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The Columbia Manual of Dermatologic Cosmetic Surgery

Preface:
There can be no argument with good work. Amid the cacophony of claims arising from interspecialty rivalry, the only credible voice is that of competence. Dermatologists possess a rich and substantive history in developing the field of contemporary cosmetic surgery. Expertise acquired through training and experience is the unassailable high ground that positions dermatologic cosmetic surgeons to best serve the cosmetic surgical patient. The purpose of this book is to further the clarity by which cosmetic dermatologic surgeons may address their patients who seek assistance with their restoration or enhancement of appearance.

This book offers a deliberative method of approaching the cosmetic surgical patient based on tiered strategies for intervening in the aging process. Relevance and practicality were the foremost intent in composing this book, translating our past 15 year experience of surgical practice and mentoring of fellows into a useful format. Through a systematic approach to facial and body analysis as represented in Chapters 6 and 7, aesthetic maintenance and rejuvenation goals can be accomplished in accord with the patient and surgeon’s level of comfort. Understanding the often complex framework from which to position a practice can be challenging. Included are the very basics of office surgery setup and simple ethical marketing strategies to help those starting out, to delineating some of the intricacies in a more sophisticated ambulatory surgery center, intended for the established dermatologic cosmetic surgeon. Chapters 1, 2 and 3 address the though process and actions associated with various credentialing and office surgical setup issues we believe will be beneficial to the practitioners in the field of dermatologic cosmetic surgery at each level.

The core of the book is aimed toward comprehensively defining the patient’s concerns, then laying out treatment algorithms for which to mediate improvement. Various cosmetic surgical procedures are outlined to highlight the technical components involved with each specific intervention. Added to these procedural chapters are the practical elements of patient information sheets, consent forms, specific pre- and post-operative instructions for patients, and setup materials that support outpatient surgical patient care. The ability to offer the patient a range of treatment options based on the degree of improvement desired, cost, duration of correction, and recovery time available is highly useful in building and maintaining a successful dermatologic cosmetic surgical practice.

Clearly this is not a "how-to" book. The acquisition of good surgical techniques, mature judgment, superior hand skills, and the ability to safely and effectively management complications comes with appropriate training and experience. This book is, however, intended to serve as a significant aid to furthering one’s cosmetic dermatologic surgical knowledge. We trust that the interventional algorithms and procedure outlined herein, supporting the surgeon’s thoughtful assessment and leading to a satisfactory patient outcome, will serve as a helpful guide in the busy dermatologic cosmetic surgical practice.