Northwestern University Medical School and Dermablend® Corrective Cosmetics, Inc., have created the nation's first academic-based clinic that specializes in concealing cosmetic disfigurements such as scars, birthmarks, rosacea, skin discolorations and tatoos. The Corrective Cosmetic Cover Clinic is based within the Northwestern dermatology clinic and is staffed by dermatologists, surgeons, specialty pharmacists and certified estheticians (makeup artists) who work closely with patients to achieve the patient's desired cosmetic outcome.
The Corrective Cosmetic Cover Clinic is headed by Dennis P. West, professor of dermatology and director of the dermatopharmacology program at Northwestern.
"Our focus is on alleviating the psychological and emotional trauma of skin disorders resulting in cosmetic disfigurement, through one-on-one counseling and cosmetic application demonstrations," West said.
"Corrective cosmetics, when used properly, can conceal almost all skin disfigurements, including scars, age spots, rosacea, vitiligo, port wine stains, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, post-surgical discoloration and birthmarks," he said.
Dermablend® president and chief executive officer Tim Hogan said: "We have great confidence that dermatology patients at Northwestern will find the quality and scope of Dermablend's products, coupled with the expertise of the clinic's professionals, to be an indispensable resource."
All corrective cover consultations and treatment sessions, which may be from 15 to 60 minutes long, take place in a specially lighted private room designed by Northwestern in consultation with Niedermaier of Chicago. The consultation room provides patients with a discreet professional setting for discussion and demonstration of techniques for application of corrective products. Specialty products are provided as optimal corrective measures for each patient.
"While most people may have a makeover in the middle of a department store, it is discomforting for someone with a skin disorder to reveal it publicly and feel exposed as the center of attention," said Lee West, a specialty pharmacist and corrective cover consultant at Northwestern.
Lee West stressed that corrective cosmetics are not about vanity and the pursuit of glamour but, rather, are confidence-building tools that enable an individual to live not as a condition, a birthmark or scar, but to be perceived as a person.
"When people believe they look good, they also feel good and are able to interact more positively with others," she said.
