Private Dermatology UK (2026): Costs, How to Book Near You & What’s Treated
Stuck on an NHS dermatology waiting list with acne, eczema, a rash or a mole you’re worried about? A private dermatologist can usually see you within the week. Here’s what it costs, what’s treated, and how to book near you.
Quick Answer
A private dermatology consultation in the UK typically costs £180–£250, with follow-ups £120–£200 and mole checks or removal £250–£600. You can often be seen within the same week — sometimes next-day — and many clinics accept self-referral, so you don’t always need a GP letter.
Private dermatologists treat both medical skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, rashes, skin cancer/mole checks) and cosmetic concerns. If you have a changing or worrying mole, don’t wait — see the red-flag note below.
On this page
Why Consider Private Dermatology?
Skin problems can be painful, persistent and a real knock to confidence — and NHS dermatology waits can stretch for months, especially for conditions classed as non-urgent like acne, eczema or rosacea. Going private buys speed, choice of specialist, and tailored treatment for both medical and cosmetic skin concerns.
You’ll typically see a consultant dermatologist (a doctor specialising in skin), often within days, with longer appointments than the NHS can usually offer.
What Do Private Dermatologists Treat?
🩹 Medical skin conditions
- Acne (mild to severe)
- Eczema and dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Skin allergies and unexplained rashes
- Fungal skin infections
- Hair and scalp conditions (e.g. alopecia)
🔬 Skin checks & cosmetic
- Skin cancer screening and mole checks & removal
- Skin biopsies
- Scarring, pigmentation and ageing-skin concerns
- Cosmetic dermatology treatments
For skin allergies specifically, you may also want our guide to private allergy testing, which covers patch testing for skin reactions.
How Much Does Private Dermatology Cost? (2026)
| Service | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | £180–£250 | With a consultant dermatologist |
| Follow-up consultation | £120–£200 | Review & treatment plan |
| Mole screening / removal | £250–£600 | Depends on number & method |
| Skin biopsy | £300–£800 | If diagnosis needs it |
| Prescription creams / tablets | £20–£100+ | Plus medication cost |
Indicative 2026 ranges — confirm with the clinic. Some offer bundled “skin health check” consultations; ask what’s included. Compare with our surgery cost guide and hospital price list.
What Happens at a Private Dermatology Appointment?
A typical private dermatology consultation includes:
- A detailed skin examination by a consultant dermatologist
- Diagnosis and discussion of your condition
- Immediate treatment options and/or prescriptions
- Referral for surgery, tests or a biopsy if needed
- A follow-up plan (including cosmetic options if relevant)
Whether you need a GP referral depends on the clinic — many accept self-referral for dermatology. See do you need a referral? and how to choose a private consultant.
Mole Checks & Skin Cancer Screening
One of the most common reasons people see a private dermatologist quickly is a mole or skin change they’re worried about. A dermatologist can examine moles (often with a dermatoscope), advise whether removal or biopsy is needed, and arrange it.
⚠️ When a mole needs prompt attention
See a doctor without delay if a mole or skin patch is: changing in size, shape or colour; asymmetrical; has an irregular or blurred border; is more than one colour; larger than 6mm; or is itching, bleeding or crusting. These can be signs of melanoma or other skin cancer, which need prompt assessment. Don’t wait for a routine cosmetic appointment — flag it as urgent, and if you can’t get a fast private appointment, see your NHS GP, who can refer you on the urgent (2-week) skin cancer pathway.
For mole removal specifically — costs, methods and what to expect — see our dedicated private mole removal guide. For broader screening, see private cancer screening.
Private Children’s (Paediatric) Dermatology
Skin conditions are common in children — eczema, rashes, warts, birthmarks and allergies — and paediatric dermatology waits can be long on the NHS. Many private dermatologists and private paediatricians see children, offering faster reassurance and child-appropriate treatment plans.
If you’re arranging cover for a child, see our guide to children’s private health insurance — though remember a new policy won’t cover a skin condition your child already has, as that’s pre-existing.
