Q. What is dermatology?

Dermatology is a specialty field of medicine which focuses on conditions of the skin—the largest organ in the human body. Dermatology also supports the treatment of sweat glands and hair.

There are numerous branches of dermatology, from cosmetic dermatology which focuses on elective procedures to immunodermatology; the study of conditions of the skin caused by immune system problems.

Most people at some time in their life need the expertise of a dermatologist whether it’s for treating dry skin or checking pre-cancerous moles.

Q. What is cosmetic dermatology?

A. Cosmetic dermatology is a sub-specialty dedicated to good health and good appearance for a balanced approach to beauty. Cosmetic dermatology includes procedures to correct sun damaged skin to fixing appearances from acne scars and laser hair removal. Visit our services page for a listing of procedures.

Q. Is cosmetic dermatology safe?

A. The procedures we offer at Southern Tier Dermatology and Aesthetics have been proven to be safe and effective when performed by well-trained practitioners.

Dr. Colleen Crandell -- Board Certified Dermatologist and Dr. Curt Fenkl-- board certified medical doctor bring practice experience in both clinical and cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer surgery. You can rely on the rigorous training and experience of every member of our staff at Southern Tier Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Q. What are the benefits of seeing a dermatologist for cosmetic procedures?

A. Many spas and hair salons offer certain services such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion to their clients. At certain levels, these procedures are not required by law to be performed under the supervision of a medical doctor.

There are abundant reasons to choose a medical doctor for cosmetic dermatology:

• Medical grade equipment. Many salons or spas use the one-machine-fits-all approach. At Southern Tier Dermatology and Aesthetics, we have found that the more specialized the equipment, the more efficiently it works; providing better results.
• Medical oversight. We don’t take impulsive or uninformed risks with your health or your appearance. We’re trained to avoid injuries, burns or scarring, which may be more risky with under-trained practitioners.
• Educated diagnostic abilities. To the untrained eye, it might be difficult to distinguish between rosacea and acne and eczema. If you can’t properly diagnose a condition, you can’t possibly treat it. And when it comes to your skin and the rising skin cancer statistics, it has never been more important to put your trust only in a medical doctor who can assess your risk factors, perform any necessary surgery and help you navigate follow-up courses of action.

Make an appointment today to see Dr. Crandell, Dr. Fenkl or one of their associates to feel good in your skin.