Frequently asked questions

We offer a comprehensive range of treatments for various skin and hair concerns, including hair loss, scalp issues, skin conditions, and general dermatological care. We are not limited to a specific set of conditions and can assist with anything skin or hair related.

No, our services are not cosmetic-focused. We offer expert care for a wide range of skin and hair conditions with a focus on improving health, function, and overall well-being. Whilst some of our treatments may enhance appearance, our main goal is to address the underlying causes and provide long-term treatment for skin and hair.

Initial consultations typically last between 30–40 minutes depending on the type of consultation you have booked. A new skin consultation lasts 30 minutes; a new hair consultation is 40 minutes due to the complexity of hair loss assessment and Tricholab diagnostics. Follow-up appointments are 15–20 minutes for skin and 30 minutes for hair.

No, you don't need a referral to book an appointment with us. You can book directly through our website. If you're using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a GP referral or pre-authorisation — please check with them before booking.

If you've been seen on the NHS previously for the same problem and are transferring your care to us, your first appointment will still be classed as a new appointment, not a follow-up.

Yes. Dr Paul Farrant and Dr Pallavi Gupta see children aged 8 years and over at our Matlock Road clinic. If you would like to book an appointment for a child, please contact our team for advice and availability.

Yes. Our preference is for initial appointments to be face to face. Virtual appointments are best suited to follow-up patients who require regular routine checks — for example, monitoring of acne patients on isotretinoin or patients with alopecia on long-term JAK inhibitor treatment. We offer both telephone and video virtual appointments. We may ask you to submit up-to-date photos, blood test results, or pregnancy tests in advance. If your condition is severe or complex, we may be unable to provide a virtual appointment.

Yes, although additional concerns may require extra consultation time. Please let us know when booking.

In many cases, yes. However, some conditions may require further investigations such as blood tests, skin swabs, or biopsies.

To get the most out of your consultation, please bring any relevant medical history, a list of current medications, and any previous treatments you've tried. For virtual appointments, please send through any photos or questionnaires we request beforehand so that we have as much information as possible to discuss with you.

During your first consultation, and any follow-up diagnostics or testing, we will examine your condition and medical history to create a tailored treatment plan. We will base this plan on what we think the best course of action is following our analysis of your condition. We can also suggest an alternative if you do not wish to go ahead with our initial recommendation.

Some treatments can take several months before you can see an effect. We will discuss timescales with you during consultations so it should be clear when to expect improvement. If you see no results over a long period of time, we generally have alternatives to suggest, and we can look at other treatment options during follow-ups.

Certain treatments may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is incredibly important that we discuss these circumstances with you during the initial consultation so we can offer options that are safe. It is also important to tell us if you are planning on starting a family in the near future, as this may impact clinical decisions for your care.

Most of our treatments require minimal downtime, but this will vary depending on the procedure and your skin's response. You may need to take it easy for a couple of days after surgery. You can usually self-certify for time off work for 7 days after a procedure, and we can provide a doctor's note if your employer requires one.

Yes, all of our treatments are safe and carried out by experienced dermatologists. We will always outline the treatment with you beforehand so you understand exactly what to expect.

Yes. We maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all relevant data protection regulations.

We offer a full spectrum of dermatological treatments, from topical and oral medications for common skin conditions through to skin cancer surgery, scalp injections for hair loss, mole mapping, biopsies, and minor surgical procedures. We also use the Tricholab studio for hair loss diagnostics and tailored treatment monitoring. Services include skin lesion removal, biopsies, cryotherapy, steroid injections, mole checks, and other dermatological treatments.

Yes. Hair loss is one of our particular areas of expertise. Dr Farrant founded the British Hair and Nail Society and runs a regional hair loss department with Dr Gupta. We diagnose hair loss using the Tricholab studio and offer the full range of medical treatments including minoxidil, finasteride, JAK inhibitors, steroid scalp injections, PRP, and Tricopat.

This depends on the condition. Most skin treatments take 6 to 12 weeks to show significant improvement. Hair loss treatments typically take 3 to 6 months before we can assess response, with monitoring using Tricholab to track changes objectively.

Many procedures can be carried out safely within the clinic setting.

Most procedures involve minimal discomfort. Local anaesthetic is used when appropriate.

Yes, skin biopsies can often be arranged if needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Yes. We assess hyperhidrosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.

A benign lesion constitutes any non-cancerous lump, bump or abnormality on the skin, such as a wart, cyst or skin tag.

No, benign lesions are non-cancerous. Most benign lesions do not have the potential to become cancerous but there are always rare exceptions.

