Fast-track consultations
Booking a private dermatologist in London shouldn’t feel like an obstacle course. At Kensington International Clinic, we see our patients without lengthy waiting times, in a premium setting in South Kensington at the heart of London. Our team of dermatologists and dermatological surgeon offers consultations in four languages: English, French, Mandarin and Malay.
Whether you’re looking for a second opinion on a concerning skin lesion, persistent acne, chronic eczema or a general skin check, we’ll arrange a swift appointment with the practitioner best suited to your situation.
Meet our dermatologists in London
Three practitioners work at Kensington International Clinic, with complementary areas of excellence spanning medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr Sophie Bouvresse, French-speaking dermatologist (adults and children)
A graduate of Paris VI Medical University in 2008, Dr Sophie Bouvresse is a former intern and Head of Clinic-Assistant at Paris hospitals. She is a member of the French Society of Dermatology and the British Association of Dermatologists, and practises in both NHS and private settings in London.
Her clinical expertise covers medical dermatology for children and adults, skin tumour detection and treatment, chronic inflammatory conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea) and minor dermatological surgery under local anaesthetic.
Dr Bouvresse sees her patients in French and English, and is the natural point of entry for the French-speaking community in London.
Dr Kim Varma, consultant dermatologist (patients aged 16 and over)
A UK-trained consultant dermatologist, Dr Kim Varma brings 14 years of experience at Nuffield Hospital Wolverhampton and now practises at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. She holds a post-CCT dermato-surgical fellowship from Queens Medical Centre Nottingham and is specifically trained in Mohs surgery, the international gold standard for the surgical treatment of skin cancers.
She manages complex dermatological conditions, cases resistant to standard treatment and the surgical management of suspicious skin lesions. Dr Varma sees patients aged 16 and over, and does not perform cosmetic procedures.
Consultations in English, Mandarin and Malay.
Dr Sultan Hussein, plastic and aesthetic surgeon
Trained at the Universities of Exeter and Oxford, where he graduated with distinction in the top decile of his class, Dr Sultan Hussein holds additional diplomas from the University of Cambridge and the Royal College of Surgeons.
A member of the Royal College of Surgeons, the JCCP and GMC-registered, he practises at Kensington International Clinic specifically on scar revision, minimally invasive aesthetic treatments and reconstructive surgery.
Consultations in English.
What skin conditions do our dermatologists treat?
Our dermatologists manage the full range of skin, nail and mucous membrane conditions, in adults and children (Dr Bouvresse only for children).
- Adult acne: hormonal acne, persistent acne, nodular acne, post-acne scarring, prescription medical treatment.
- Skin lesion removal and dermatology procedures: mole removal, cyst removal, skin tag removal, lipoma removal, keloid scar treatment, and K-Laser Blue Derma treatments.
- Eczema and atopic dermatitis: adult and child eczema, contact eczema, trigger identification, long-term management plan.
- Mole check-up and skin screening: digital dermoscopy, melanoma screening, photographic follow-up for high-risk patients.
- Other conditions managed during consultation: psoriasis and systemic treatments, rosacea and facial redness, seborrhoeic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, alopecia (androgenetic hair loss, alopecia areata), pigmentation disorders (melasma, vitiligo, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), skin infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic), nail conditions, mucous membrane conditions, cutaneous lupus and other autoimmune dermatoses.
French-speaking and multilingual dermatologist in London
At Kensington International Clinic, dermatology consultations are available in four languages: English, French, Mandarin and Malay. Because talking about your skin and body is easier in your mother tongue, we’ve made linguistic diversity one of our key differentiators since the clinic’s founding.
- French-speaking dermatologist in London: Dr Sophie Bouvresse is a French dermatologist trained in Paris, who sees patients in French and English. She is the natural point of reference for the French-speaking community in London: French, Belgian, Swiss, North African and Canadian expatriates. Kensington Clinic’s roots lie in the practice of French doctors established in London for over a decade, and bilingual consultations remain at the heart of our medical identity.
- Mandarin and Malay-speaking consultations: Dr Kim Varma sees her patients in English, Mandarin and Malay, a valuable option for expatriate patients from the Chinese, British-Chinese, Malaysian and Singaporean communities in London.
When booking your appointment, let us know your preferred language: we’ll direct you to the right practitioner.
Paediatric dermatologist in London, dermatology care for children and adolescents
Our private clinic offers paediatric dermatology with Dr Sophie Bouvresse, whose training and hospital experience in Paris gave her a thorough grounding in dermatology for both children and adults. Few private clinics in London provide paediatric dermatological care from a practitioner trained in France and consulting in French. For French-speaking families in London, as well as for any parent seeking private follow-up rather than the NHS pathway, this is a rare and valuable point of access.
Paediatric consultations cover the full range of skin conditions in children and adolescents: infant atopic eczema, cradle cap, haemangiomas and birthmarks, skin infections, warts, molluscum contagiosum, adolescent acne, and various allergic or inflammatory reactions. The approach favours an examination pace tailored to the child, clear and accessible explanations for parents, and a care plan that is both medically rigorous and practical to follow day to day.
