Purchasing Resources for Dermatology

Dermatology Key Terms

Learn about dermatological treatments designed to treat skin conditions
By Renee Baumgardner Individuals often turn to dermatological treatments to help them look and feel younger. Besides treating fine lines, improving skin texture and leaving individuals with a smoother, tighter skin, dermatologists also treat skin conditions such as acne, acne scarring and skin cancer. Common dermatological procedures used for treating individuals suffering from skin conditions and those seeking treatment for cosmetic purposes include BOTOX injections, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, thermage, laser skin resurfacing and cryosurgery.
 

BOTOX

Cosmetic benefits of BOTOX injections include the minimization of wrinkles, as well as helping individuals who suffer from severe sweating.
Try: Refer to Allergan for more information on BOTOX and its uses.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels, which may utilize alphahydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acids and phenol, remove the outer layers of the skin, revealing a smoother texture. Individuals suffering from conditions such as acne scars, facial blemishes, sun damaged skin, fine wrinkles, pre-cancerous growths and uneven skin pigmentation may benefit from chemical peels.
Try: Refer to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website for more information on chemical peels.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a type of skin resurfacing that improves skin texture, acne and acne scars. An advantage of microdermabrasion over other skin resurfacing treatments is that the patient requires no anesthesia.
Try: For more information on microdermabrasion, refer to eMedicine.

Thermage

Thermage is a non-invasive treatment that results in tighter and smoother skin and less visible wrinkles, as well as a more youthful appearance.
Try: Refer to the Thermage website for more information on this treatment.

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin and improves the appearance of wrinkles and scarring from acne. In comparison to chemical peels and microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing does not have as many side effects, such as swelling and redness.
Try: For more information on laser skin resurfacing, refer to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a process in which a dermatologist applies extreme cold to skin tissue affected by conditions such as warts, skin tags and skin cancer. As the extreme cold temperature is applied, ice crystals form which in turn cause the cells to break apart. Possible side effects of cryosurgery include redness and pain where treatment has occurred.
Try: Refer to the American Academy of Family Physicians for more information on cryosurgery.