Skin Inspection FAQs

Including skin cancer FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your fees?

Skin Inspection has a clear fee structure, which incorporates our “no surprises” policy when it comes to billing and includes a money-back guarantee if you feel our results are not satisfactory.

All our examinations are carried out by Consultant Dermatologists who specialise in early skin cancer diagnosis. It is part of the outstanding service we pride ourselves on delivering at Skin Inspection.

Please visit our fees page for a breakdown of our fees.

Do you offer money back guarantee?

We offer clarity and peace of mind in the results we deliver. We also have a clear fee structure, which incorporates our “no surprises” policy regarding billing. We offered a money-back guarantee for almost five years, and no one ever requested their money back. Sadly, we had to withdraw the money-back guarantee following a situation in which someone tried to take advantage of such policy by giving a contradictory sequence of events without any meaningful evidence. Mutual trust is an important aspect of the patient-physician relationship, we know that 99.9% of our patients are good people who would only use this guarantee responsibly.

What are the prices for different levels of skin checks you offer?

All our Skin Inspections include the Consultant Dermatologist fee.

- Full skin examination using dermoscopy. It is our ultimate service that gives you peace of mind. This is what we call Moles Check: from £275
- Total Body mole-mapping + Consultation with a Consultant Dermatologist: from £365

Furthermore total body mapping is particularly indicated for higher risk patients with many moles.

Therefore we are able to reassure many patients without having to deploy our more sophisticated resources. Skin Inspection is equipped with the most advanced technology only in case our patients benefit from it or if patients are coming for a second opinion. Our consultant dermatologists asses your skin, so you can decide what service you finally choose.

Why is it important to have your skin checked regularly by a specialist?

The incidence of skin cancer is increasing, and the majority of cases can be cured if detected early. Mole checks allow early diagnosis of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The ABCDE rule covers changes that might indicate a melanoma. This can help you to self-examine.

Asymmetry – one half of the mole doesn’t match the other;

Border – the edges may be irregular;

Colour – uneven colour;

Diameter – most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter;

Evolving – when a mole starts to change. Any change – in size, shape, colour, elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting – can be suspicious.

The poorest prognosis is most often that of nodular melanoma, which can escape the ABCDE rule by being symmetrical, with regular borders and homogeneous colour, and often being only about 6mm in size. That is why we recommend combining self-examination with dermatologist visits for melanoma prevention and early detection.

I need a second opinion about a lesion, how can you help me?

Oftentimes patients come to Skin Inspection for a second opinion, so they can make better informed decisions about their health. We believe that this is a sensible approach as other clinics do not have the cutting-edge technology that we offer or the high degree of specialisation of our Consultant Dermatologists. This is also important for patients referred by their GP and it is particularly critical for patients previously seen by non-medical practitioners. Skin Inspection is increasingly becoming the clinic where GPs come to have their own moles checked for a reason!

What makes your clinic different?

Our guarantee

A consultant dermatologist with special interest in skin cancer inspection will personally perform the examinations. This differentiates us from many private clinics that offer mole checks run by non-dermatologists.

We also have a clear fee structure, which incorporates our “no surprises” policy when it comes to billing and includes a money-back guarantee if you feel our results are not satisfactory. We believe that we are the only clinic in the area offering such a guarantee.

The most innovative equipment

We are one of the very few clinics in the UK offering total body mapping. We have the most innovative equipment that allows us to analyse skin lesions quickly, painlessly and may help to catch suspicious lesions that would otherwise go undetected. Our ultimate goal is to perform an invasive procedure only when necessary.

Read more about Mole Mapping

What is your Mole Check?

It consists of a medical consultation and a skin examination. During the consultation, we will ask you a few questions about your levels of sun exposure, sunbed use and your personal and family history of skin cancer. Then you will get a thorough dermoscopy examination of every mole, from head to toe. If necessary, your doctor will take dermoscopic images of any concerning skin lesion or for monitoring purposes.

What is your Total Body Mapping?

We combine the use of total-body photography and digital dermoscopy.

First, we take pictures of the whole skin surface from head to toe. The result is saved into a database, as a baseline for future surveillance. Then the patient will get a thorough dermoscopy examination of every mole, from head to toe. We will take digital dermoscopic images of some moles.

The patients are scheduled for a follow-up examination in three, six or 12 months to reassess the current moles with that of the stored images. At each follow-up visit, the consultant dermatologist compares the sequential dermoscopic images and examines the lesions for potential changes over time. If there are substantial changes, it can indicate skin cancer and excision would be recommended. There are early skin cancers that can be recognised only by observing their dynamic evolution over time.

Is dermoscopy safe for children and pregnant women?

Yes, dermoscopy is painless and perfectly safe for children and pregnant women.

Do you accept insurance?

