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London is one of the densest concentrations of private medical specialists in the world. Some of the best in the world reside here, from Harley Street to the wider metropolitan area. The number of clinics can actually be too much, so it’s worth keeping in mind how best to choose one that’s right for you.
Understand the medical-aesthetic spectrum
The title of being a “dermatologist” in the UK is protected. It implies medical training and so you should make sure your practitioner is a doctor registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and if they’re listed on the Specialist Register for Dermatology. Having said that, there is a scale from medical to aesthetic. Medical here is the likes of treating disease, while aesthetics is improving appearance. But remember to check for their registration regardless.
If you suffer from severe acne and need medical intervention to stop the inflammation, you may also want aesthetic laser treatment to address the scarring left behind. A purely medical dermatologist might prescribe Isotretinoin. Sure, it could cure the active disease, but it may then leave you with texture issues. The flip side is a cosmetic clinic that offers expensive facials to polish the skin but fails to address the hormonal root cause.
The most sophisticated choice is going with a clinic that sees it as a continuum rather than binary. You want holistic care. The likes of De Felipe London, for example, explicitly bring together general dermatology with aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery. A multi-disciplinary clinic means you won’t have to hop from one to the next.
Assess the technology and toolkit
A dermatologist’s skill is limited by their tools. We like to imagine that a good workman doesn’t blame his tools, but it can also lead to the “man with a hammer” syndrome: a practitioner with only one laser will likely end up recommending it for everything, even if it’s not the most suitable. Deep scarring, rosacea, and anti-ageing all require diverse systems (CO2, HIFU, radiofrequency).
So even if your problem is seemingly confined and singular, it’s still worth finding a clinic with a library of technology to treat specific dermal layers. This is particularly important for complex issues like hair loss.
Evaluate the consultation rapport
Your skin is often a reflection of your broader health and well-being. It’s also worth remembering that a consultation shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch, but rather a truly impartial consultation. If you feel pressured to book a package of treatments within the first ten minutes, walk away. A quality dermatologist should feel like a partner who manages your expectations realistically and would stay away from miracle “cures”.
Consider location and continuity
Being in London, you want to consider the logistics. Dermatological treatments are not about a one-stop service but ongoing care and check-ups. For that reason, choose a location that is easily accessible to you. Being in London, it’s likely near a tube stop, but it’s best to double-check. Central shops often attract the best talent, though it’s not a rule you should rely on alone. It’s also worth being wary of brand new locations because they may not last, and this could be a problem for the continuity of your treatment.
