If you’ve been struggling with a persistent skin concern, you may have asked yourself: “Should I go private, or wait for an NHS referral?” It’s a question many people in the UK are facing today, especially as NHS dermatology waiting times can sometimes stretch from several weeks into many months. For anyone experiencing uncomfortable symptoms or worrying about a potential diagnosis, that wait can feel far longer than the calendar suggests.
Skin problems can affect much more than just your appearance. Conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or even unexplained rashes often bring physical discomfort itching, pain, or irritation that can make everyday activities challenging. On top of that, visible symptoms can chip away at your self-confidence, making you feel self-conscious in social settings or at work. And when you notice a suspicious mole or a sudden change in your skin, concerns about skin cancer or other serious conditions can create a level of anxiety that’s difficult to ignore.
In situations like these, the idea of waiting weeks for a GP appointment and then several more weeks or months for an NHS dermatology referral can be frustrating and even distressing. This is where the option of seeing a private dermatologist starts to feel appealing. Private clinics often offer significantly shorter waiting times, meaning you can get a professional assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan much sooner than you might through the NHS.
But speed isn’t the only factor to consider. Private dermatology typically promises more personalised care, longer consultation times, and access to a wider range of treatments and technologies than may be available on the NHS. For some people, this combination of faster appointments and tailored treatment is worth every penny. For others, the cost of private care especially if ongoing treatment is required can feel like a significant financial stretch.
So, is paying for a private appointment really worth the investment? The answer depends on your specific skin concern, how urgently you need treatment, and what you value most in your healthcare experience. Understanding what you actually get for your money, how much you can expect to pay, and when it makes sense to book privately can help you make an informed decision that fits both your health needs and your budget.
In this article, I’ll explore the main advantages of going private, the potential downsides to keep in mind, and some key situations where choosing a private dermatologist may be the smartest move for your skin and for your peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, a sudden flare-up, or a worrying mole, the right information can make this decision feel far less daunting.
Costs of Seeing a Private Dermatologist
Of course, the biggest drawback of private dermatology is the cost. While the NHS provides treatment free at the point of care, private appointments require you to pay out of pocket or through health insurance if you have a policy that covers dermatology.
A standard private dermatology consultation in the UK typically ranges from around £150 to £250 for an initial appointment. The exact price can vary depending on the clinic, the dermatologist’s level of expertise, and your location. Clinics in London and other major cities often sit at the higher end of the scale, while smaller regional practices may be more affordable.
It’s important to remember that the consultation fee usually covers the dermatologist’s time and professional assessment only. Additional costs can arise if further investigations or treatments are needed. For example:
- Follow-up appointments may be charged at £100–£200 per visit.
- Skin biopsies or mole removal can range from £150 to £500 depending on the complexity.
- Blood tests, allergy tests, or lab analyses often carry separate charges, which can vary widely.
- Specialist treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or phototherapy can cost anywhere from £200 for a single session to several thousand pounds for a full course of treatment.
If your condition requires ongoing management, such as repeated laser sessions for acne scarring or long-term biologic therapy for psoriasis, the expenses can add up quickly. For this reason, many patients weigh the benefits of faster access against the reality of sustained costs.
Some people adopt a hybrid approach to balance speed with affordability. They book a private consultation to obtain a fast diagnosis and treatment plan, then continue their care through the NHS once a diagnosis is confirmed and a management plan is in place. This strategy allows them to avoid long waiting times while keeping ongoing expenses manageable.
Health insurance can also help reduce the financial burden if your policy includes dermatology coverage. However, it’s essential to check the details carefully, as some policies exclude certain treatments particularly cosmetic procedures or require a GP referral even for private care.
Ultimately, deciding whether to pay for private dermatology often comes down to personal priorities. If your skin concern is causing significant discomfort, impacting your mental wellbeing, or requires urgent assessment, the reassurance and speed of private care can feel worth every penny. For others, especially when treatment is likely to be long-term, the NHS remains the more practical option despite the wait.
When Does Going Private Make Sense?
Not every skin concern requires private care, but there are situations where paying for a specialist appointment can be a smart and sometimes life-saving decision. Whether it’s the urgency of a potential diagnosis or the need for treatments that simply aren’t available on the NHS, private dermatology can provide advantages that far outweigh the cost. Below are some of the most common circumstances where going private is worth serious consideration.
Urgent Concerns
If you’ve noticed a suspicious mole, a rapidly changing patch of skin, or any sign that could indicate skin cancer, early access to a dermatologist is invaluable. The NHS does prioritise suspected cancer cases, but the pathway typically requires a GP referral and sometimes involves multiple appointments before you reach a specialist. Even with an urgent referral, pressures on the system can create delays.