We accept major health insurers. Please note that health insurance policies do not usually cover our dynamic and complex skin inspections.

What is your appointment policy?

You will usually need to make an appointment with one of our doctors, although we may be able to see you on the same day. If you need to see us urgently, please contact us and we will endeavour to fit you in as soon as possible.

Appointments cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours before the appointment time have a charge of 100% of the booked service fee.

I received a bill and have questions about it. Who can I call for assistance?

Our billing department is ready to help you. Please contact our Office Team.

If needed, are you able to remove a lesion on the same day of the consultation?

The answer is maybe, depending on the type of lesion. We can do cryotherapy and some other minor procedures immediately. However, mole removals and other minor operations need to be arranged with more time to confirm theatre availability and to organise a specialist nurse to support the Consultant Dermatologist. Some lesions need to be assessed by the consultant dermatologist before removing them to determine the best course of action and to plan the surgery. We understand how important our patient’s time is and we want to provide quick solutions. Many patients come to London for the day for a business trip.

Do you specialise in psoriasis?

We do treat psoriasis as part of our general dermatology consultations. All our doctors are highly specialised consultant dermatologists.

I have a mole ... and I just wanted to see if it needs checking as it has become bigger?

Melanomas can develop from existing moles. If you see a mole getting bigger over a period of weeks to months, book an appointment with a Consultant Dermatologist at your earliest convenience.

I am looking to have two moles removed, and wondered how much it would cost on average?

The private mole removal price varies depending on the nature of the lesion. The cost has two components: Skin55 fees to cover the theatre costs, pathology services, etc., and the Consultant fees for other procedures.

The mole removal is from £275 + theatre charges. The procedure is called Excision of lesion of skin or subcutaneous tissue – up to three, Trunk & Limbs (S0633)

At Skin Inspection we use the state-of-the-art theatre facilities of Skin55 located in the same building as our Harley Street clinic.
Please click on this link to see the theatre charges and fees set by Skin55.
You can book these procedures by selecting “General Dermatology” in our bookings page or by contacting our office team at 020 3575 1474 / secretaries@skininspection.co.uk.

We are registered with all main private medical insurers including BUPA, Axa, Aviva, Cigna, Vitality, Allianz, etc.

What is the difference between your Mole Check and Mole check + Total body mapping?

Our mole check includes a review of all your moles. During a mole check your dermatologist will take images of lesions that are concerning and if monitoring is required.

Total body mapping consists of taking pictures of your whole skin surface from head to toe. Both mole check and total body mapping include the storage of the images and digital documentation. Total body mapping is even more comprehensive and it is recommended for higher-risk patients.

At Skin Inspection, we will carry out a thorough examination for early signs of skin cancer that uses world-leading equipment and gives you clarity and peace of mind in the results we deliver. All our examinations are carried out by consultant dermatologists who specialise in early skin cancer diagnosis. It’s part of the outstanding service we pride ourselves on delivering at Skin Inspection.

During a Mole Check consultation, can I only show one of my moles?

Good question. Unlike other clinics, we check ALL your moles. Usually, patients go to the doctor because they are worried about a certain mole and it happens that there is another mole that the patient was not really worried about that can be a melanoma. This issue is particularly dangerous in other mole centres or in less specialised consultations where a non-dermatologist checks one mole only and does not assess the patient fully. In our opinion, a mole check that does not include all moles is not a mole check.

What if you know about a mole and you just want to remove it? Can you take the treatment without consultation?

The doctor needs to see it first in a consultation to determine the best course of action to remove it.

Do you have any services for acne treatment? Does that include severe acne? I have already used Roaccutane but it has flared up again, would this be something you could help with?

Yes, we treat acne, including severe acne. All our doctors are highly specialised consultant dermatologists.

Is mole mapping/total body mapping covered by my medical insurance?

Unfortunately, medical insurance only covers mole mapping and total body mapping in very few cases (for example, a patient with a history of melanoma and many moles). However, they generally cover the cost of the consultation. When needed, we add digital dermoscopy free of charge to the patient’s consultation because we believe that should be the minimum standard in a mole check consultation (even though the insurer may not cover it). On some occasions, if the patient requires a total body mapping, they can claim the cost of the consultation from the insurer, and the patient pays Skin Inspection an excess to cover the additional cost of the Total Body Mapping.

If the insurance covers it, the patient gets confirmation of the insurance beforehand.

There is abundant scientific evidence supporting the benefits of early diagnosis of skin cancer through digital dermoscopy and total body mapping. At Skin Inspection, we think that the insurer’s stance may change in the future towards more generalised coverage.

Why is total body mapping a costly procedure?

