Do I need a Dermal Therapist or Specialist Plastic Surgeon?

First, let’s be sure we’re clear on the difference between the two. A Specialist Plastic Surgeon is a medical doctor with years of extensive surgical training; a Dermal Therapist is a skin care specialist with clinical training in cosmetic dermal science. Both can analyse your skin condition and provide advice and treatment. The difference lies in what sorts of treatments.

Certain skin issues require medical treatments – such as biopsies and surgical removal – that are outside the realm of our Dermal Therapists. Likewise, our surgeons can prescribe medications like ReTrieve, Hydroquinone, or antibiotics. Our Dermal Therapists cannot write prescriptions however, if they believe a particular prescription medicine would benefit your skin, they can recommend you to one of our surgeons for a script.

Our Dermal Therapists work within a clinic that is owned, operated and supervised by our surgeons and provide therapeutic non-surgical procedures, with non-prescription products.

A Dermal Therapists purview includes microdermabrasion, facials, chemical peels, LED light therapy, collagen/elastin regeneration, and microneedling. Pigmentation, acne, mild breakouts, sensitivity, dry patches, dull skin, fine lines, and ageing concerns are all things that our Dermal Therapists can address.

However, things like removal of skin cancers, melanomas and moles are the realm of a Specialist Plastic Surgeon – and in most cases you will need to visit a GP or dermatologist first for a skin check and referral to our practice.

But it’s not just a difference of medical versus non-medical treatment that makes the determination. Your Dermal Therapist has a clinical background and a great deal of knowledge about diseases of the skin but unless it’s a true medical condition, your choice depends on the severity of your issue and your preferences.

Some people prefer to see a medical doctor for all skin issues. Others enjoy the more relaxed environment that a visit to a Dermal Therapist provides. While you will generally see your Dermal Therapist for facials and peels, you might choose to see a medical doctor if you have particularly sensitive skin or if you have a greater risk of hyperpigmentation. Or if you have severe acne that may require a prescription. If our Dermal Therapists believe treatment from a medical doctor would be a more suitable course of action, they will let you know.

Regardless of which type of professional you see on a regular basis, you should always schedule an annual skin cancer check, especially if you have spent a lot of time in the sun.

If you are considering a non-invasive, non-surgical solution to help address concerns you may have about your face or body, the first step is to book a consultation with one of our accredited Dermal Therapists where you can ask questions and discuss the options available before deciding whether to proceed with treatment.

At Assure Cosmetic Centre, you are in the care of an expert medical team. You will always feel informed, comfortable and confident.

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