Most physical procedures that take place in a treatment room that require cautery will use local anaesthetic, meaning there will be minimal pain involved. The local anaesthetic can sting for a few seconds like a bee sting. Cryotherapy does not require any anaesthetic but can feel 'burning' at the time, despite being very cold. You may experience slight pain and discomfort after any procedure but this is expected and can usually be managed with either no pain relief or simple over the counter painkillers.

Yes, removing a lesion does come with several risks, including bleeding, slight pain, infection, scarring, and a small chance of the growth coming back. However, in many cases, the risks of leaving the lesion alone will outweigh these. This is why many medical professionals will advise to have the lesion removed despite the small risks that come with it.

Yes. Our consultants are recognised by all major UK insurance companies, including BUPA, AXA PPP, Aviva, and others. Our charges are in line with the published fee schedules. You may need a GP referral or pre-authorisation from your insurer before your appointment — please check with them in advance.

No. Hair loss consultations and treatments are not covered by private medical insurance. All hair loss patients are charged on the day on a self-pay basis. Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim some costs back from your insurer afterwards.

Our consultation fees are listed in full on our Fee Guide. We follow the CMA financial disclosure requirements and email the full fee schedule with every appointment booking.

You will be liable for any shortfall that your insurance company doesn't cover. If your policy excess is more than £200, you may want to consider self-funding your appointment unless follow-ups or procedures are likely.

This will depend on your insurance and the type of treatment you require. Please visit the fee guide on our website for more information.

Yes. All self-funded appointments require a £75 deposit at the time of booking. If you need to reschedule, your deposit can be transferred to a new appointment date. If you need to cancel, your deposit will be refunded less a £5 transaction fee.

Mole mapping uses our ATBM Fotofinder system to photograph and map your entire skin surface. The system identifies any lesions and our consultants review the close-up images. By repeating the mapping at intervals, we can spot any new or changing moles early. Mole mapping costs £350 and is not covered by insurance — it's a self-pay surveillance service.

The ABCDE rule helps you check your own moles between appointments: Asymmetry — One half of the mole doesn't match the other. Border — Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred. Colour — Uneven shades of black, brown, tan, white, red or blue. Diameter — Larger than 4-6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). Evolving — Changes in size, shape, or colour over time. If a mole shows any of these signs, have it checked.

Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, and environmental factors. Genetics and hormones can influence excess oil production in the skin and the turn over of epidermal cells that can lead to clogged pores. Blocked pores and excess oil can lead to change in the skin microbiome and bacterial overgrowth of certain strains of bacteria associated with acne. Medications, diet, and stress can also contribute to acne.

Some acne treatments may cause side effects such as dryness, redness, or irritation. Oral medications can have more serious side effects and should be monitored by a healthcare professional. Our dermatologists will discuss potential side effects with you and how to manage them.

Yes, stress can trigger or worsen acne. Stress increases the production of hormones that stimulate oil production, which can lead to breakouts.

Improvement timelines vary based on the treatment and individual skin response. Generally, noticeable changes can occur within 2-3 months, but some treatments may take longer to show significant results.

You can book an appointment by calling us directly on 01273 077222 or using the booking button on this page.

No, you can not remove a cyst without surgery, however surgical excision may not always be necessary. Surgery looks to remove the cyst entirely, thereby reducing the risk of the cyst returning.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, which means that the discomfort is minimal.

After having a cyst removed, it can take upwards of 2-3 weeks for the wound to fully heal. We aim to remove stitches between 1-2 weeks after it takes place, depending on the location of the cysts. Most of our patients can return to work or school the day after the operation, but we advise avoiding strenuous activities for a couple of weeks.

Cyst removal is generally a safe and routine process, but like any medical procedure, it comes with some potential risks and complications. This includes: infection, bleeding, scarring, pain and discomfort, recurrence of cyst, and rare damage to nerves. We will discuss these risks with you in our initial consultation and weigh up the pros and cons of each removal option.

Cryotherapy is generally a very effective procedure as it is minimally invasive, fairly quick to perform, and quick to heal. However, it can also lead to some discomfort and other side effects, such as redness, swelling, and blistering.

Cryotherapy can cause some discomfort, but the level of pain varies depending on individual tolerance and the specific condition being treated. Some pain is normal and should subside within a week after the procedure.

Cryotherapy is generally effective for many skin conditions, including warts, skin tags, and certain types of skin cancer, but it does not always guarantee success. Some conditions may require multiple sessions, and there is a possibility of recurrence.

Teen acne is primarily caused by hormonal changes during puberty, which lead to increased oil production and clogged pores. Other factors include bacteria, genetics, diet, and stress.

Puberty acne can last for several years, typically starting around the onset of puberty and often improving by the late teens or early twenties. However, the duration and severity vary for everyone.