We allow 45 minutes for a total body mapping consultation. We do not know of any other clinic in which the images of your moles are taken and analysed in-situ by a highly specialised Consultant Dermatologist. Our doctors believe that this is the only way in which we can offer the highest standards at Skin Inspection. In other clinics, the images are taken by a nurse or by less specialised staff. The duration of a total body mapping is therefore two or three times longer than a normal dermatology consultation.

After the first consultation, we offer discounts and special pricing plans for patients coming for regular mole checks. The first consultation is useful to assess the required frequency of your mole checks. We are here to give peace of mind to patients who are worried about their moles. We are not a money-hungry clinic.

Can you give me a cost breakdown to see a dermatologist to get a mole looked at?

Mole Check costs from £250.

Normally a mole check is sufficient to reassure many patients without having to deploy our more sophisticated technology. We offer total body mapping (from +£140) in case our patients benefit from it or if they are coming for a second opinion. Our consultant dermatologists assess your case individually, so you can decide what service you finally choose.

Do you offer video consultations?

Yes! Some skin conditions can be treated virtually, whilst others require a face to face consultation. Please send a description of your condition with accompanying pictures to info@skininspection.co.uk, and one of our Team Members will inform you if a video consultation is right for you.

Can acne be treated over video consultation?

Acne can be initially treated virtually if good quality photos and a list of previous medications/treatments is sent to info@skininspection.co.uk. If you require strong medications because others have failed before, then you need to be seen face to face.

I have a Basal Cell Carcinoma on my forehead. I have a small spot within 2cm of it which is a small cyst. What is the approximate cost to remove both?

We would first book an initial consultation, which includes a thorough assessment of all your moles, including the basal cell carcinoma. We are the only clinic in the UK to have the latest generation technology that can visualise your skin in ways impossible to the naked eye. All of our consultant dermatologists are highly specialised in skin cancer recognition and treatment. The initial consultation is £250, where the doctor will be more able to determine the cost for the removal of the cyst. The removal of a malignant lesion on the head is priced from £525 plus theatre charges. More information on our fees can be found here: https://skininspection.co.uk/our-fees/.

At Skin Inspection we use the state-of-the-art theatre facilities of Skin55 located in the same building as our Harley Street clinic.

Please click on the link to see the theatre charges and fees set by Skin55. For other locations please contact the secretaries.

You can book these procedures by contacting our office team at 020 3575 1474 / info@skininspection.co.uk.

What is the break down of costs for a biopsy?

We would first book an initial consultation (£298 in Harley Street, £275 in Beaconsfield and Chiltern and £250 in Berkhamsted), which includes a thorough assessment of your lesion to determine the best course of action.

Biopsies start at £794 including oprating theatre charges (£330), pathologist fee (£200) and consultant fees (£264).

At Skin Inspection we offer outstanding care with cutting-edge technology and highly specialised consultant dermatologists. You will be treated at the state-of-the-art theatre facilities of Skin55 located in the same building as our Harley Street clinic, at The Chiltern Hospital or at our Berkhamsted Clinic.

More information on our fees can be found here: https://skininspection.co.uk/our-fees/.

Please click on the link to see the theatre charges and fees set by Skin55.

You can book these procedures by contacting our office team at 020 3575 1474 / info@skininspection.co.uk.

Do dermatologists check your privates?

Our consultant dermatologist are highly skilled in treating skin conditions that affect the genital areas including genital warts, scrotal or vaginal itch, rash, and more. Email info@skininspection.co.uk with a description of your condition, and one of our Team Members will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can book a consultation here. Please select whether you are a new or existing patient, and choose General Dermatology.

What happens during a skin check?

During your Mole Check Initial Consultation, you will receive a thorough assessment of your entire skin head-to-toe by one of our highly specialised consultant dermatologists. You can get all your questions answered, and any suspicious moles or lesions will be examined under the dermatoscope: a state-of-the-art hand-held device that visualises the mole better than the naked eye, all whilst being reliable and pain-free.

If necessary, the images from the dermatoscope will be taken and stored, so that it can be compared with future consultations to ensure we catch any changes. More information on what you can expect during your mole check consultation can be found here.

Your dermatologist will advise you if he/she believes that a procedure is necessary, as our state-of-the-art technology may provide an immediate diagnosis without the need for a physical biopsy. However, if your dermatologist believes a procedure to be appropriate, we will then arrange it for you. Please feel free to book an appointment by clicking here.

How much does a skin exam cost?

An initial consultation which includes a total-body mole check is from £275. All follow-up appointments are from £190. We also accept all major insurers, and are happy to bill the insurance company on your behalf. For patients with a high number of moles and/or freckles who require (bi)annual mole checks, our clinic membership may be beneficial for you. More information on our continuous monitoring program can be found here.

At what ages should you start getting your skin checked?

