 

Cosmetic Dermatology is a branch of medicine that exclusively deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin, nails and hair disorders and cellulite. It is an amalgamation of both medical and surgical aspects. The procedures of dermatology improve the external appearance of the skin by treating various conditions like hyperpigmentation, acne, scars and wrinkles. Liposuction is for surgeons only. 

Following are a couple of common procedures done by cosmetic dermatology:

Pigmentation

One of the biggest growing concerns in people, pigmentation has been there all along. What many call blemishes, melasma, dark spots, patches, acne scars, dullness and uneven skin tone are diverse types of hyper-pigmentation or simply pigmentation. One of the biggest reasons people have pigmentation is any type of skin damage - sun exposure being the biggest one followed by various skin treatments like bleaching, scrubbing, parlour facials, lasers and chemical peelings that cause skin damage. Other reasons for pigmentation can be hormonal changes especially in women after pregnancy, commonly resulting in Melasma which are pigmented patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead and around the lips. 

Pigmentation treatment has typically been done through use of Hydroquinone creams prescribed by doctors, or retinol along with anti-inflammatory creams. But the problem with these is side effects which range from redness to more inflammation, dryness, skin peeling and sensitivity. Hydroquinone is especially being phased out and is already banned in the European Union and other countries. Use of lasers and chemical peels can often damage the skin, thus often causing more pigmentation. Some persons have ‘pigmentation prone’ skin.

One such treatment is Melblok with their product, the Advanced Home-Kit, a combination of a Day Cream and a Night Cream. As mentioned by the brand, Melblok Home-Kit reduces pigmentation in the skin by helping over active pigment cells called Melanocytes, to become normal again, thereby giving long lasting Pigmentation reduction at the root cause. Made with natural ingredients, brands like Melblok which infuse modern science and natural ingredients can become very promising safe alternatives for those looking to reduce Pigmentation without side effects and at the comfort of their home.  

Cellulite

An average of 80% to 90% of women probably experience cellulite. Till date, the most effective method of reducing or removing excess cellulite from an area is through tumescent Liposuction. Liposuction by Tumescent Awake technique, totally under local anaesthesia, is the safest and more commonly performed procedure in best cosmetic surgery centres in Delhi and abroad. In India, Vital Clinic has pioneered this technique of liposuction.

Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is common. However, quite often patients have noticed darkening of skin or development of hyperpigmentation in treated areas, which can be very difficult to treat.

Challenge: 

Diminishing anxiety, fears and expectations of the patient are critical aspects of practicing dermatological medicine.

" The patients facing certain problems such as severe acne, repeated tanning, or dark pigmentation are impacted by social humiliation. This requires the dermatologists to remain sensitive to the emotional and psychological concerns of their patients.

" The cosmetic patients come with huge expectations. Managing those expectations is a familiar area for the dermatologist community. 

" Dermatologists need to manage the psychological needs of the patients as well.

Advancements: 

Cosmetic Gynaecology

What is Cosmetic Gynaecology?  

Cosmetic Gynaecology includes all aspects of Cosmetic Dermatology in women and much more. Cosmetic Gynaecology is an advanced field of cosmetic surgery which employs medicines and surgical techniques to improve the appearance and functions of women's skin and private parts in all age groups, teens to old age. There are women related problems in all these age groups.

Neeta Ratti ,Senior Cosmetic Gynecologist, Vital Clinic