Dermatology Exam and Treatment Costs

When to Visit a Dermatologist

You have skin from head to toe, so there are plenty of reasons why you might want or need to see a dermatologist. How much a dermatology appointment costs will depend on what you’re there for.

Here are some common reasons to see a dermatologist:

• Skin exams and screenings. Skin exams can help spot suspicious skin lesions, which can lead to early detection, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.¹
• Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. The sun, aging and skin conditions can cause lines and wrinkles, freckles and sun spots and other changes to your skin’s appearance and texture. Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatments and procedures, such as laser treatments and chemical peels, can help improve these irregularities for healthier, younger-looking skin.²
• Acne treatment. Not all acne is the same. A dermatologist can diagnose the type of acne you have and provide the right medication, minimally invasive treatment or other procedure.³
• Scar treatment and removal. Different types of scars benefit from different types of treatments. A dermatologist can determine the best option to minimize or remove your scar using one or a combination of treatments, such as injectables, skin resurfacing procedures or scar revision surgery, to name a few.⁴
• Hair removal and restoration. Hormones and medical conditions are just a few things that can affect your hair and cause excessive hair growth or hair loss. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat a wide range of hair issues.⁵
• Varicose vein treatment. Varicose veins can affect more than your appearance and cause aching and discomfort. Minimally invasive treatments performed by dermatologists can fade or get rid of varicose veins and improve your symptoms.⁶
• Light therapy. Light therapy has various uses in skin care, with certain types of light able to penetrate different layers of skin to treat a wide range of skin complaints. It can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging or to treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne and rosacea.⁷
• Tattoo removal. A board-certified dermatologist can safely and effectively lighten or remove an unwanted tattoo using lasers or other methods, including dermabrasion or surgery.⁸
• Skin tag removal. Cryotherapy, cauterization and snip are just some of the methods a dermatologist can use to remove skin tags quickly and safely in-office.⁹
• Mole removal. A mole can often be removed in just a single visit using minimally invasive techniques. If a mole appears abnormal, an excisional biopsy can be performed to analyze the mole and some surrounding tissue for cancer cells.⁹
• Wart removal. A dermatologist has a few ways to effectively remove warts that don’t go away on their own or with over-the-counter treatment.¹⁰
• Allergy testing. Are allergies affecting your skin? Allergists aren’t the only ones who can address allergies — dermatologists can, too.¹¹
• Rosacea treatments. Rosacea may not yet be curable, but a tailored treatment plan can reduce redness and prevent the condition from worsening.¹²
• Psoriasis treatments. Psoriasis can affect your skin, hair and nails, all of which a dermatologist specializes in. The right treatment plan can improve your physical symptoms and prevent your psoriasis from worsening.¹¹
• Common skin cancer treatments. If you’re diagnosed with skin cancer, your treatment plan may involve one or a combination of treatments ranging from minimally invasive and topical therapies to more advanced treatments, such as Mohs surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.¹¹

Skin Exam Costs

A skin exam is a simple visual evaluation that is often the first step in addressing any skin concern. The dermatologist may also perform a more focused type of skin examination called a dermoscopy using a handheld magnifying device that allows them to see beneath the skin’s surface for a better look at abnormal growths and potential skin cancers.¹

A skin exam by a skin specialist to screen for skin cancer is recommended once a year, or more often if you’re at a higher risk for skin cancer.¹

The cost of a skin exam varies by the type, location and experience of the provider, the purpose of the exam (routine evaluation or screening) and the number of areas examined.¹³

Skin exam costs by type

The following is a breakdown of the national average cost* of the two types of skin exams in the United States:¹³

Skin exam costs by state/district

The cost of a visual skin exam can vary significantly by where it’s performed.

Here are the average costs* of a visual skin exam in all 50 states and the District of Columbia:¹³

State/District	Average cost
Alabama	$63
Alaska	$92
Arizona	$76
Arkansas	$65
California	$93
Colorado	$76
Connecticut	$78
Delaware	$75
District of Columbia	$98
Florida	$75
Georgia	$69
Hawaii	$116
Idaho	$76
Illinois	$71
Indiana	$68
Iowa	$65
Kansas	$68
Kentucky	$68
Louisiana	$70
Maine	$74
Maryland	$85
Massachusetts	$92
Michigan	$68
Minnesota	$71
Mississippi	$66
Missouri	$67
Montana	$74
Nebraska	$69
Nevada	$76
New Hampshire	$79
New Jersey	$83
New Mexico	$68
New York	$82
North Carolina	$70
North Dakota	$69
Ohio	$71
Oklahoma	$65
Oregon	$82
Pennsylvania	$74
Rhode Island	$80
South Carolina	$70
South Dakota	$67
Tennessee	$68
Texas	$69
Utah	$73
Vermont	$80
Virginia	$74
Washington	$86
West Virginia	$66
Wisconsin	$70
Wyoming	$70

View All

Skin Resurfacing and Rejuvenation Costs

If you’re not happy with your skin’s appearance or texture, talk with a dermatologist to discuss your skin goals and the skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatments that may help you achieve them.

