Going private for dermatology in the UK can feel like a relief: faster appointments, longer consultations, and clearer treatment plans. But costs can add up quickly because the price is rarely just the consultation. Tests, prescriptions, procedures, histology (lab analysis), and follow-ups are often billed separately.
This guide breaks down what people typically pay in the UK for private dermatology—especially for acne, eczema, and mole checks/removals—so you can budget realistically and avoid surprise fees.
Quick Answer: Typical Private Dermatologist Costs In The UK
Most self-pay private dermatology costs fall into three layers:
- Consultation (initial + follow-ups)
- Investigations (blood tests, biopsies, pathology, patch testing)
- Treatment (procedures, surgery, prescription management, lasers)
Here are realistic UK ranges you’ll commonly see advertised:
- Initial consultation: ~£150 to £330 (often 20–30 minutes)
- Follow-up appointment: ~£95 to £275
- Average initial face-to-face fee (one UK network): £250.20
And for common problems:
- Mole check: ~£225 to £250
- Mole removal (with histology in many cases): ~£400 to £590+
- Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) pathway costs (excluding medication): initial + monthly follow-ups + blood tests can total ~£1,100–£1,500+ depending on clinic and duration
- Patch testing for contact allergy/eczema investigations: often ~£500–£900+ when you include multiple appointments
Why Prices Vary So Much
Private dermatology pricing isn’t standardized. Fees change based on:
- Location: London and major city centres often cost more than regional clinics.
- Consultant vs non-consultant clinician: “Consultant Dermatologist” usually commands higher fees.
- Appointment length and complexity: some clinics book 15–20 minutes, others longer.
- Whether tests are included: especially important for mole removal and biopsies where histology may be extra.
- Same-day or urgent slots: often priced higher.
Typical Consultation Fees In The UK
Below are real-world published examples from UK clinics and hospitals to give you a grounded feel for pricing:
| Item | Typical range you’ll see | Examples (published fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial dermatology consult | £150–£330 | £150 (Romsey) · £240 (Dr Nicole, 2026 list) · £249 (London clinic) · £330 (Reading) |
| Follow-up consult | £95–£275 | £95 (Romsey) · £150 (Dr Nicole) · £169 (London clinic) · £270 (Reading) |
| “Average” initial consult (one network) | ~£250 | £250.20 average initial face-to-face fee in MySkinDoctor network |
Budget tip: Ask whether you’ll need a follow-up in 2–8 weeks. Many skin conditions are managed over multiple visits, not one.
Private Acne Dermatology Costs In The UK
Acne pricing depends on whether it’s:
- Mild–moderate acne (topicals, oral antibiotics, hormonal options)
- Severe acne (often isotretinoin with monitoring)
- Scarring or texture issues (lasers, microneedling, peels—often cosmetic and usually not insurance-covered)
Acne Consultation And Prescription Management
A typical acne plan may involve:
- initial assessment
- skincare routine + prescription
- follow-up to adjust treatment
Some clinics include prescriptions in the consult; others charge separately (or charge for repeat prescriptions).
Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) Costs: What People Forget To Budget For
Isotretinoin is effective for severe acne, but private care usually includes:
- Initial consult
- Regular follow-ups (often monthly)
- Blood tests (often multiple)
- Medication cost (varies)
Examples of published pricing:
- Consultation £245, blood tests £142, monthly follow-up £145 (example clinic pricing)
- Another clinic guide price: £300 new consult, £255 follow-up, blood tests around £150, medication around £60/month (guide pricing)
Illustrative 6-month isotretinoin budget (clinic-dependent):
- Initial consult: ~£245–£300
- Follow-ups (5): ~£145–£255 each
- Blood tests (2+): ~£142–£150 each
That’s commonly ~£1,100 to £1,500+ before medication, and some people need more monitoring.
Cosmetic Acne Treatments (Often Extra)
These can raise the total significantly:
- chemical peels
- laser for acne/scars
- microneedling
- scar revision procedures
If your main goal is scarring rather than active acne, ask upfront whether the clinic classifies your treatment as cosmetic (important for insurance and budgeting).
Private Eczema And Dermatitis Costs In The UK
Eczema can be straightforward—or complicated by infection, allergies, contact triggers, or other inflammatory skin conditions. Costs often rise when you move beyond creams and into investigations.
Typical Eczema Pathway (Private)
Many patients pay for:
- initial consult
- treatment trial (topicals / routine changes)
- follow-up
- investigations if not improving (often patch testing)
The British Association of Dermatologists provides patient guidance on atopic eczema and treatments commonly used.
