PREFACE

There has been a revolution in the treatment of medical and cosmetic disorders of the skin. In large part, this is due to the availability of procedures and technologies that produce clear, cosmetic benefit with few side effects and little downtime. With the advent of lasers and light sources over the past 20 years, cosmetic improvement is a matter of quick, relatively painless procedures. Non-laser treatments such as soft tissue fillers, botulinum toxin injections, sclerotherapy, hair transplantation and others have also dramatically expanded the scope of this field. These procedures coincide with the busy lifestyle of many patients who seek an improvement in appearance that does not interfere with their professional, social or personal obligations.

These procedures, however, are not without potential side effects or complications. Physicians who perform these treatments in the absence of training or education are certain to encounter poor results, complications and irate patients. Because patients are pursuing elective treatments for cosmetic benefit, any worsening of appearance will understandably anger patients who undergo these procedures. The decision as to when not to treat a patient is perhaps the most important in this field.

With this in mind, Color Atlas of Cosmetic Dermatology, Second Edition seeks to provide a succinct yet broad overview of cosmetic therapy. There are a plethora illustrations and graphs to elucidate consultation, management, treatment and side effects of numerous cosmetic procedures. Its practical format is geared to the busy practitioner or trainee who seeks a quick, comprehensive reference for approaching the cosmetic patient. It also emphasizes pitfalls of treatment in order to educate the reader as to potential problems with certain treatments. It serves as an invaluable resource to both the experienced and novice.