Direct Answer
All dermatologists complete the same 4-year residency and ABMS board certification through the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). “Cosmetic dermatologist” and “medical dermatologist” describe a physician's practice focus — not separate board certifications. Many dermatologists practice both.
What each type focuses on
| Medical Dermatologist | Cosmetic Dermatologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Skin disease diagnosis and treatment | Aesthetic improvement of skin appearance |
| Common Treatments | Acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer screening | Lasers, Botox, fillers, chemical peels, microneedling, hair restoration |
| Insurance | Typically covered for medical conditions | Out of pocket — elective |
| Board Certification | American Board of Dermatology (ABD) | American Board of Dermatology (ABD) — same |
How to choose
- For skin disease — see a medical dermatologist (most general dermatologists).
- For aesthetic treatments — see a cosmetic dermatologist with high volume in the specific treatment you want.
- For both — seek a dual-practice dermatologist who treats medical conditions while also performing aesthetic procedures.
Board verification
Verify any dermatologist's board certification at abderm.org (the American Board of Dermatology) or certificationmatters.org (ABMS). Be cautious of providers who advertise dermatologic services without ABD certification — many states allow non-dermatologist physicians and nurse practitioners to perform aesthetic dermatology treatments.
Featured Haute MD dermatologists
Haute MD's featured dermatologists include leading practitioners in cosmetic, medical, and dual-practice dermatology across the United States. See the sidebar for the physicians editorially featured in this guide.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cosmetic dermatologist a real doctor?
Yes. A cosmetic dermatologist is a board-certified dermatologist (MD or DO) who has completed medical school, internship, and a 3-year dermatology residency, and is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. The term “cosmetic” describes their practice focus, not their credentials.
What treatments does a cosmetic dermatologist offer?
Common treatments include neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Daxxify), dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, IPL, microneedling, radiofrequency skin tightening (Morpheus8, Thermage), chemical peels, PRP, sclerotherapy, and hair restoration. Many also perform minor surgical procedures like mole and cyst removal.
Should I see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for fillers?
Both can perform filler injections safely. Board-certified dermatologists typically have the deepest training in skin anatomy and non-surgical aesthetics, while plastic surgeons typically have the deepest training in surgical facial anatomy. The most important factor is the individual injector's experience and aesthetic outcomes.
How do I verify a dermatologist's board certification?
Search the physician at abderm.org (American Board of Dermatology) or certificationmatters.org (ABMS). Both are free, authoritative, and updated continuously.