In order to fully understand the concept of Aesthetic or Cosmetic medicine it is first necessary to examine the internationally accepted definitions of Dermatology and Plastic or Reconstructive Surgery and then determine what aspects differentiate the Aesthetic or Cosmetic Doctor.
A dermatologist is “a doctor who specializes in the physiology and pathology of the skin”, whilst a plastic reconstructive surgeon is “a specialised surgeon who is concerned with the restoration, construction, reconstruction, or improvement in the form, function, and appearance of body structures that are missing, defective, damaged, or misshapen. This encompasses both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.”
Internationally aesthetic medicine is defined as “A branch of medicine focused on satisfying the aesthetic desires and goals of patients. This specialty is primarily focused on the pathophysiology of aging skin and adheres to scientific based procedures. Physicians practicing Aesthetic Medicine are trained in non-invasive treatment modalities and typically utilize combination treatments to meet the needs of the patient.” - International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine.
- Aesthetic or Cosmetic medicine is focussed on the provision of the following core competencies by registered medical doctors and physicians.
- Light-based therapies (hair removal, laser treatments)
- Cosmetic injectables (Wrinkle reduction & soft tissue fillers)
- Skin rejuvenation (medical grade chemical peels, microdermabrasion)
- Medical weight management.
Cosmetic Medicine is a medical discipline, undertaken by registered medical practitioners, comprising a range of non-surgical procedures, to revise, enhance, treat or change the appearance, colour, texture, structure or position of the cutaneous, subcutaneous tissues or associated structures using techniques which combine both the medical and aesthetic considerations for the patient.
In South Africa The Aesthetic and Anti-aging Medicine Society of South Africa is the official medical society that is committed to the practice, advancement and regulation of Aesthetic and Anti-aging Medicine Skin Renewal utilises the services of medical doctors who have been registered with The Aesthetic and Anti-aging Medicine Society of South Africa and have undergone extensive post graduate training in the specific application of Aesthetic Cosmetic medicine.
In addition Skin Renewal has close working relationships with both Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeons as well as Dermatologists and regularly refers patients for additional specialised treatments or procedures.