One of the most common questions patients ask when considering private dermatology is:
“Will I need to keep coming back?”
The short answer? It depends on your condition and your treatment goals.
Some skin issues can be assessed, diagnosed, and managed effectively in a single consultation especially if you need advice on a minor rash, a mole check, or a straightforward prescription renewal. In these cases, you may only need one appointment, plus a potential follow-up if you want reassurance or further adjustments.
However, other skin concerns often require ongoing care over several weeks or months. Conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea frequently need regular monitoring and treatment adjustments to ensure the best results. For example, acne treatment often involves reviewing your progress every 6–12 weeks to check if medications are working and to manage any side effects. Eczema management may require revisiting your dermatologist if flare-ups persist or if you are exploring newer treatment options.
If you are undergoing procedures like laser therapy for pigmentation or skin rejuvenation, or if you are having minor surgery for mole removal, you may need to attend follow-up appointments for wound checks and aftercare.
Your lifestyle, goals, and the complexity of your condition will influence how many appointments are appropriate. Some patients prefer to schedule periodic check-ins even after their condition is stable, while others only return if new issues arise. Knowing what to expect can help you plan your time, budget, and skincare journey with confidence.
In this article, I’ll explain how appointment frequency varies, what treatment timelines usually look like, and when it’s worth checking in again with your specialist, so you can feel prepared and supported throughout your private dermatology care.
When One Appointment May Be Enough
In many cases, a single visit to a private dermatologist is all you’ll need to get the answers you’re looking for and confidently move forward with treatment. Private dermatologists often provide a diagnosis, explain the underlying cause, and recommend a treatment plan during your first session, allowing you to leave with clarity and a clear next step.
Here are some examples where one appointment may be sufficient:
- Mole Checks or Skin Tag Removal
If you are concerned about a mole, skin tag, or other skin lesion, a one-off assessment can often give you peace of mind. Many benign lesions can be removed on the same day during your consultation, saving you time and reducing worry. In some cases, your dermatologist may send the removed tissue for pathology testing to confirm it is benign, but unless the results indicate a concern, no further visits are typically needed. - Minor Rashes or Allergic Reactions
Rashes and allergic skin reactions can often be diagnosed through a visual inspection and by discussing your medical history and lifestyle triggers during your appointment. Treatment may involve prescribing a short course of topical creams, antihistamines, or other medications to ease symptoms. Follow-up appointments are generally only needed if your symptoms persist, worsen, or if you wish to explore further testing to identify the underlying cause. - Fungal Infections or Warts
Many fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or ringworm, and common warts can be diagnosed on the spot during your consultation. Your dermatologist may prescribe a straightforward treatment such as antifungal creams or oral medication or offer in-clinic treatments like cryotherapy for warts. A follow-up appointment may be suggested if symptoms do not resolve, but many patients find that a single consultation is enough to manage these conditions effectively. - Skin Advice or Second Opinions
If you need reassurance or a second opinion regarding a skin condition previously assessed by your GP or another clinic, a single consultation can provide clarity and guidance. This can include reviewing an existing treatment plan, discussing alternative options, or confirming a diagnosis. Many patients book a one-off appointment for peace of mind before continuing their treatment independently or with their primary care provider.
When Ongoing Care Might Be Needed
Chronic or more complex skin conditions often benefit from a long-term treatment plan with regular check-ins to ensure your skin is improving and to address any concerns that may arise. In these cases, working with a private dermatologist allows you to have personalised monitoring of your progress, timely adjustments to your treatment plan, and careful tracking of side effects or improvements to achieve the best possible results.
