Requirements for a Cosmetic Dermatologist

Cosmetic dermatologists use specialized treatments, injections and procedures to improve the appearance of their patient's skin. Dermatologists undergo extensive medical schooling and rigorous training in the specialty of cosmetic dermatology. In addition to medical school, a cosmetic dermatologist needs to meet standards defined by the American Board of Dermatology.

Education Requirements

• Cosmetic dermatologists must successfully complete a bachelor's degree, typically in biology, chemistry or other health sciences, before applying for medical school. A potential medical student must score well on the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, before applying to medical school.


• Medical students study anatomy and physiology, chemistry, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology and immunology in classroom lectures and laboratory training. Medical school lasts four years with the first two years focused on classroom instruction and the last two years in supervised clinical settings.


• All medical students must pass the Medical Licensing Examination to become a licensed doctor and eligible to practice medicine in their state.

Residency

• As a specialized field of medicine, a four-year residency in the field of dermatology is required. 


• The first year of residency covers a broad spectrum of clinical training across multiple medical specialties. 


• The final three years of the residency provides focused training in all aspects of dermatology through classroom, seminars, lectures and supervised clinical training.


• During the residency, students learn different diagnostic, treatment and management processes to identify and treat different skin conditions. They learn how to perform treatment procedures for skin conditions using traditional methods, lasers and noninvasive techniques.

Board Certification

• The American Board of Dermatology offers certification through a written and practical skills examination. 


• Board certification in dermatology identifies a doctor willing to participate in continuing education and exhibiting expertise in the field of dermatology. 


• A dermatologist must retake his board certification exam every 10 years to maintain this status.

Specialized Training

• Additional training and classroom instruction leads a dermatologist into the field of cosmetic dermatology. Specialized training teaches skills such as dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, tissue augmentation, facial liposuction, dermal fillers and sclerotherapy.


• The American Board of Dermatology defines the hours of cosmetic dermatology training required for certification. They administer a written and skills examination to determine a dermatologist's knowledge and ability in this specialty.


• A cosmetic dermatologist can then join the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, a professional organization for cosmetic dermatologists.