Q: Dr. Hartman, you and your practice have become known as one of the best cosmetic dermatology centers in the area. Was that your goal when you opened your practice?
A: I knew cosmetic dermatology was an area that people would be excited about exploring, but I also knew that I wanted to develop a trusting relationship with my patients. The best way to do that is to provide great medical dermatology care so that when patients are ready to explore the cosmetic side, we don’t have so many barriers to overcome before they will trust us to enhance their appearance.
Q: Do you have cosmetic dermatology patients who are not medical patients as well?
A: Yes. My practice takes a holistic approach to skincare and establishing a trusting relationship goes both ways. When I first began, I met most of my patients on the medical side of dermatology, and they later became cosmetic patients as well. As my reputation as a cosmetic dermatologist grows and my practice has become more focused on cosmetics, I meet a lot of my patients on the cosmetic side first.
Q: What trends do you see emerging in cosmetic dermatology?
A: As we have better technology and more tools at our disposal, one trend in my office and among many of my peers is to create more customized and tailored treatment plans for each patient. Instead of addressing one issue, we take a holistic approach. If you don’t, you are never going to truly make the patient happy.
We develop longitudinal plans to help our patients have success right now and place them on a preventative path for the future. Even if you are coming to me for Botox, we also have to talk about your skincare regimen, your lifestyle, your diet and your habits.
Q: How do you handle cosmetic dermatology consultations?
A: Cosmetic consultations and visits are less regimented than the medical ones. When people come to me for help, I start by asking what they have noticed that they are not happy with, or what they would like to improve. The patient is always most important to me, and I want to understand what is important to them. My practice is very big on educating our patients and letting them move forward at a pace that is comfortable for them.
Q: Do you think that cosmetic dermatology and injectables have become more commonplace? What do you think is contributing to that?
A: Cosmetic dermatology has become a more public conversation. I think social media has helped to demystify cosmetic dermatology, and as it enters the mainstream it becomes less of a taboo topic. It has naturally become something that people feel more comfortable sharing. It used to be that nobody would talk about Botox, but now people come with a group of friends to get Botox.
Q: What advice do you have for patients new to cosmetic dermatology?
A: Go very slowly and choose someone who you really trust. Cosmetic dermatology is a field of medicine that combines art and science. It’s important to find a doctor who listens to you.
As a dermatologist, I always want to be mindful of the patient’s budget, how the product is going to feel on their faces, the downtime and long-term treatment goals. I customize a treatment plan for each patient. All of that information comes from educating and listening to the patient. My best advice is If you don’t feel heard, then you might not want to proceed with that doctor.
Q: What interests you most about cosmetic dermatology?
A: I love helping people to wake up in the morning feeling confident and their absolute best. My specialty as a dermatologist isn’t always about saving lives, but it is definitely about enhancing people’s lives.