Booking privately allows you to bypass the wait entirely. Many private dermatologists can see you within days, perform a thorough examination during the first appointment, and arrange a biopsy, mole mapping, or removal far sooner than the standard NHS route. This speed can make a crucial difference when early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes.
It’s not only about cancer, either. Fast access can also be vital if you develop a sudden, severe skin reaction such as a rapidly spreading rash or a blistering condition like Stevens–Johnson syndrome where early expert input can prevent complications. Even if the issue turns out to be harmless, receiving a professional opinion within a week rather than a month can significantly reduce anxiety and help you move forward with confidence.
Chronic Conditions
Long-term skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea can be incredibly frustrating. They often flare without warning, cause physical discomfort, and affect mental wellbeing. While NHS dermatologists provide excellent care, waiting times for an initial appointment can mean months of living with symptoms before you receive specialist advice or access to advanced medications.
Private care dramatically accelerates this process. A dermatologist can start you on stronger prescription treatments such as isotretinoin for acne, biologic injections for psoriasis, or combination therapies for stubborn eczema much sooner. This earlier intervention can reduce inflammation, prevent scarring, and help you regain control over your daily life.
Patients with chronic conditions also benefit from the flexibility private care provides. Longer consultations allow for detailed discussions about lifestyle factors, triggers, and alternative treatments. You can often book follow-up appointments as needed rather than waiting for a fixed schedule, ensuring your treatment plan adapts quickly to any changes in your skin’s condition.
Cosmetic Needs
The NHS focuses on medical necessity, which means purely cosmetic treatments are rarely covered. If your concerns involve appearance rather than health such as signs of ageing, uneven pigmentation, acne scars, or benign moles private clinics provide access to a wide range of cosmetic dermatology services.
These services can include:
- Laser resurfacing and fractional lasers for fine lines, sun damage, and pigmentation.
- Microneedling or chemical peels to improve texture and reduce scarring.
- Injectable treatments like Botox or dermal fillers to soften wrinkles or restore volume.
- Specialised mole or skin tag removal for cosmetic reasons.
Choosing a qualified dermatologist for these treatments, rather than a non-medical aesthetic practitioner, adds an extra layer of safety. Dermatologists have medical training to assess your skin thoroughly, spot potential problems, and handle complications if they arise an important consideration for procedures that use lasers, needles, or prescription-strength products.
Peace of Mind
Sometimes, the decision to go private isn’t about urgency or aesthetics it’s about reassurance. Skin changes, even minor ones, can trigger significant worry, especially if you’ve been searching for answers without success. The ability to see a specialist quickly, discuss your symptoms in depth, and receive a comprehensive examination can provide immediate relief from uncertainty.
Private consultations are typically longer than NHS appointments, giving you the chance to ask detailed questions, explore treatment options, and fully understand your diagnosis. Many patients describe the experience as empowering, because they leave with a clear action plan and a better understanding of their skin. Even if you ultimately continue treatment on the NHS, the clarity and confidence gained from a private assessment can make the consultation fee feel well worth it.
Second Opinions and Complex Cases
Another scenario where private care can be particularly valuable is when you need a second opinion or have a complex case that hasn’t responded to standard treatment. Some skin conditions overlap in appearance, making diagnosis challenging. A private dermatologist can offer a fresh perspective, access to specialist tests, or alternative therapies that may not be widely available within the NHS.
This is especially helpful if you’ve tried multiple treatments without success or if your condition requires highly specialised knowledge, such as rare autoimmune disorders or advanced hair loss therapies. A private consultation can help you explore every possible option without the limitations of a stretched public system.
How Private Dermatology Compares with NHS Care
When deciding whether to see a private dermatologist, it helps to understand how private care stacks up against NHS services. Both have distinct advantages, and the decision often depends on your specific needs, urgency, and personal priorities. By looking at the strengths of each, you can make a more informed choice about the right path for your skin.
NHS Strengths
The NHS offers care that is free at the point of use, which is a major benefit for anyone concerned about healthcare costs. You don’t pay for consultations, basic treatments, or follow-up appointments, making it accessible to all patients regardless of income or financial situation.
NHS dermatologists are highly trained specialists who are experienced in managing a wide range of medical skin conditions, from common issues like eczema, acne, and psoriasis to rare autoimmune disorders and skin cancers. These specialists often work as part of multidisciplinary teams, giving patients access to a broad spectrum of expertise when complex conditions are involved.
