When should I see a dermatologist instead of using skincare products?

Consider seeing a dermatologist when topical products have plateaued after 6+ months of consistent use, when you have structural issues like deep scars or volume loss, or when you need a medical diagnosis before treatment. Some improvements require professional intervention.

How much do dermatologist treatments typically cost?

Costs vary widely by treatment type and location. Chemical peels may range from $150-500, microneedling $200-700 per session, fractional laser $800-3,000 per session, and fillers $600-1,500+ per syringe. Most treatments require multiple sessions for best results.

What should I ask before booking a cosmetic procedure?

Key questions include: How many of these procedures do you perform monthly? Can I see before/after photos of similar cases? What results can I realistically expect? What's the recovery time? What are the risks for my skin type? What's included in the quoted price?

Professional Treatments

Dermatologist Treatments & Procedures

When good skincare isn't enough. Some issues—deep scars, volume loss, structural changes—need professional intervention. This guide helps you understand your options, set realistic expectations, and find the right provider.

Start a skin scan See what we analyze

Evidence-based info Know before you go Realistic expectations

Find your path

Answer a few quick questions to find the right procedure guides for you.

Question 1 of 2

What are you trying to improve?

Question 2 of 2

Have you already tried prescription topicals?

Acne Scar Treatments

For acne scars, treatment depends on scar type. Rolling scars often need subcision first, icepick scars respond to TCA CROSS, and fractional laser refines overall texture. Most people need a combination approach.

Read: Fractional Laser Guide

Under-Eye Solutions

Under-eye hollowing is usually structural—creams can't fill it. Tear trough filler from a skilled injector can make a significant difference. But not everyone is a good candidate.

Read: Tear Trough Filler Guide

Texture & Resurfacing

When topicals have plateaued, resurfacing procedures like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser can take texture improvement to the next step. Start with less aggressive options first.

Read: Fractional Laser Guide

Start with Topicals First

Before jumping to procedures, optimize your topical routine. Prescription retinoids, vitamin C, and sunscreen for 6+ months gives you a baseline. Procedures work better on healthy, prepped skin.

Get a personalized routine

Book a Derm Consultation

With multiple concerns, a comprehensive consultation is the best starting point. A dermatologist can assess everything and create a prioritized treatment plan tailored to your goals and budget.

Start with a skin scan

All Guides & Resources

Understand your options before you book.

Acne Scar Treatments

Fractional Laser for Acne Scars Types, what to expect, costs, and is it worth it

Subcision vs Microneedling Which treatment first and why order matters

TCA CROSS for Icepick Scars The targeted treatment for deep narrow scars

Subcision: What to Expect Recovery, results, and finding the right provider

Coming soon

Injectables & Fillers

Tear Trough Filler vs Eye Cream What each can and can't fix, red flags for injectors

Getting Started

How to Choose a Dermatologist Board certs, questions to ask, red flags

Coming soon

How Much Do Procedures Cost? Price ranges and decision logic

Coming soon

Chemical Peels: What They Help Types, depth, and what to expect

Coming soon

Microneedling vs Laser Which is right for your skin type and goals

Coming soon

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Save yourself money and disappointment.

Jumping to procedures without building a topical foundation. Procedures work better on healthy, prepped skin. Retinoids + sunscreen for months first.

Choosing a provider by price alone. The cheapest option usually means less experience. This is your face—invest in expertise.

Expecting one session to fix everything. Most procedures need 2-6 sessions. Anyone promising dramatic one-and-done results is overpromising.

DIY-ing professional-only treatments. At-home TCA peels, dermarollers, and aggressive acids cause more damage than they fix.

Not asking about realistic downtime. "Minimal downtime" can mean different things. Get specifics before booking time off work.

Ignoring your skin type. Darker skin tones have higher risk of hyperpigmentation. Make sure your provider has experience with your skin type.

When It's Time to See a Dermatologist

Procedures make sense when topicals have hit their limit.

Consider professional treatment if:

Topicals have plateaued after 6+ months of consistent use
You have structural issues (volume loss, tethered scars, deep pits)
Scarring or skin concerns are affecting your quality of life
You need a medical diagnosis before treatment (rosacea, melasma, etc.)
You have unexplained changes that need professional assessment
You're ready to invest in a comprehensive treatment plan

Not sure where to start?

A skin scan helps you understand your current skin state—so you can decide whether topicals are enough or it's time to explore procedures.

Start a skin scan See what we analyze