If you’ve been on social media at any point during the last five years, you’ll have noticed that nearly everyone on your feed presents with near-flawless skin, plump lips, and impossibly high cheekbones. So, if you’re wondering if the same look is attainable for you, the answer is yes. However, you should be aware that not all providers are created equal.
In fact, going to the wrong one can leave you disfigured or with serious injury. So, keep reading to learn how to find a skilled and qualified cosmetic dermatologist to treat your concerns safely and effectively.
Determine Your Cosmetic Needs
There are many treatment options available for a wide variety of skin issues. If you’ve done your research and know what you’re looking for, you should first check to see if a potential doctor provides the treatment that addresses your concerns.
For example, if you’re concerned with fine lines and the appearance of aging but don’t want injectables or fillers, you would likely be interested in microneedling. While many offices provide this, not all do. So, you should do a little research on their website to see if it’s offered first.
Check If There Is a Board-Certified Dermatologist at the Helm
Your skin is the first line of defense your body has against bacteria, infections, and other bodily harm. This is why you should only entrust its care to a qualified dermatologist. Dermatologists who have attained such distinctions are not shy about sharing them; you should easily be able to see their board certifications on their website, usually under their provider bios.
Look for certifications with the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Board of Dermatology. However, suppose your needs are more medical in nature, and you need surgery, such as for removing growths or cancers. In that case, you should also check for surgical certifications such as the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.
This way, you can rest assured your precious skin is in the right hands.
Do They Work With Your Insurance?
Your insurance may cover certain aspects of your treatment. If this is the case, you should check to see if your potential provider is in network with or accepts your insurance. For example, If you have out-of-network coverage, you may be able to see the doctor of your choice, even if they are not in network.
And, if you’re unsure of your coverage, the right office can help you research your plan and let you know what’s covered and what you’re estimated out-of-pocket costs would be.
Are Financial Plans Offered?
There are usually costs associated with treatment, even if your insurance covers a portion. This is why it’s essential that you make a plan for payment.
If you’re looking into a higher-cost treatment, you may want to see if the practice offers any financial plans that can make treatment more accessible. These may include in-office payment plans where your card is debited weekly, or they may work with outside lenders that allow you to finance your treatment over time.
Often you can gather this information with a quick call to the office.
Scour The Internet for Reviews
The simplest way to look for the best cosmetic dermatologist is to check out the reviews left by patients. These reviews will not only give you insight into the satisfaction of their patients but also the following:
- Effectiveness of treatment
- If the staff is friendly and helpful
- How your particular treatment is addressed
- Ease of scheduling
This information will help you compare providers on the strengths that are important to you. So, if your main deciding criteria is convenience, you’ll want to check reviews for any mentions of scheduling issues, location access, and parking availability.
Ask Friends and Family for Suggestions
There is no better resource for finding a cosmetic dermatologist than relying on the people you know and trust for recommendations. Chances are, if they were pleased with their results, you would be too. When fishing for suggestions, be sure to ask:
- What kind of treatment was provided?
- If they took any before and after photos
- Was the doctor responsive to questions?
- How was their bedside manner?
- Would they revisit this doctor?
Asking your loved ones for recommendations allows you to ask in-depth questions you wouldn’t be able to with reviews you find online.
Last: Schedule a Consultation
Once you have a good idea of the provider you want to visit, your next step is to schedule a consultation. This visit will allow you to get to know the practice, staff, and doctor to see if they are a good fit for you. Preparing for this visit is similar to preparing for a visit with a medical doctor.
To prepare, you should first write down your questions and concerns to avoid missing anything. Many get overwhelmed at appointments and leave the office regretting that they left something out. You should also have your insurance information handy so that it can be researched.
Next, have your family’s dermatological history in mind. There are skin disorders that are genetic, and having this information available can make it easier for your doctor to diagnose you and come up with a treatment plan.
During your consultation, you should also come prepared to take notes. Unless you have an eidetic memory, you will likely forget most of what the doctor said, including the answers to your most pressing questions.
And last, be sure to attend your appointment with skin free of lotions or cosmetics so that you can be properly assessed.
The Best Cosmetic Dermatologist Is the One Who Can Meet Your Needs
When searching for a cosmetic dermatologist, you want to be assured that you’ll receive the treatment you need from a qualified provider. However, there are other considerations involved when making your choice. Prioritize the aspects of a practice that are important to you and use that to narrow down your options to find the practice that will work best for you.
At Central Kentucky Dermatology, we treat every patient as though they were a member of our family. With over 15 years of experience and 5-star reviews, you can be sure you’ll receive top-notch care in a comfortable and conveniently located office. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.