Here are some situations where multiple appointments are typically necessary:
- Acne
Acne can range from mild breakouts to severe, persistent cystic acne that requires structured management. Treatment often begins with topical creams or oral medications to control inflammation and reduce breakouts. Reviews are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks to assess how well your skin is responding and to monitor any side effects. For patients prescribed isotretinoin, monthly appointments are standard practice to monitor your skin, general health, and blood tests, ensuring safe and effective treatment throughout the course. - Eczema or Psoriasis
These chronic conditions often involve flare-ups that can significantly affect your quality of life. After your initial consultation and treatment plan, follow-up appointments allow your dermatologist to identify potential triggers, adjust your medications, and manage recurring symptoms. If you are undergoing phototherapy for psoriasis, a structured treatment schedule is usually followed, with sessions occurring several times per week over a few weeks, followed by review appointments to assess progress and plan maintenance care. - Hyperpigmentation or Scarring
Treating pigmentation concerns or acne scarring requires patience and a staged approach. Results often take several months to become noticeable, as the skin needs time to heal and regenerate. Treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, or light-based therapies are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow the skin to recover between sessions. In addition, prescription topical treatments for hyperpigmentation need consistent use over weeks or months, with follow-up visits to monitor progress and refine your plan for optimal results. - Rosacea or Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
These skin conditions require long-term management to control flare-ups and maintain clear, comfortable skin. Treatment often involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, skincare modifications, and prescription medications, which may need to be adjusted depending on seasonal changes or other lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, or travel. Regular follow-up appointments help fine-tune your treatment plan to keep symptoms under control while minimising side effects.
What Happens in Follow-Up Visits?
Follow-up appointments with your private dermatologist are typically shorter and more focused than your first consultation, but they are essential for ensuring your treatment is working effectively and safely while helping you stay on track toward clearer, healthier skin.
During these visits, your dermatologist will:
- Check your response to treatment: They will examine your skin, discuss any improvements you have noticed, and determine how well your treatment plan is working for you.
- Adjust medication or dosage if needed: If you are using prescription treatments, your dermatologist may change the dosage or type of medication depending on how your skin is responding and any side effects you may be experiencing.
- Review side effects or flare-ups: If you have experienced any reactions, discomfort, or new symptoms since starting treatment, your dermatologist will assess these and help manage them appropriately.
- Repeat in-clinic procedures if required: Treatments such as cryotherapy for warts, chemical peels for pigmentation, or light-based therapies for acne or rosacea may need to be performed in a series of sessions, which are typically done during your follow-up appointments.
- Take new images to track progress: Many dermatology clinics take clinical photographs during each visit to visually monitor your skin’s improvement over time, allowing both you and your dermatologist to see subtle changes that may not be noticeable day-to-day.
In addition to these checks, your dermatologist will ensure you are confident with your skincare routine, making sure you understand which products to use, how to apply treatments correctly, and what lifestyle factors can support your skin health. They will also provide guidance on protecting your skin from triggers, preventing future flare-ups, and maintaining your skin’s condition long-term.
Follow-up appointments are a valuable part of your treatment journey, allowing you to discuss any concerns, ask questions, and adjust your plan as needed so you can continue progressing toward your skincare goals with clarity and confidence.
Typical Appointment Timeline by Condition
The number of appointments you may need with a private dermatologist varies depending on your skin condition and treatment plan. For mole checks or skin tag removal, many patients require just a single appointment, during which the dermatologist will assess the mole or skin tag and, in many cases, remove it during the same visit if it is benign. Occasionally, if a biopsy is needed for further analysis, you may receive your results later, but unless the results indicate any concerns, further appointments are usually not necessary.
For acne, particularly moderate to severe cases, you may need around three or more appointments, with some patients requiring six or more visits, depending on how well their skin responds to treatment. These appointments are typically spaced about every four to eight weeks, allowing the dermatologist to assess your progress, adjust medications, and monitor for any side effects.
In cases of eczema or psoriasis, which are chronic skin conditions prone to flare-ups, patients may require between two and four appointments to effectively manage symptoms and adjust treatment as needed. Follow-up visits for these conditions are generally scheduled every six to twelve weeks, though this can vary based on the severity of your symptoms and treatment approach, such as phototherapy or medication adjustments.
For scarring and pigmentation concerns, treatment timelines are usually longer, as improvement in skin texture and tone can take time. Patients often require between four to eight appointments, with sessions typically spaced every four to six weeks. This schedule allows for gradual improvement while monitoring the skin’s response to procedures like chemical peels or laser treatments.
If you are managing rosacea or chronic dermatitis, you may expect to have between two and four or more appointments with your dermatologist. The timing of these visits will usually depend on your symptom activity and any seasonal or lifestyle factors that may affect your condition. Your dermatologist will recommend follow-up appointments based on how your skin is responding to treatment and whether adjustments are needed to maintain symptom control.
