How much does a private dermatologist cost in the UK? (2026)
A private dermatologist in the UK typically costs £235 for a consultation, ranging from £75 to £385 across the 19 clinics we track. That’s the appointment and the diagnosis – nothing more. Any treatment on the day is charged separately, so the headline fee isn’t the whole bill. What you’re really paying for is speed: no GP referral, and you’re usually seen within days.
Initial vs follow-up appointments
- Initial consultation – a new problem, seen from scratch and fully assessed. This is the top end of the range.
- Follow-up appointment – a check on progress or results. Usually a fair bit cheaper.
- Video consultation – normally cheaper than being seen in person, and handy for a first opinion.
What’s included in the consultation
- Time with a consultant dermatologist who actually assesses your skin.
- A diagnosis and a plan for what to do next.
- Often a full skin or mole check thrown in.
- A private prescription if you need one – though the medication itself is billed on top.
Always pin down exactly what the fee covers – and if treatment’s likely on the day, ask for the combined cost before you book, not after.
Treatments are charged on top
The consultation buys you a diagnosis. The actual fixing costs extra, and those prices vary wildly, so it pays to know the numbers before you’re in the room:
- Mole removal – priced per mole, plus lab testing if it’s sent off.
- Skin tag removal – the first tag costs most, extras are cheaper.
- Cyst and lipoma removal – minor surgery, priced as such.
- A biopsy with lab analysis, or a full skin-cancer screening.
Does where you live change the price?
Yes, quite a lot. Central London and big-name consultants sit at the top, and being seen in person usually costs more than a video call. The cheapest option we currently track is London (from £75). Compare consultation prices near you:
| City | From | Typical | Clinics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £75 | £249.50 | 10 | Compare |
| Manchester | £195 | £257.50 | 4 | Compare |
| Birmingham | £195 | £235 | 3 | Compare |
| Leeds | £195 | £210 | 2 | Compare |
Live data from TreatmentCosts - updated automatically as clinics change their prices.
NHS vs private
On the NHS it’s free – but you’ll need a GP referral, and waits for routine skin problems can stretch from a few weeks to many months. Private clinics let you book directly, often within days, and pick your consultant. One honest bit of advice: if a skin change is worrying you, see your GP first. Anything suspicious should be assessed on the NHS pathway, and there’s no sense paying privately just to be sent back there.
When should you see a dermatologist?
People usually go private for a changing or worrying mole, stubborn acne or rosacea, rashes or eczema that won’t settle, hair loss, or a lump they want looked at and sorted quickly. If it’s really about getting something removed rather than diagnosed, read the treatment guide first so you know what the whole job should cost – not just the consultation.
What changes the cost
- City and clinic – central London is typically dearest.
- The consultant’s seniority and reputation.
- In-person vs a video consultation.
- Whether any procedure actually happens during the appointment.
How to avoid overpaying
- Ask exactly what the fee covers – and whether a skin check is included.
- Get the likely add-on costs up front if treatment’s on the cards.
- Consider a video consultation for a first opinion.
- See your GP first if it’s potentially serious – the NHS should assess anything suspicious.
- Compare a few clinics – the gap between the cheapest and dearest we track is £310.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private dermatologist cost in the UK?
A consultation usually runs £75–£385, with a typical price of £235. That’s for the appointment – any treatment on the day is charged separately.
Is the consultation fee separate from treatment?
Yes. The fee covers the assessment and diagnosis; procedures like mole or cyst removal are billed on top. If treatment’s likely, ask for the combined cost so nothing surprises you afterwards.
Can I see an NHS dermatologist for free?
Yes, with a GP referral it’s free – the trade-off is the wait, which can run from weeks to months for routine problems. Private clinics let you book directly, usually within days.
Do I need a referral to see a private dermatologist?
Usually not – most private clinics let you book yourself in. Still, see your GP first if a skin change is worrying you; that’s the safest route, not the priciest.
Ready to compare? See dermatologist consultation prices by clinic, or browse every UK clinic we track for upfront pricing near you.
