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Private dermatology in Edinburgh

If you have a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, acne or rosacea, you can see Mr Ben Aldridge, consultant dermatologist and plastic surgeon, privately at Waterfront. You do not need a GP referral, and the consultation is £200.

Mr Aldridge holds NHS consultant posts in both dermatology and plastic surgery. If your concern is a mole, a lump or a mark you want checked or removed, a mole and skin cancer check is the right appointment instead.

Your consultant
The upstairs patient lounge at Waterfront, with sofas and tall windows

Contents

What we treat

We see adults with long-standing skin conditions, and adults with moles, lumps and marks. These are two different appointments.

Skin conditions: a dermatology consultation with Mr Aldridge

  • Eczema (dermatitis)
  • Psoriasis
  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Urticaria (hives)
  • Hand dermatitis
  • Scalp conditions
  • Other long-standing rashes and inflamed skin

Moles, lumps and marks: a skin lesion consultation with Mr Aldridge or Mr Kazem Nassar

  • A mole or mark you are worried about, or a full-body mole and skin cancer check
  • Moles, cysts, skin tags, lipomas and seborrhoeic keratoses you want removed: see skin surgery
  • Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma

What does a private dermatology consultation cost?

A dermatology consultation with Mr Aldridge is £200. It covers:

  • The consultation with Mr Aldridge.
  • An examination of the affected skin.
  • His explanation of the diagnosis and the treatment options, including any prescription.

If Mr Aldridge recommends a test or procedure, such as a skin biopsy, the cost is confirmed in writing before it is booked.

The free second consultation we offer before cosmetic surgery does not apply to dermatology or other skin consultations.

Waterfront Private Hospital is self-pay.

Is a dermatology consultation the right appointment for you?

A dermatology consultation suits adults with a skin condition that has lasted or keeps coming back. It is not the right first step for everyone.

It suits you if

  • You are an adult with eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, hives or another rash that has lasted or keeps coming back.
  • You would like a consultant’s opinion on what the condition is and how to treat it.
  • You would like to book directly, without a GP referral.

It is not the right first step if

  • The appointment is for a child. We see adults only. We do not treat children. Your GP can advise on a child’s skin.
  • You feel unwell with a spreading rash, a fever, blistering, or skin that is hot and painful. Contact your GP, NHS 24 on 111 or A&E today. We do not offer an urgent or same-day service.
  • A mole or mark has changed quickly or bleeds. Book a mole and skin cancer check instead, or see your GP if you cannot be seen soon.

If you are not sure, call the team on 0131 376 3785 before you book.

Your consultant

Dermatology consultations at Waterfront are with Mr Ben Aldridge, consultant dermatologist and plastic surgeon. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2002 and completed higher specialist training in both dermatology and plastic surgery, in London and Scotland, passing the qualifying examinations in both. He holds a PhD in Dermatoinformatics from the University of Edinburgh and an MSc in Allergy from Imperial College London.

In the NHS he holds consultant posts in dermatology and in plastic surgery at NHS Lothian and NHS Lanarkshire. He chairs the South East Scotland Melanoma Multidisciplinary Team and co-authored the updated national SIGN guidelines on melanoma.

You see Mr Aldridge himself at your appointment.

Mr Ben Aldridge

Consultant plastic and dermatological surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)Dual trained in dermatology

What happens at a dermatology consultation?

The consultation is in person at Waterfront Private Hospital, 1 Waterfront Park, Edinburgh EH5 1SD. Parking is free, on site.

Mr Aldridge asks about your skin: when the problem started, what makes it better or worse, the treatments and creams you have tried, your general health and any family history of skin problems. He then examines the affected skin.

Before you leave, he explains what he thinks the condition is and the options for treating it, including any prescription, and you agree a plan together.

It helps to bring a list of your current medicines and creams, any letters from previous skin appointments, and photographs if your skin changes from day to day.

Dr Aldridge was very accommodating as I had to travel from quite a distance. The treatment I had was quick and easy with minimal scarring and I was happy with the results.

Kate
Oct 2026 Read on Trustpilot (opens in a new tab)

4.9TrustScoreout of 5

584 reviews

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Frequently asked questions about private dermatology in Edinburgh

How much does it cost to see a private dermatologist in Edinburgh at Waterfront?

A dermatology consultation with Mr Ben Aldridge is £200. It covers the consultation, an examination of the affected skin, and his explanation of the diagnosis and treatment options. If he recommends a test or procedure, the cost is confirmed in writing before it is booked. The free second consultation we offer before cosmetic surgery does not apply to skin consultations.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can book a dermatology consultation directly, online or by phone on 0131 376 3785. Bring a list of your current medicines and creams, and any letters from previous skin appointments.

How soon can I be seen?

The booking page shows Mr Aldridge's live availability, so you can see the next free dates and choose one that suits you. If you cannot find a time, call the team on 0131 376 3785 and we will look for one.

Which skin conditions do you treat?

Mr Aldridge treats the common skin conditions in adults, including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria (hives), hand dermatitis, scalp conditions and other long-standing rashes. For a mole you are worried about, a full-body mole check, or a cyst, skin tag or other lesion you want removed, book a skin lesion consultation with Mr Aldridge or Mr Kazem Nassar instead. Both cost £200.

Is Mr Aldridge a dermatologist?

Yes. Mr Aldridge is a consultant dermatologist and plastic surgeon. He completed higher specialist training in both dermatology and plastic surgery, passing the qualifying examinations in both, and holds NHS consultant posts in both at NHS Lothian and NHS Lanarkshire.

Will I leave with a treatment plan?

Yes. Before you leave, Mr Aldridge explains what he thinks the condition is and the options for treating it, including any prescription, and you agree a plan together.

Do you see children?

No. Dermatology consultations at Waterfront are for adults only, and we do not treat children. For a child's skin condition, please speak to your GP.

Does health insurance cover a dermatology consultation at Waterfront?

Waterfront Private Hospital is self-pay, so you pay for your consultation yourself. The dermatology consultation is £200.