These minimally invasive treatments can reduce the imperfections caused by damage from sun, aging and skin conditions like wrinkles, dark spots and scarring.² What you’ll pay depends on which type of treatment you get and how many sessions you need.

Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation costs by type of treatment

Here’s an overview of the average costs* of different skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatments:¹³

Treatment	Average cost
Chemical peels
Light	$249
Medium	$656
Deep	$2,708
Laser skin resurfacing
Ablative	$2,809
Non-ablative	$1,815
Microdermabrasion
Crystal	$164
Diamond	$213
Microneedling	$954
Radiofrequency skin tightening	$755
Ultherapy	$993

View All

Acne Treatment Costs

If you continue to struggle with breakouts after trying home acne treatments, a dermatologist can determine the type of acne you’re dealing with and create a treatment plan using the best type or combination of treatments for your skin.³

The cost of acne treatment varies by type, the length of treatment or number of treatments required, and in the case of medications, whether you get the brand name or generic.¹³

Acne treatment costs by type

Below are the types of acne treatments used by dermatologists and their average costs*:¹³

Scar Treatment and Removal Costs

Depending on the cause of a scar, your skin and age, scars can be large or small, flat, raised/bumpy or discolored. Regardless of all this, there are treatments and removal procedures that can help minimize or remove them. These include minimally invasive treatments like dermal fillers to fill in scars, resurfacing methods that fade them and more invasive options like surgery and skin grafts for larger or deeper scars.⁴

The cost of scar treatments and revision varies quite a bit due to the size, depth and number of scars and the type and complexity of the treatment. The provider’s experience and location can also impact the cost.¹³

Scar treatments and removal costs by type

The following are the average costs* of scar treatments and removal procedures:¹³

Scar treatment and removal	Average cost
Dermal fillers
Bellafill®	$1,284
Hyaluronic acid	$868/vial
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)	$780
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)	$1,323/vial
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)	$1,263/vial
Scar treatment/removal
Scar revision surgery	$2,287
Silicone gel or sheeting	$14
Skin grafting
Composite grafts	$5,928
Full-thickness skin grafts	$8,684
Split-thickness skin grafts	$2,953
Steroid injections
Betamethasone	$101
Dexamethasone	$65
Hydrocortisone	$40
Methylprednisolone acetate	$153
Triamcinolone acetonide	$90

View All

Hair Removal and Restoration Costs

A dermatologist can treat hair issues, including excess hair and hair loss. Unwanted hair can benefit from temporary hair removal methods like waxing and more long-term or permanent treatments like electrolysis or laser hair removal.¹⁴

For someone dealing with hair loss, hair restoration — or at least the appearance of it — can be achieved using non-surgical or surgical methods. Scalp micropigmentation creates the illusion of hair, and hair transplant surgery replaces lost hair.¹⁵

The cost of these options varies significantly based on the type and complexity of the treatment, the size of the area being treated and the experience and location of the provider.¹³

Hair removal costs by treatment

Here are some of the treatments used for hair removal and their average cost* per session:¹³

Hair removal treatment	Average cost
Electrolysis
Back	$201
Bikini	$101
Chest	$201
Chin	$50
Eyebrows	$50
Legs	$100
Underarms	$101
Upper lip	$51
Laser hair removal
Bikini	$458
Back	$913
Chin	$222
Legs	$412
Underarms	$207
Waxing
Small area	$30
Medium area	$50
Large area	$75

View All

Hair restoration costs by procedure

Here are the average costs* of hair restoration procedures:¹³

Varicose Vein Treatment Costs

Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic issue, they can cause leg swelling and discomfort and interfere with your ability to do the things you enjoy and can sometimes put you at higher susceptibility for blood clots.⁶

Minimally invasive treatments can improve the appearance of varicose and spider veins while also alleviating associated symptoms.⁶

The cost of varicose vein treatments varies based on the type and the number of treatment sessions needed.¹³

Varicose vein treatment costs

Below is an overview of the different types of varicose vein treatments and their average cost*:¹³

Light Therapy Costs

Light therapy uses different types of LED, UV and laser light to treat skin issues, including signs of aging and sun damage, acne scars and chronic skin conditions. Each type of light offers different benefits for the skin, from reducing the appearance of imperfections to promoting collagen production and improving texture.⁷

The cost of these non-invasive and minimally invasive therapies varies by type and is based on the number of treatment sessions needed to achieve the desired results.¹³

Light therapy costs by type

Here are the average costs* of the various types of light therapy:¹³

Tattoo Removal Costs

Tattoo regret can be a thing of the past thanks to laser tattoo removal and other methods that can fade or remove a tattoo. Laser is now the most used method and the least invasive, but other treatments that remove the surface layer of the skin over the tattoo or surgical removal are still sometimes used. A dermatologist can help you find the best option based on your skin and your tattoo’s size, color and ink type.⁸

