Most patients put off seeing a dermatologist for months — sometimes years. Either they're not sure their concern is serious enough, or they imagine the visit will be more clinical than it actually is. So here's a walk-through of what your first appointment with us actually looks like, and what you can expect to leave with.
Before you come in
There's nothing to prepare. You don't need to stop your current skincare routine, fast, or take any tests in advance. If you're already on prescription creams or oral medication, bring the names along — even a phone photo of the labels works. If your concern is sudden or recent, try not to apply anything new in the 48 hours before your visit so we can see your skin in its baseline state.
The consultation itself
Your visit usually runs 20–30 minutes. The first half is a conversation — when did you first notice the concern, what's worked or made it worse, what's your daily routine, any health conditions or medications. The second half is a physical examination using clinical lighting and, where useful, a magnifier. For pigmentation or scar concerns we sometimes use a Wood's lamp; for hair concerns we may use a dermatoscope on the scalp. None of this is invasive.
Good treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. We don't prescribe anything until we're confident about what we're treating.
What you'll leave with
By the end of the visit you'll have three things:
- A clear diagnosis — what's going on and why.
- A treatment plan — usually a combination of in-clinic procedures and a home routine, with realistic timelines.
- Transparent pricing — including what's covered now versus what would need follow-up sessions, with no surprise add-ons later.
Follow-ups
Most cases need at least one review visit, typically four to six weeks after the first session, so we can assess how your skin or hair is responding and adjust the plan. For chronic conditions like melasma or alopecia, the cadence settles into longer intervals as you stabilise.
If you're not ready to come in
That's fine. Send us a message on WhatsApp with your concern and a few well-lit photos — we'll tell you whether your case actually needs an in-person visit or whether topical guidance is enough to start. No fee, no pressure.
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