Earlier this year we published a blog titled: “Who is SCALE 2020 For?” Dangling preposition aside, this blog explained past topics of the Symposium for Cosmetic Advances and Laser Education (SCALE), and what individuals or groups might be interested. Today we are going to discuss the three primary areas covered by SCALE: aesthetic medicine, cosmetic surgery, and dermatology in broader terms. SCALE’s demonstrations, exhibitors, and industry professionals come from such a diverse background that it can be hard to pin down. If you share a professional or personal interest in any of the following, SCALE might just be for you!
SCALE 2020: Aesthetic Dermatology Including Laser Tech
Aesthetic medicine is at the heart of everything we do at SCALE. We are at the forefront of laser tech, injectables, cosmetic hair procedures, chemical peels, and everything within the field. But what is aesthetic dermatology exactly? Let’s break the term down by its two parts:
- According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, “A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. A dermatologist can identify and treat more than 3,000 conditions. These conditions include eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer, among many others.”
- According to the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, “Aesthetic Medicine comprises all medical procedures that are aimed at improving the physical appearance and satisfaction of the patient, using non-invasive to minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.”
Putting those two definitions together, we understand that aesthetic dermatology is any practice that helps individuals to improve their self esteem and physical appearance of a patient’s skin, hair, and/or nails. When we talk about cosmetic procedures, aesthetic dermatology is always in the conversation.
Invasive and Non-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures
In the past, cosmetic procedures were more commonly referred to as “plastic surgery”. While this term certainly endures to this day, it is misleading in a number of ways. The cosmetics field of medicine covers a broad range of procedures including both highly complex surgeries and non-invasive outpatient procedures.
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery: “Cosmetic surgery is a unique discipline of medicine focused on enhancing appearance through surgical and medical techniques. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck and body. Because treated areas function properly but lack aesthetic appeal, cosmetic surgery is elective.” You might notice that cosmetic procedures are inherently linked to aesthetic dermatology by their definitions alone.
Cosmetic surgeries and plastic surgeries are common, but non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections, soft tissue fillers, and laser hair removal are far more common. In fact, of the 17.7 million cosmetic procedures that took place in 2018, 15.9 million were considered “cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures”. Approximately 1.8 million were considered cosmetic surgeries.
Dermatology is at the Core of SCALE 2020
Whether we are talking about cosmetic procedures, aesthetic dermatology, or the treatment of common skin conditions, dermatology has always been and likely will always be the core focus of SCALE. Johns Hopkins Medicine lists the following specialty areas for dermatology:
Medical Dermatology
Perhaps the most fundamental of all dermatological practices is medical dermatology. These specialists focus on “comprehensive dermatologic care in both general dermatology and subspecialty dermatology.” Medical dermatologists cover common skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, rosacea, nail diseases, warts, and skin cancers such as basal cell and melanoma.
Surgical Dermatology
Surgical dermatologists do exactly that: skin, hair, and nail related surgical procedures. This includes procedures for patients suffering from skin cancers, sebaceous carcinoma, and cosmetic issues. Methods include surgical excisions, laser incisions, cryosurgery, and much more.
Pediatric Dermatology
Pediatric dermatology can be any type of dermatological medicine for minors. Children have unique skin needs and are particularly prone to acne and some forms of infectious disease. Pediatric dermatologists not only specialize in their area of medicine, but also in how to deal with children going through a scary time.
Cosmetic Dermatology and much more!
For the interest of space, the other dermatological specialties include:
- Dermatoimmunology
- Dermatopathology
- Oral Pathology Laboratory
- Photomedicine (Phototherapy & Photopheresis)
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is much more than skin deep. Dermatologists may handle cosmetic and aesthetic issues including cosmetic procedures, but they also work to keep our bodies healthy inside and out. SCALE is a symposium that covers the vast range of topics and practices concerning modern dermatologists, aestheticians, cosmetic surgeons, and everything in between.
Join us for SCALE 2020 this July in Nashville!
July 22-25th 2020 marks the 15th annual Symposium for Cosmetic Advances & Laser Education SCALE conference! Join us in Nashville to discuss cutting edge technology relating to melanoma research, aesthetic surgery, laser surgery, medical dermatology, atopic dermatitis, injectables, and just about everything in between. We are proud to hold our conference in the world famous Music City Convention Center in downtown Nashville, TN. Check back frequently to view our full list of exhibitors and event sponsors to find out who will be attending.
SCALE 2020 is available for registration now! Click here to view the convenient accommodations at the nearby Westin and Omni hotels for out of town guests.
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