Recent studies from the British Journal of Dermatology recommend total-body skin examinations for older patients of light skin tones. However, regardless of age, any new or changing moles should be inspected by a consultant dermatologist right away. In addition, any person with a high number of freckles and moles, regardless of age, should get an annual mole check.

Do I need to see a dermatologist?

At Skin Inspection, we believe that it is essential always to undertake consultations with a Consultant Dermatologist. There are only approximately 600 Consultant Dermatologists in the UK. They complete many years of training and maintain the highest level of expertise with continuous learning and research to give you the highest level of care in Dermatology. That is why they spend their professional life exclusively treating skin disease. We understand that some patients may be unable to book an appointment at Skin Inspection or prefer other options. Our experts recommend you always see a Consultant Dermatologist, there are many good dermatology clinics that you can visit.

Do you do the removal of skin cancer?

We absolutely do. At Skin Inspection, we use the state-of-the-art theatre facilities of Skin55 located in the same building as our Harley Street clinic, as well as theatres at The Chiltern Hospital. Procedures can also be carried out at our Berkhamsted clinic. Our dermatologists will excise any suspicious lesions or moles and send them to the laboratory for analysis. Please call us to book a mole check with our expert dermatologists and to arrange the procedure.

How much does it cost to remove a mole?

Consultations are from £250. Prices will differ depending on where the mole is located on the body. Please see our pricing here.

Do you treat under 18 acne?

Yes we do as part of our General Dermatology Consultations.

I am looking for treatment of melasma on my face, can you help?

Yes we can. You will need an initial consultation and examination first to determine what would work best in your case.

Do you accept AXA PPP insurance?

Yes, we accept AXA and all major insurers.

Does cryotherapy require operating theatre?

No, cryotherapy does not need to be scheduled through the theatre. Please get in touch with our secretaries and we will book you in.

How much is cryotherapy?

Please see our fees here: https://skininspection.co.uk/our-fees/

Do stitches removal require the theatre?

No, stitches can be removed via a standard consultation, please book the consultation as a follow-up.

Can I book a mole check via video consultation?

Mole checks are not possible on remote video, because our Consultant Dermatologists use the dermatoscope (a hand-held instrument) to examine moles and lesions). Remote video consultations are for general dermatology only.

I have some small Actinic keratosis on my face...are you able to treat those?

Yes, we can treat actinic keratosis. We appreciate that being the lesion in your face is sensitive and we will treat it carefully. Please feel free to book an appointment online or call us for more information.

I have a small sore on my leg that won’t go away, I need to have it checked including biopsy, is this something you do?

We will certainly check it and this is something that we do very often at Skin Inspection. The initial consultation fee is from £250.

Do you treat skin lesions on the first consultation?

It depends on the condition. We will be happy to help. Lesions such as warts, seborrhoeic keratosis and molluscum contagiosum can be treated on the first consultation.

I have seen another doctor who recommends a mole removal, can I have a mole removed at Skin Inspection without having a prior consultation with you?

It depends mainly on the medical notes that you can provide about your previous consultation. Our doctors would need a full report and dermatoscopy images of your lesion before the procedure to guarantee our highest standards. The initial consultation with the doctor who would potentially remove the mole is important. A mole removal is a surgical procedure, which can have complications that need to be assessed and discussed in detail with the patient beforehand. In addition, depending on the type of mole and its location on the body, there may be different surgical options available. The patient also needs to know any potential restrictions that can affect the daily activities and if any medication should be stopped before the surgery. Pre-surgery consultations are also important for assessing the lesion in detail and understanding the patient’s case in more detail, including medication being taken and any other relevant factor. Our doctors could potentially remove the lesion without a previous consultation appointment if they can rely on the medical records provided. In summary, the pre-surgery consultation could be skipped under very exceptional circumstances or provided remotely by videoconference in some other cases.

If I want a mole check together with a total body map, would a follow up appointment be required if there was an issue to discuss?

The consultation with the consultant dermatologist is always included in the cost of the total body mapping and it is included in the price. At Skin Inspection, you will have your total body mapping undertaken by a consultant dermatologist who will discuss any issue with you during the consultation. In other clinics, the total body mapping is undertaken by less specialised staff, patients have to attend multiple appointments to see different people and the pricing is not always transparent. At Skin Inspection, no follow-up appointment is required immediately after the appointment as everything happens in the same session. Patients only come for further appointments in case the lesion(s) need to be removed, for a biopsy or for a regular check (e.g. annually).

If the Consultant recommends mole mapping during the consultation but I have booked a mole check, what is the cost?

You would only need to pay the excess amount between the cost of the mole check and the total body mapping.

Is there a follow up consultation fee if I come back for injections (for example steroid injections)

There will be no follow up consultation fee if patient comes back for injections and sees the same consultant. If patient choses to see a different consultant then consultation fee will apply.

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