Before recommending treatment, a dermatologist reviews your medical history, identifies your skin type, examines the concern with the eye and tools such as a dermatoscope, and in some cases uses facial imaging. The plan is based on the diagnosis, the safety of each option for your skin and how much downtime your schedule allows.
1. Medical History
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Medications and supplements | Isotretinoin, retinoids and blood thinners affect healing and bruising |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | Some medications and procedures are postponed |
| Keloid or abnormal scarring | Raises the risk from lasers, needling and injections |
| Cold sores | Facial procedures can trigger an outbreak |
| Previous treatments | Recent fillers, lasers or peels change timing and options |
2. Skin Type
Dermatologists often use the Fitzpatrick scale , which classifies skin into six types (I to VI) by how it reacts to the sun. Darker skin types have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so the doctor adjusts device choice and settings.
The doctor also notes whether your skin is oily, dry or sensitive, and whether it is currently irritated or sunburned.
3. Physical Examination
- Pigmentation: distinguishing melasma, freckles, sun spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Redness: distinguishing rosacea, visible vessels and irritation
- Acne and scars: active lesions, scar type and depth
- Laxity and volume: skin thickness, sagging and volume loss
Our pages on facial redness and vascular lesions explain how redness is assessed and treated.
4. Examination Tools and Imaging
| Tool | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Dermatoscope | Magnified view of spots, moles and pigment patterns |
| Wood's lamp | Ultraviolet light that helps show pigment depth and some infections |
| Facial imaging device | Standardized photos of pigmentation, redness, pores and texture |
| Clinical photos | A baseline to compare results after treatment |
5. From Assessment to Treatment Plan
- Diagnosis: the doctor names the condition behind your concern.
- Options: treatments that address that condition are compared.
- Safety: options that do not suit your skin type, medications or current skin condition are excluded.
- Schedule: the plan is matched to your travel dates and acceptable downtime.
Read about pore and skin texture treatments as an example of how one concern can have several treatment options.
FAQ
Why does the dermatologist ask about my medical history?
Some medications and conditions change which treatments are safe. Examples include oral isotretinoin, blood thinners, pregnancy, keloid scars and a history of cold sores.
What is the Fitzpatrick skin type?
The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin into six types (I to VI) by how it reacts to sun exposure. Doctors use it to choose laser and energy settings and to judge the risk of pigmentation after treatment.
What is a dermatoscope?
A dermatoscope is a handheld magnifying device with a light source. Dermatologists use it to examine spots, moles and pigmentation in detail.
Is a facial imaging device enough to decide my treatment?
No. Imaging records pigmentation, redness and texture, but the doctor's examination and your medical history decide the diagnosis and the treatment plan.
Why might a dermatologist decline a treatment I asked for?
A doctor may decline or postpone a treatment if your skin is irritated, sunburned or infected, if a medication you take makes it unsafe, or if another treatment fits your diagnosis better.
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- Korean Dermatological Association (대한피부과학회) — skin examination and patient information.
- Fitzpatrick skin phototype classification — skin type and sun reaction.
- Medical Service Act of Korea (의료법) — explanation and consent.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results and suitability vary by individual.