The cost of tattoo removal can vary quite a bit depending on the type of treatment and the number of sessions needed based on the size, age and color of your tattoo.¹³

Tattoo removal cost by treatment

Below are the average costs* of different tattoo removal treatments:¹³

Skin Tag Removal Costs

Skin tags are harmless and mostly a cosmetic concern, but there are treatments that can safely and swiftly remove them in just one visit. Treatment may involve the use of freezing or a zap of electrical current to remove the skin tag or simply snipping it off.⁹

How much it will cost will vary by treatment type and the number of skin tags you have removed.¹³

Skin tag removal costs by method

Let’s look at the different methods used for skin tag removal and the average cost* for each:¹³

Mole Removal Costs

You might consider mole removal for cosmetic reasons or if a mole is abnormal and it looks like it might be cancerous. Either way, moles can often be removed in-office with minimally invasive treatment using lasers, freezing or minor surgery.⁹

How much mole removal costs will depend on the type of removal procedure used.¹³

Mole removal costs by procedure

Below are the average costs* of mole removal by procedure type:¹³

Wart Removal Costs

Sometimes warts go away on their own or with over-the-counter treatments, but dermatologists have ways to remove them if they don’t. These options range from topical treatments to minimally invasive or surgical procedures for warts that are especially hard to treat.¹⁰

The cost of wart removal varies by the type of treatment or procedure used and the number of treatments needed.¹³

Wart removal costs by procedure

Here’s a look at the average cost* of wart removal by procedure type:¹³

Allergy Testing Costs

Allergies are another of the many conditions that can affect the skin. A dermatologist can diagnose and help you manage allergic reactions.¹¹

The cost of allergy testing is based on the types of testing used and the number of allergens being tested for.¹³

Allergy testing costs by type

Below are the average costs* of different allergy testing options:¹³

Rosacea Treatment Costs

Dealing with the flushing and acne-type breakouts of rosacea can be extremely frustrating, but a dermatologist can provide you with a treatment plan that reduces the redness and manages your other symptoms. This may include guidance on identifying any triggers and appropriate topical medications.¹²

The cost of rosacea treatment depends on the type (or types) of treatments used and the number of follow-up appointments or treatment sessions needed.¹³

Rosacea treatment costs by type

Below you’ll find the average costs* for the different types of treatments used for rosacea:¹³

Psoriasis Treatment Costs

There are several types of psoriasis, and managing the condition requires an individualized treatment plan that may include a combination of topical treatments, injectable biologics and UV phototherapy.¹¹

The cost of treatment varies considerably depending on the type of medication you’re prescribed and whether it’s branded or generic, as well as whether you’re eligible for cost assistance.¹³

Psoriasis treatment costs by type

Here are the average costs* of different oral and topical treatments used for psoriasis:¹³

Psoriasis treatment	Average cost
Topicals
Betamethasone	$65/tube
Calcitriol	$597/tube
Clobetasol	$252/tube
Hydrocortisone	$15/tube
Biologics injections
Cosentyx®	$12,240
Enbrel®	$11,983
Humira®	$1,815
UV phototherapy	$96/session

View All

Common Skin Cancer Treatment Costs

A dermatologist can help you with every step of your skin cancer journey — diagnosis, treatment and referring you to other cancer specialists, if needed. They can create a treatment plan using one or a combination of treatments, which may include surgery, topical therapies or other common cancer treatments, such as radiation and/or chemotherapy.¹¹

Since treatment for skin cancer is based on factors such as the type and stage of cancer and the complexity of the procedures required, the cost of treatment can vary significantly.¹³

Common skin cancer treatment costs by type

Below is a breakdown of the average costs* of cancer treatment by type:¹³

Skin cancer treatment type	Average cost
Chemotherapy
Chemowrap therapy	$150/session
Combination chemo	$20,000 to $400,000+
Intralesional chemotherapy
Procedure fee	$200/session
5-FU	$500 to $2,000/vial or session
Methotrexate	$22/50 ml vial
IV chemotherapy
Cisplatin	$18/20 mg vial
Dacarbazine	$200/20 mg vial
Oral chemotherapy
Temozolomide	$932 to $3,200/15-capsule pack
Xeloda®	$768/cycle
Topical chemotherapy
5-FU	$35/40 g tube
Imiquimod	$30/tube
Curettage and electrodesiccation	$403
Excisional biopsy	$253
Immunotherapy
Adoptive cell transfer	Custom treatment — varies
Checkpoint inhibitors	$1,500 to $12,000/dose
Combination immunotherapy	$150,000+/year
Cytokine therapy	Varies significantly
Oncolytic virus therapy	Varies
Mohs surgery	$1,864
Photodynamic therapy	$908/treatment
Radiation therapy
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)	$2,308/session
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)	$3,511/session

View All