By understanding these typical timelines, you can plan your schedule and budget realistically while ensuring you receive the appropriate care for your skin concerns.
What About the Cost?
When planning private dermatology care, it’s important to consider that most clinics charge on a per-appointment basis, which means that if your condition requires ongoing care, there will be additional costs for each follow-up visit or treatment session you attend. However, many patients find that the benefits of personalised, timely care and specialist attention can outweigh these costs, particularly for skin conditions that significantly affect daily life or confidence.
Here’s a general breakdown to help you plan ahead:
- Initial Consultation (£200–£300): This is typically the first and longest appointment you will have, allowing the dermatologist to take a full medical history, examine your skin, discuss your concerns in detail, and begin creating a tailored treatment plan for your condition.
- Follow-Up Visits (£120–£200 per session): These appointments are usually shorter and focused on checking your progress, adjusting medications, and discussing any changes or concerns. The frequency of these visits will depend on your treatment plan and how your skin is responding.
- Procedures (Variable Cost): Treatments such as cryotherapy for warts, chemical peels for pigmentation, or light therapies for acne and rosacea may be billed separately or included as part of a treatment package, depending on the clinic’s pricing structure. It’s a good idea to ask in advance about the cost of specific procedures if they are recommended for your condition.
- Prescriptions: Most prescriptions provided by your dermatologist will be private, meaning you will pay for them at the pharmacy rather than through the NHS. Costs will vary depending on the medication, but your dermatologist can often advise on options that fit your budget while ensuring effectiveness.
If you expect to need multiple sessions or treatments, it’s worth asking your clinic whether they offer bundled packages or treatment plans at a reduced overall price. Some private dermatology clinics provide discounts for block bookings, phototherapy sessions, or courses of treatment, which can make ongoing care more manageable financially while ensuring you stay consistent with your treatment plan.
By understanding the potential costs in advance, you can better plan your budget while investing in the health and appearance of your skin, ensuring you receive the specialised care you need with clarity and confidence.
Can You Switch to NHS After a Private Diagnosis?
Yes, many patients choose to use private dermatology for an initial diagnosis and first-line treatment and then continue their care through the NHS. This approach can give you the benefit of a faster specialist opinion while allowing you to manage longer-term treatment through NHS services.
After your private appointment, you will receive a written summary of your diagnosis and treatment plan, which you can share with your NHS GP or another NHS specialist. This helps ensure that your NHS provider has all the necessary details to continue your care safely and effectively.
However, it is important to note that ongoing treatment availability through the NHS will depend on the severity of your condition and local service capacity. For some skin conditions, you may need to wait longer for NHS follow-up appointments compared to private care, and certain treatments (like some laser therapies or specific procedures) may not always be available through NHS clinics.
If you plan to switch to NHS care after a private consultation, discuss this with your dermatologist so they can guide you on what treatment steps can continue under NHS care and which might require private follow-up if needed. This will help you plan your care confidently while making the best use of both private and NHS services for your skin health.
Final Thought: Planning Your Dermatology Journey
The number of appointments you’ll need with a private dermatologist depends entirely on your skin concern. For simple issues, one visit may be enough. For longer-term conditions, a short series of follow-ups ensures your skin gets the consistent, expert attention it deserves.
You can get in touch with us to book a consultation with one of our expert dermatologists in London. Whether it’s a quick one-time review or a personalised care journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
References:
- Schofield, J.K., Fleming, D., Grindlay, D. and Williams, H., 2011. Skin conditions in the UK: a health care needs assessment. Centre of Evidence-Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham. Available at: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/cebd/documents/hcnaskinconditionsuk2009.pdf
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2021. Acne vulgaris: management. NICE guideline [NG198]. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng198
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2007 (updated 2018). Atopic eczema in under 12s: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [CG57]. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg57
- Cancer Research UK, 2024. Skin cancer incidence statistics. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/skin-cancer/incidence
- Smith, C.H., Barker, J.N., 2006. Psoriasis and its management. BMJ, 333(7564), pp.380–384. doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7564.380 Available at: https://www.bmj.com/content/333/7564/380