Getting rid of teenage acne involves a combination of good skincare practices, over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications. Consistency and patience are key, as it can take time to see significant improvement.

No, we do not offer cosmetic treatment for teens. Our services are purely medical.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during surgery. Some discomfort may be experienced post-surgery, which can be managed with simple pain relief.

Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery and individual healing rates. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week, but full healing may take a few weeks.

All wounds will leave a small surgical scar, but our dermatologists employ techniques to minimise scarring. Scar appearance also depends on individual skin types and the size and location of the operation.

Skin cancer surgery is highly effective, especially when the cancer is detected early. Success rates are high, but regular follow-ups may be required for the more serious types to monitor for any recurrence.

We advise having a mole check if you notice any changes in their size, shape, or colour, or if they become itchy, painful, or start bleeding. Moreover, if new moles appear, especially if they look different from others, you should get them checked.

We check moles for cancer through a visual examination looking for features such as asymmetry, irregular borders, varying colours, large diameters, or changes over time. We use a dermatoscope for magnified inspection to identify suspicious features and if the mole looks concerning, we may perform a biopsy.

Ideally, you should have your moles checked annually, or more frequently if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles, or have had significant sun exposure. If you notice any changes in a mole's appearance or develop new moles, it's essential to schedule a check sooner.

Your first appointment will typically last around 30 minutes. However, this will depend on your medical history, your concerns, suspicious lesions found and any additional investigations or procedures we may need to discuss.

Our mole mapping machine works by capturing high-resolution images of your skin's surface and moles using specialist cameras and lighting. The machine uses advanced software algorithms to identify changes in your moles' characteristics, which can indicate potential signs of skin cancer or other skin conditions.

If there are lesions of concern a repeat scan may be recommended at 4-6 months. If there is a period of very little change the frequency of routine scans may be reduced to every 2-3 years.

Mole mapping costs £350 per scan for each whole body scan. If returning after a shorter interval to double check a more suspicious lesion, only a routine follow up charge applies.

Generally, our mole mapping services are not covered by insurance. Some policies may allow you to claim back some of the costs, but you would need to check this with your insurance provider beforehand.

Mole removal is safe as long as it is performed by a medical professional or dermatologist.

Mole removal typically involves the use of local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. However, you may experience some discomfort or tenderness in the area afterward as it heals.

Mole removal can leave a scar, and the size and visibility of the scar depend on the method used and the mole's size and depth. Generally, excisional removals may leave more noticeable scars compared to other methods like shave biopsies.

Whilst certain lasers can be used to destroy normal tissue, laser removal of moles is not recommended as it potentially destroys the tissue and prevents it from being tested.

Tricholab is a high-magnification videotrichoscopy system that we use to assess hair and scalp conditions. It captures detailed images of hair follicles at 20-120x magnification, allowing us to measure hair density, identify miniaturisation patterns, and spot scarring or inflammation invisible to the naked eye. We're the only UK dermatology clinic using the Tricholab studio. This allows us to make more accurate diagnoses and track treatment response over time with stereotactic photography.

Many things. The most common causes are male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), alopecia areata (autoimmune), telogen effluvium (often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes), and scarring alopecias such as frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris. A consultation with Tricholab assessment will identify the cause and guide treatment.

Yes, male pattern baldness is very common. It affects around 50% of men by the age of 50 and can begin as early as the late teens or early twenties. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that about 6.5 million men experience male pattern baldness.

Yes, male pattern baldness can start at the crown. This condition typically begins with hair thinning at the temples or the crown of the head. Over time, these areas of thinning can expand and merge, leading to more extensive hair loss.

Alopecia is an umbrella term that refers to many different forms of hair loss, including alopecia areata. Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is just one example.

The main cause of pattern hair loss in females are genetic factors that lead to gradual thinning or miniaturisation of the hair follicles. This is a hereditary condition characterised by diffuse thinning, particularly on the top of the head and widening of the part lines.

Whilst not a leading factor in pattern hair loss, vitamin deficiencies do contribute to weak hair growth. Vitamin D deficiency negatively impacts the hair growth cycle, and Vitamin B12 and Folate are also important for normal hair growth.

Yes, women can use minoxidil and it is MHRA, EMA and FDA-approved for both men and women.

Yes, it's normal for hair to shed. Typically, losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is part of the natural hair growth cycle. If you notice excessive amounts of hair being shed, you should contact a dermatologist or medical professional.

Yes, low iron can contribute towards hair shedding. When iron levels are low, the body prioritises essential functions like producing red blood cells, and hair growth may slow down, leading to increased shedding.

Yes, hair that sheds typically grows back. Shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, and new hairs usually replace the ones that fall out. However, if the shedding is due to an underlying condition, regrowth might be slower until the issue is addressed.

