Don't give up on the idea of cosmetic dermatology if you have amateur tattoos. These tattoos actually tend to be more superficial than professional tattoos, and easier to remove using a laser beam. It usually takes at least six treatments at four-week intervals to eradicate this type of tattoo.

Cosmetic dermatology isn't just for getting rid of acne scars, although that's a major function. You're also a candidate if your skin has been damaged by temperature extremes, environmental factors, skin cancer and other diseases -- or if you just want to get rid of those wrinkles.

One way that cosmetic dermatology can help you look healthier is through dermabrasion -- that is, by literally sanding away old skin to reveal healthy new skin. This can be undertaken on either a large scale, or on a smaller scale (microdermabrasion).