Conditions and treatments
What the first appointment involves — not what the result will be.
We do not publish before-and-after photographs or predict outcomes, because skin does not work that way and neither does honest medicine. What we can tell you in advance is how each concern is assessed.
Acne
Breakouts, cystic acne, hormonal acne
Medical
Examination, a history including anything you have already tried, and a written plan that usually starts with topical treatment.
Most plans are reviewed at eight to twelve weeks, because that is how long it takes to know whether a treatment is working.
Eczema and dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, contact rash, chronic dry skin
Medical
Examination and a discussion of triggers — occupational, seasonal, and product-related. Patch testing if the pattern suggests contact allergy.
Managed rather than cured. The aim is longer periods of control and a plan for flares.
Suspicious moles and skin cancer screening
Mole check, changing spot, full-body skin exam
Medical
A full-skin examination with dermoscopy. Anything of concern is photographed and measured, and biopsied the same day where that is appropriate.
Biopsy results are discussed by phone within about a week, whatever they show. We do not leave results in a portal for you to find.
Skin cancer removal
Excision, basal cell, squamous cell
Surgical
Confirmed diagnosis, discussion of the removal options appropriate to the site and type, and the reconstruction that follows.
Scheduled as a separate surgical appointment. Wound care instructions are written, not verbal.
Pigmentation and sun damage
Melasma, age spots, uneven tone
Medical
Examination under standard and cross-polarised light, and an honest conversation about which parts are treatable and which are not.
Usually a combination of prescription topicals and sun protection, with in-office treatment considered after that groundwork.
Chemical peels
Resurfacing, superficial peel
Cosmetic
Skin typing and a consultation covering downtime, because the honest answer for a medium-depth peel is several days of visible peeling.
Often a short series. Results vary by skin type and are discussed individually before anything is scheduled.
Laser treatment
Vascular laser, resurfacing, redness
Cosmetic
Assessment of whether laser is the right tool at all — for some concerns it is not, and we will say so.
Suitability depends on skin type and on the specific concern. A test patch is standard before a first full treatment.
Cosmetic injectables
Neuromodulator, filler
Cosmetic
A consultation in which we discuss what you want to change and whether injectables are the right approach. We decline treatment when we do not think it will serve you.
Effects are temporary and the interval varies by person and by product. Reviewed at two weeks after a first treatment.
Which of these insurance pays for.
| Service | Billed as | What that means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Skin cancer screening and mole evaluation | Medical | Billed to insurance. Your plan's deductible and copay apply. |
| Acne, eczema, and dermatitis care | Medical | Billed to insurance, including prescription management. |
| Biopsy and skin cancer removal | Medical | Billed to insurance. Pathology is billed separately by the lab. |
| Melasma and pigmentation, prescription treatment | Depends | Coverage varies by plan and by whether the treatment is considered medically necessary. We check before your visit if you ask. |
| Chemical peels and laser resurfacing | Cosmetic | Not covered by insurance. Priced at consultation and payable at the visit. |
| Cosmetic injectables | Cosmetic | Not covered by insurance. Priced at consultation. |