A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. After earning a medical degree and completing an internship, a dermatologist receives three additional years of specialized training. Many dermatologists have general practices and see patients with all types of skin concerns. Some dermatologists specialize in a specific area of dermatology, such as pediatrics, surgery, or cosmetic services.

Dermatologists are experts in skin cancer detection. These doctors can provide periodic skin cancer-related checkups (examinations of moles, freckles, etc.) or annual full body exams (recommended for in dividuals with a history of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer). 

Dermatologists can also assess and treat acne. Acne is a skin condition that consists of pimples, deep lumps (cysts or nodules), and plugged pores on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and/or upper arms. Acne is caused by the overproduction of oil, blockage of the hair follicles that release oil, or growth of bacteria within the hair follicles. Treatments for acne include: chemical peels (chemical agents that are used to loosen blackheads and decrease pimples); comedone extraction (removing whiteheads and blackheads with a sterile pen-sized device); drainage and extraction (removing large cysts that do not respond to medication); phototherapy (using laser or light treatments); corticosteroid injection (treating severely inflamed cysts with injections); oral medications; and topical medications (applied to the skin).

Some dermatologists provide cosmetic (appearance-enhancing) procedures.  Some of the most common cosmetic procedures provided by dermatologists include:

Botox injections: Botox paralyzes facial and neck muscles, decreasing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. In some patients, Botox is also used to treat headaches.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels remove damage in the top and middle layers of the skin. Peels are used to remove wrinkles, age spots, and freckles. This treatment can also diminish scarring, improve skin tone, eliminate blotchiness, and clear acne for some patients.

Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion sands away damaged skin. After healing, the new skin is smoother and more even in tone.
Fillers: Fillers are injected compounds composed of collagen, elastin, and/or hyaluronic acid (ingredients that enhance skin elasticity and fullness). Fillers can be used to treat hollow cheeks, a receding chin, thin lips, shallow scars, and wrinkles. 

Hair Restoration: Several different procedures can be used to restore thinning hair or balding. The most common techniques include: hair transplantation (transplanting section of skin on the scalp that has good hair growth to another area); scalp reduction (the bald skin is removed and the hair-bearing scalp is brought closer together); and scalp expansion (implanting devices under the scalp for about 3 to 4 weeks to stretch the skin).   

Laser Hair Removal: Lasers are used for long-lasting hair removal and in some areas, permanent hair reduction.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation: Lasers can be use to treat wrinkles, age spots, and problematic veins. Lasers can also be used to heat up the skin, causing tissue tightening and new collagen production.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating and resurfacing procedure (less harsh than dermabrasion) that is used to treat age spots, shallow scars, shallow wrinkles, and uneven skin tone or texture.

Vein Treatments: Sclerotherapy (using an injection to seal off a vein), phlebectomy (removing a vein), and laser/light therapy can be used to treat spider or varicose veins.