A dermatologist is a specialised medical doctor who goes beyond their standard medical training and licences to hone one specific area of medicine: the skin, hair and nails, also known as dermatology. A dermatologist has a deep understanding of skin diseases. They study for an additional minimum of five years of study to achieve their specialist dermatology qualification.

A dermatologist may have a particular interest in their chosen field (i.e., skin cancer, eczema, acne, etc.) from a medical perspective; however, they may also be interested and experienced in the cosmetic side of skin, nails and hair. Thus, the cosmetic dermatologist is born.

Dermatologists do perform surgery, though the extent of the surgery will depend on their interests. Many minor dermatological surgeries include removing moles or skin lesions, with more extensive surgeries.

A dermatologist can diagnose, treat and help prevent a myriad of skin diseases, but a dermatologist can also improve the appearance of your skin, hair and nails, including modifying scarring and providing aesthetic procedures.