Patch Testing (Contact Allergy) Costs
Patch testing usually involves multiple visits (application + reading + results discussion). One clinic breaks it into three appointments with separate fees (plus initial consultation).
Real-world examples:
- Consult £250, patch test application £200, reading/results £160 (example clinic pricing)
- Some clinics list patch tests around £625 (package-style pricing)
Typical self-pay patch testing total: often lands around £500–£900+, depending on how many appointments and whether consultation is separate.
Advanced Eczema Treatments
If eczema is severe, some people discuss phototherapy or newer systemic options with a specialist. These can be much more expensive and may involve referrals, ongoing monitoring, and insurer approval where relevant.
Mole Checks, Skin Cancer Concerns, And Mole Removal Costs
When A Mole Needs Checking Urgently
If a mole is new, changing, irregular, or noticeably different from others, don’t wait. Melanoma often shows up as a new mole or a changing existing one.
Cancer Research UK highlights the ABCDE-style signs (asymmetry, border, colour, diameter, evolving) and notes that “odd one out” moles should be checked too.
Private Mole Check Costs
Published examples include:
- Mole check £225 (example clinic)
- Mole check including consultation £250 (example clinic)
Mole Removal Costs And The Histology Fee
Mole removal pricing can include or exclude:
- procedure fee (shave, excision, stitches)
- facility fee (clinic/hospital)
- histology/pathology (lab analysis)
Examples:
- Surgical excision mole removal £400 including histopathology (example clinic)
- Mole removal listed £500–£590 including biopsy in one provider’s pricing
- Another provider lists a separate pathology analysis cost of £240
Practical rule: If you’re removing a mole for medical reasons, always ask:
- “Is histology included?”
- “If not, what is the pathology fee?”
Mole Mapping And Skin Surveillance
Some clinics offer mole mapping/skin imaging as an extra service (especially if you have many moles). Example published fees include £350 for mole mapping with assessment (with discounted repeat mapping in some cases).
Common Add-On Fees That Increase Your Total
Even if your consultation feels “reasonable”, your invoice may rise due to:
- Repeat prescriptions/admin fees
- Blood tests (common with isotretinoin and some inflammatory conditions)
- Skin biopsy + lab analysis
- Cryotherapy for warts/lesions (often priced per number of lesions)
Private Vs NHS Dermatology: Why People Choose Private
The NHS prioritises urgent pathways such as suspected skin cancer referrals, which can affect access for other dermatology problems.
If your case is uncomfortable but not urgent—like persistent acne, eczema flares, or non-suspicious moles—private care can feel faster and more straightforward.
Will Private Health Insurance Cover Dermatology?
Often yes, when it’s medically necessary—but cosmetic treatment is usually excluded.
Examples from insurers:
- AXA Health describes a dermatology service that may include specialist consultations and diagnostic tests, depending on your benefits (especially outpatient cover).
- Bupa notes that members can contact them about symptoms and routes to support may differ by plan (including options that don’t always require a GP referral).
Key insurance tip: Even if a clinic doesn’t require a GP referral, your insurer might. Always check your policy process before booking.
How To Pay Less Without Cutting Corners
- Compare regions, not just London. Fees can be lower outside central London while still being consultant-led.
- Ask for an itemised estimate before booking. Specifically: consult, follow-up plan, tests, histology, prescriptions.
- Use video/remote consults when appropriate. Great for acne reviews, eczema check-ins, and second opinions (not ideal for anything needing dermoscopy or biopsy).
- If you have insurance, confirm benefits first. Outpatient limits and diagnostic-test cover are common “gotchas.”
- For moles, don’t skip safety steps. If a mole is suspicious, proper assessment and histology matter.
Choosing A Private Dermatologist: A Simple Checklist
- Are they a Consultant Dermatologist (not only cosmetic-focused)?
- Do they clearly explain whether they’ll use dermoscopy for mole assessment?
- Do they have transparent pricing for biopsy/histology?
- Do they set expectations about number of follow-ups (especially for acne and eczema)?
- Do they provide written aftercare and a plan you can follow?
FAQs
How much does a private dermatologist cost in the UK?
Most people pay £150–£330 for an initial appointment and £95–£275 for follow-ups, depending on location and clinic.
How much is a private mole check?
Common published fees are around £225–£250 for a mole check appointment.
How much does mole removal cost privately in the UK?
Many clinics advertise ~£400–£590+, and the total depends on the method and whether histology is included or charged separately.
Why is acne treatment so expensive privately?
Severe acne often requires multiple follow-ups, blood tests, and monitoring (especially with isotretinoin), which adds up over months.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If you have a rapidly changing, bleeding, painful, or suspicious skin lesion, seek urgent medical assessment. Melanoma can present as a new or changing mole.