Where to Book Private Dermatology Near You
Private dermatology is available at private hospitals, dedicated skin clinics and consultant rooms across the UK. “Private dermatology near me” is the most common search, and availability is good in most areas:
📍 By location
- London — the widest choice, including Harley Street skin clinics; typically the highest prices
- Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh and other major cities — private hospitals and skin clinics offer dermatology, often at lower cost than London
- Elsewhere — usually available via the nearest private hospital
Browse providers via our private hospitals hub and city guides such as London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.
NHS vs Private Dermatology
| Aspect | Private | NHS |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | Often same week | 4–18+ weeks (non-urgent) |
| Choice of specialist | Yes | Not always |
| Cosmetic care | Yes | Rarely funded |
| Cost | £180–£600+ | Free |
The NHS treats medical skin conditions free, and suspected skin cancer is fast-tracked on an urgent 2-week pathway — so for a worrying mole, your NHS GP is a fast route too. Private mainly buys speed for non-urgent conditions and access to cosmetic care the NHS won’t fund. See NHS vs private compared and NHS waiting times.
Does Insurance Cover Private Dermatology?
Often yes for medical dermatology — most private medical insurance covers consultations and treatment for medical skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, suspicious moles) where referred, subject to your outpatient cover, limits and pre-authorisation. Cosmetic dermatology, and a skin condition you already have (pre-existing), generally aren’t covered.
Check what a policy would cover going forward — compare providers, and see does insurance cover diagnostics? and pre-existing conditions explained.
The bottom line
Private dermatology gets you a consultant skin specialist within the week for around £180–£250 a consultation — ideal for persistent acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, or a mole check you don’t want to wait months for. Many clinics accept self-referral.
For a worrying or changing mole, don’t delay — it can be fast-tracked privately or via your NHS GP. For ongoing, covered access to dermatology, comparing health insurance can beat paying per visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a private dermatology appointment in the UK?
An initial consultation with a consultant dermatologist is typically £180–£250, with follow-ups £120–£200. Mole checks or removal run £250–£600 and biopsies £300–£800. Confirm with the clinic, as some bundle a skin check into the consultation.
Can I book private dermatology near me without a referral?
Often yes — many private dermatology clinics accept self-referral, so you can book directly. A referral may be needed if you’re claiming on insurance. Availability is good in most UK cities.
How quickly can I see a private dermatologist?
Often within the same week, sometimes next-day for consultations, compared with 4–18+ weeks on the NHS for non-urgent skin conditions. A suspicious mole should always be flagged as urgent.
Can children see a private dermatologist?
Yes — many private dermatologists and paediatricians see children for eczema, rashes, warts, birthmarks and allergies, often with shorter waits than NHS paediatric dermatology.
Does insurance cover private dermatology?
Medical dermatology (eczema, psoriasis, suspicious moles) is often covered where referred, subject to limits and pre-authorisation. Cosmetic dermatology and pre-existing skin conditions generally aren’t. Check your policy.
Should I see a dermatologist about a mole?
Yes if a mole is changing in size, shape or colour, is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, is more than one colour, larger than 6mm, or is itching, bleeding or crusting — these need prompt assessment. See a private dermatologist quickly, or your NHS GP, who can use the urgent skin cancer pathway.
- NHS — skin conditions, dermatology referral & the urgent skin cancer pathway
- British Association of Dermatologists — patient information
- Going Private UK — mole removal, allergy testing & insurance guides (2026 indicative pricing)
Important information
This guide is produced independently by Going Private UK and is not affiliated with any clinic or insurer. Prices are indicative 2026 ranges — always confirm current pricing directly with the provider.
We may earn a commission when readers compare or take out health insurance through our quote service — this never affects the guidance we give. This is general information, not medical advice. See a doctor promptly about any new, changing or worrying mole or skin lesion — always consult a qualified dermatologist or GP about skin concerns.
NHS Waits
Avoid NHS Waits
For fast access to dermatologists, consultations & skin treatment, compare top UK providers. Free & independent.
Compare providers → Independent · No obligation
