Frequently asked questions

It matters more than people realise. A dermatologist has completed specialist training in skin, hair and nail medicine and holds specialist registration, so they can diagnose and medically treat eczema, psoriasis, acne and skin cancer as well as carry out cosmetic procedures. An aesthetic doctor is a general practitioner focused on cosmetic treatments, not a skin specialist. Everyone at Clearbrook is seen by an accredited dermatologist — partly because so many good cosmetic decisions hinge on getting the medical picture right first.

You do not need a referral to see us — you can book directly. A first consultation is always required before any treatment or prescription, because everything we recommend follows from an accurate diagnosis. If you do have a referral letter or notes from a GP or another clinic, bring them along, as they help us build a fuller picture of your skin.

It is a guide, not a diagnosis. You choose the concern closest to yours, tell it how long the problem has been present and what you have already tried, and it suggests whether you are likely on the medical or cosmetic track, gives an indicative first-consultation fee, and flags when something should be reviewed sooner. Think of it as a sensible first signpost — the dermatologist makes the actual diagnosis and plan at your visit. Anything that is new, changing, bleeding or rapidly worsening should be seen promptly regardless of what any online tool suggests.

It comes down to which treatment you have. Genuinely medical procedures — certain surgical removals and some treatments for medical conditions — may be Medisave-claimable or covered by an insurance plan up to the applicable limits, and our team will tell you where that applies and help with the paperwork. Consultations and purely cosmetic treatments are generally self-paid. We always set out the cost and what you can claim before anything goes ahead, so nothing on the bill is a surprise.

A few simple things help. Come with the affected skin clean and free of makeup, sunscreen or nail polish if it is your nails being assessed, so the dermatologist can examine it properly. Bring a list of any products, creams or medicines you are using or have tried, note when the problem started and what seems to set it off, and bring any past results or referral letters. The clearer the history, the faster we reach the right diagnosis.

That depends on the condition. A mole check is a single visit; acne and eczema usually need a first consultation and a review or two as we settle and then maintain the skin; conditions like psoriasis and hair loss are managed over the longer term. Cosmetic treatments such as lasers are typically a course of sessions. At your consultation we set out a realistic timeline for your particular case rather than promising a fixed number that may not fit.

There are two specialist clinics, both central and a short walk from an MRT — Clearbrook @ Orchard inside Paragon Medical Suites, and Clearbrook @ Novena at the Novena Specialist Centre on Sinaran Drive. Weekday clinics run from 9am to 5:30pm, with a Saturday-morning session until 1pm; we close on Sundays and public holidays. If something is urgent, such as a mole that has changed or a severe flare, do phone ahead and we will try to bring your appointment forward.

Your notes, contact number and any clinical photographs stay in strict medical confidence, used purely to look after you under our professional obligations and Singapore’s PDPA. We never sell your details or hand them to anyone outside your treating team for marketing, and each form here asks only for the minimum we need to reply to you.