Yes, scarring hair loss is generally permanent. The inflammation and damage from scarring destroy hair follicles, which are replaced by scar tissue and cannot produce new hair. Treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent further loss but typically do not reverse the damage.

Hair typically does not grow back in areas affected by scarring, as scar tissue replaces the damaged hair follicles. Scarring hair loss results in permanent follicle destruction, preventing new hair growth in the scarred areas.

Yes, frontal fibrosing alopecia is considered an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to inflammation, scarring and permanent hair loss in the affected areas.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a scarring hair loss that affects the frontal hairline and leads to permanent hair loss. Alopecia areata is a non-scarring autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss where hair often regrows.

No, seborrhoeic dermatitis is not contagious. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that cannot be caught from someone else.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is also known as seborrhoeic eczema, a subtype of eczema. It primarily affects oily areas with flaky, scaly patches associated with yeast on the skin. Atopic eczema typically involves 'dryer' skin sites and can be triggered by allergens.

Excessive dandruff itself typically does not cause hair loss, but it may reflect abnormalities of the scalp microbiome. If dandruff leads to intense scratching or secondary infections, these factors could contribute to temporary hair loss.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is the type of dermatitis most associated with excessive dandruff. It causes flaky, oily patches on the scalp. Scalp psoriasis can also cause dandruff, which can be more localised but often more flaky.

Folliculitis can be contagious if it is caused by an infectious agent like bacteria or fungi — for instance, hot tub folliculitis spreads through contaminated water. However, folliculitis caused by ingrown hairs or irritation is not contagious.

Yes, folliculitis often goes away with proper treatment and self-care. Mild cases typically resolve on their own whilst severe cases will likely need help from a dermatologist.

Hair typically does not grow back in areas affected by folliculitis decalvans because the condition causes scarring of the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss in the scarred regions.

Folliculitis decalvans cannot be cured, as it is a chronic condition. However, with appropriate treatment, the symptoms can be managed, and further hair loss can be kept to a minimum.

Currently there is no head to head data on the different JAK inhibitors to be able to say one is better than another. We will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment with you.

Yes – there are no studies suggesting that drinking alcohol whilst taking JAK inhibitors will negatively affect you.

Hair growth typically begins after 6 weeks, but can take several months until your hair appears healthy again. We continuously monitor your progress after every injection session.

Yes, steroid injections can be suitable for women, particularly for conditions like alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, and frontal fibrosing alopecia. However, if you have hormonal disorders or are pregnant then we may need to discuss other options with you.

Your GP can only prescribe minoxidil for blood pressure, not for any hair related conditions. Oral minoxidil for hair loss is only available as a private prescription from a private doctor (e.g. a dermatologist).

No – minoxidil does not cause acne as it is unlikely to clog pores. There are also no studies to suggest any correlation between the two.

Most patients begin to notice visible improvements in hair shedding, texture, and thickness after the second session. Full results typically develop over several months as the hair growth cycle progresses.

No, the treatment is bloodless and painless. Patients often describe it as a relaxing experience with no recovery time required.

We currently offer face-to-face appointments at our clinic in Brighton (Matlock Road), the Montefiore Hospital in Hove, Nuffield Brighton in Woodingdean, and Nuffield Haywards Heath. Matlock Road is our newest dedicated dermatology facility, with Tricholab and ATBM Fotofinder. See our Locations page for details.

Children aged 8 and over are seen at our Nuffield Haywards Heath clinic on Dr Farrant's Monday clinics. Other locations are adults only.

Yes, on-street parking is available locally at Matlock Road and operates via the PayByPhone App (location code 88534). We recommend downloading the app in advance to save time. There is also some free parking available on surrounding roads — please always check the signs on street for permit restrictions.

Yes. The Matlock Road clinic offers step-free access, and there are dedicated disabled parking spaces on Matlock Road, including one directly outside the clinic.

You can book online via our MediOffice portal at any time, or call us on 01273 077222 to speak to our team. You can choose your consultant, clinic, and appointment time. The private hospitals booking team can also book appointments at your chosen hospital.

We ask for two working days' notice for all appointment changes and cancellations. Please note that we charge £75 for any appointment cancelled within 2 working days of the appointment day.

If you miss an appointment or can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible. We can reschedule your visit and discuss any necessary changes to your treatment plan. Please note that we charge £75 for any appointment cancelled within 2 working days of the appointment day.

Late arrival may reduce consultation time or require rescheduling.

The first time you book with us, you'll set up a password-protected account on the MediOffice patient portal. You'll provide your email and mobile, then complete your details and book a general appointment at the location and date that suits you.

You can contact us by phone on 01273 077222, by email, or through the contact form on our website.