The NHS also provides structured long-term support for chronic conditions. Many patients with persistent skin issues benefit from consistent monitoring, ongoing prescriptions, and coordinated follow-ups, which are all included as part of the service. For example, someone with long-standing eczema may receive regular check-ins, advice on lifestyle triggers, and prescription adjustments over years all at no direct cost. This makes NHS care particularly advantageous for conditions where ongoing medical oversight is important.
Additionally, the NHS has well-established safety and regulatory standards. Treatments and medications are carefully reviewed for efficacy and safety before being offered to patients. This ensures that the care you receive is evidence-based and held to high clinical standards.
Private Strengths
Private dermatology offers advantages that address some of the limitations inherent in public healthcare. Faster access is perhaps the most immediate benefit. While NHS waiting times can stretch into weeks or months for non-urgent cases, private clinics can often arrange consultations within days. This is particularly valuable for people who have urgent concerns, such as a new or changing mole, sudden rashes, or severe acne flare-ups. Early access can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing complications and providing peace of mind sooner.
Another key advantage is greater choice of treatments. Private dermatologists often provide access to the latest medications, advanced laser and light therapies, cosmetic procedures, and other treatments that may not be widely available on the NHS. This includes biologic therapies for severe psoriasis, specialized scar revision techniques, and cosmetic treatments for skin pigmentation, fine lines, and acne scarring. Having access to a broader range of therapies allows dermatologists to tailor treatment plans more precisely to individual needs, which can improve outcomes and satisfaction.
Personalised care is another major benefit. Private consultations are usually longer than NHS appointments, giving patients the opportunity to discuss symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and concerns in greater depth. This extended time allows dermatologists to create highly customised treatment plans and to explain potential side effects, alternative therapies, and realistic expectations in detail. Many patients also appreciate the continuity of seeing the same dermatologist consistently, which helps build trust and allows the doctor to develop a deeper understanding of the patient’s condition over time.
Private clinics often offer a more comfortable and convenient experience, including flexible appointment times, shorter waiting periods on the day of consultation, and enhanced clinic environments designed for patient comfort. This can make a significant difference, particularly for people who feel anxious about medical appointments or have experienced rushed consultations in the past.
Combining Private and NHS Care
For many patients, the most effective approach is to combine private and NHS care. For example:
- Booking a private consultation for a rapid assessment and diagnosis can help you get answers quickly, especially for urgent concerns like suspicious moles or sudden flare-ups.
- Once a diagnosis or treatment plan is in place, ongoing care such as repeat prescriptions, follow-ups, or chronic condition management can continue through the NHS to reduce costs.
- Patients with complex or chronic skin conditions may use private care for specialist procedures or advanced treatments not offered on the NHS, while relying on the NHS for long-term monitoring and maintenance.
This hybrid strategy allows patients to enjoy the speed, personalised attention, and wider treatment options of private care, while still benefiting from the accessibility, continuity, and cost-effectiveness of NHS services. It’s a flexible approach that maximises the strengths of both systems.
Ultimately, the choice between private and NHS dermatology isn’t about one being better than the other it’s about understanding the differences, weighing the advantages against costs, and deciding which approach best fits your medical needs, urgency, and personal priorities. By considering both options thoughtfully, you can make a decision that provides timely, effective care and peace of mind for your skin.
Final Thought: Is Private Dermatology the Right Choice for You?
So, is it worth going to a private dermatologist? For many people, the answer is yes especially if you need fast access, advanced treatments, or more personalised time with a specialist. While costs are a factor, the benefits often outweigh them when your skin health or peace of mind is at stake.
If you’re considering private care, you can book a consultation with an experienced Dermatologist in London at The London Dermatology Centre to explore the best options for your needs.
References:
- NHS England. (2025). Guide to NHS waiting times in England. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england/
- NHS England. (2025). Referral to Treatment (RTT) Waiting Times Data – January 2025. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/Jan25-RTT-SPN-Publication-PDF-388K-53275.pdf
- Aventus Clinic. (2024). How much does a private dermatologist cost in the UK?. Available at: https://aventusclinic.com/how-much-does-a-private-dermatologist-cost-uk/
- Circle Health Group. (2023). The top 5 reasons to see a dermatologist. Available at: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/health-matters/your-body/reasons-to-see-a-dermatologist
- Diamond Skin Care. (2023). Is it worth seeing a private dermatologist?. Available at: https://diamondskincare.co.uk/is-it-worth-seeing-a-private-dermatologist/