Dermatologists and plastic surgeons do, in fact, treat many of the same disorders. However, while both practitioners perform liposuction and cosmetic repairs on skin damaged by age, disease, or overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, the disciplines are different in their focus.
Doctors of dermatology deal with non-life-threatening illnesses such as chronic acne and also with cancers, autoimmune disorders, and sexually transmitted diseases. They focus primarily on conditions of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. While they frequently perform surgeries, they treat many patients by means of drugs, medications, and other non-surgical therapies.
Plastic surgeons offer optional cosmetic procedures including breast enlargement and liposuction, but they are more likely to perform significant restorative and reconstructive surgeries to treat burns, correct birth defects, or repair injuries to the face or extremities.
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