Dermatology and aesthetics

Healthy skin plays an important role in both wellbeing and confidence. At Affidea, our dermatology and aesthetics service offers specialist care for medical skin conditions alongside cosmetic treatments and minor procedures – all within a dedicated skin clinic.

Overview: What are dermatology and aesthetics?

Dermatology is the medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. This includes common concerns such as acne, eczema and rashes, as well as the assessment of moles, cysts and other skin lesions.

Aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology focuses on improving the appearance and overall quality of the skin. Treatments may target pigmentation changes, visible skin damage or signs of ageing.

At Affidea, medical dermatology and aesthetic care are offered together in a clinical setting. This means you receive an accurate diagnosis alongside personalised guidance on maintaining healthy skin.

In some cases, minor surgical procedures may be recommended to remove or examine skin lesions. These are generally simple procedures carried out under local anaesthetic.

What to expect during your dermatology and aesthetics appointment

Your doctor will take a full medical history and perform a careful examination of your skin. Skin lesions will be examined using a hand held microscope called a dermoscope to give detailed information about the area of concern to help guide a diagnosis and the need for further investigations such as a skin biopsy or excision to remove the lesion.

Rashes will be carefully examined and the diagnosis and treatment plan explained clearly with written treatment plans provided so that you can understand how best to treat your condition to achieve healthy comfortable skin. Sometimes investigations might be performed to help with the diagnosis of your rash. These can include:

• Skin biopsy (tissue sample) – a small sample of skin taken for laboratory analysis under a microscope

• Skin scrapings – to check for fungal or other skin conditions

• Blood tests – to look for underlying causes or related health concerns

• Skin patch testing – to identify possible allergic reactions

After the assessment, your clinician will explain the available treatment options. This may include medical dermatology treatment, a minor surgical procedure or an aesthetic treatment designed to improve skin appearance.

We provide clear guidance on preparation and follow-up care during recovery, so you know what to expect at every stage. 

Dermatological and aesthetic treatments we offer

Our dermatology and aesthetics service covers both medical and cosmetic skin care. 

Moles

It is important to keep a check on your moles. We use dermoscopy and sometimes mole mapping to look in a detailed way at moles to identify changes that might signify the need for removal of a mole for investigation under the microscope.

Skin cancers

These are common and often occur because of sun exposure and sun bed use. It is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Dermatologists in our clinic are experienced in the diagnosis of skin cancer and will be able to advise you on the diagnosis and treatment. Treatment is usually by surgical removal .Sometimes certain specialist creams can be used.

Skin rashes

Rashes such as eczema and psoriasis can lead to uncomfortable itchy and painful skin. There are many very effective treatments such as creams, immunosuppressant drugs and injections knows as biologic drugs available to treat these conditions.

Acne and rosacea can also be effectively treated

Skin infections

These are common in children and adults and can be treated in our clinics.

Hair and Nails

We treat a wide range of conditions affecting the hair and nails.

Skin surgery

Skin surgery is used to remove skin cancers and other lesions such as cysts and lipomas. This is carried out under local anaesthetic in the outpatient setting by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Your procedure will be carefully explained by your doctor so that you understand what to expect. Nursing and medical staff are always available to answer any concerns that you may have.

Skin allergy assessment

Assessment of suspected skin allergies, including patch testing. Skin allergy assessment can help identify whether your symptoms are linked to common substances that may be triggering an allergic reaction. We can also advise on treatment and lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms.

Cosmetic surgical procedures.

Procedures to address concerns affecting appearance, comfort or function including scar revision, pinnaplasty (ear correction surgery, including ear pinning), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift procedures and ear lobe repair are carried out by our plastic surgical team.

When to see a dermatologist

Specialist assessment may be helpful if you notice changes in your skin or have concerns about its appearance or health.

Reasons to seek dermatology care may include:

• New or changing moles, or arranging a mole check

• Persistent rashes, irritation or itching

• Eczema, psoriasis or other ongoing skin conditions

• Acne, rosacea or scarring

• Skin allergies or suspected allergic reactions

• Cysts, skin tags, warts, verrucas or other growths

• Fungal infections affecting the skin or nails

• Pigmentation changes

• Hair loss and other hair or scalp concerns

• Nail problems such as thickening, discolouration or brittle nails

• Shingles

• Cosmetic skin concerns

Early evaluation can help identify the cause of skin concerns and guide appropriate treatment. In many cases, a consultation also provides reassurance and practical advice on maintaining healthy skin.

If you’re unsure whether a skin concern requires specialist care, we can help guide your next steps. Our dermatology and aesthetics team is here to provide expert advice and treatment whenever you need it.