A note for parents of teenagers: Dr Kim Varma also sees patients from the age of 16 for complex dermatological conditions or those requiring surgical management.
What to expect from your dermatology consultation?
A dermatology consultation at KIC lasts between 30 and 45 minutes for an initial appointment, and around 15 to 30 minutes for a follow-up consultation. It takes place in a dedicated consultation room with lighting and equipment suited to in-depth skin examination.
1. Medical interview
Your dermatologist reviews your personal and family history, current treatments, lifestyle habits and current concerns. This exchange, sometimes underestimated, is essential for reaching a precise diagnosis of a skin condition.
2. Clinical examination
Examination of the area of concern and, where needed, a complete dermatological examination of the skin. For pigmented or suspicious lesions, a digital dermatoscope allows magnified analysis of the deeper structure.
3. Diagnosis and care plan
Your dermatologist explains the diagnosis, the management options, and the benefits and limits of each. You leave with a written plan, any prescriptions, follow-up dates and all the information you need to manage your condition independently.
4. Procedures performed during the session
When possible and clinically appropriate, certain dermatological procedures can be carried out immediately (skin biopsy, minor surgery, infiltration, cryotherapy). For scheduled procedures, a second appointment is booked with your dermatologist.
Private vs NHS dermatology: how to choose
Many patients hesitate between a private dermatology consultation and the NHS pathway. Both have their merits and aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.
The NHS pathway
is free but requires a referral from your GP, with waiting times that can stretch to several months depending on the region and condition. It suits severe conditions where delay isn’t critical, and situations covered by universal healthcare provision.
Private dermatology
offers direct access without going through a GP, with an appointment within days and a longer consultation time. It is particularly relevant in three situations. First, when a skin lesion worries you and you want a quick opinion without waiting several weeks. Second, when your condition is in the scope of ambulatory medical dermatology (acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea) and requires regular follow-up. Third, for any aesthetic procedures or treatments not covered by the NHS (removal of non-suspicious moles, laser treatment, scar revision).
It’s perfectly possible to combine both pathways: a quick private consultation for diagnosis or a treatment plan, followed by a return to the NHS for long-term treatment, or vice versa.
Dermatology consultation fees in London
Consultation fees vary according to the practitioner and the length of the consultation.
Consultation with Dr Sophie Bouvresse (medical dermatology, adults and children)
Consultation type | Duration | Fee |
Dermatology consultation | 20 min | £140 |
Dermatology video consultation | 20 min | £140 |
Consultation + cleansing (acne) | 20 min | £190 |
Consultation + cryotherapy | 20 min | £240 |
Extended consultation | 45 to 60 min | From £450 |
Consultation with Dr Kim Varma (consultant dermatology, patients 16+)
Consultation type | Duration | Fee |
Dermatology consultation | 30 min | From £300 |
Dermatology follow-up | 30 min | From £265 |
Complex dermatology consultation | 30 min | From £585 |
Fees for dermatological procedures (lesion removal, K-Laser, biopsies, etc.) are detailed on our dermatology procedures page, and acne scar treatment fees on our adult acne page.
Book an appointment with a dermatologist in London
Booking info: a £70 prepayment is required at the time of booking. The balance is settled on the day of your consultation.
Cancellation policy: full refund if cancelled more than 72 hours in advance; the £70 prepayment is retained between 48 and 72 hours; full consultation fee charged under 48 hours.
Health insurance: Kensington International Clinic is recognised by several British and international private insurers. Many health insurance schemes, particularly for expatriates, cover all or part of a dermatology consultation when medically indicated. We recommend checking your cover directly with your insurer before your appointment, and sharing your policy number with us if direct billing is needed.
FAQ
Do I need a GP referral to see a private dermatologist in London?
No.
Unlike the NHS pathway, you can book directly with a private dermatologist at Kensington Clinic, without a prior GP referral. If you have a letter from your GP, bring it along to the consultation: it provides useful context for your dermatologist.
How quickly can I get an appointment with a dermatologist in London?
48h.
At Kensington International Clinic, we aim to offer an appointment within days of your request, and very often within 48 hours for situations that warrant it. For urgent requests (a worrying skin lesion, suspected melanoma), we systematically prioritise your appointment.
Are consultations covered by health insurance?
It depends.
Some British and international insurers, particularly expatriate policies, cover all or part of a dermatology consultation. Coverage depends on your policy, the medical motivation for the consultation and any procedures indicated. We invite you to check your cover directly with your insurer before your appointment.
Can I see a French-speaking dermatologist in London?
Yes.
Dr Sophie Bouvresse, a French dermatologist and Paris VI graduate, sees her patients in French and English at Kensington International Clinic. She is the natural point of reference for French-speaking expatriates in London, as well as for international patients who prefer a consultation in a language other than English.
Can I bring my child to a dermatology consultation?
Yes.
Dr Sophie Bouvresse sees both children and adults. Dr Kim Varma sees patients aged 16 and over, and Dr Sultan Hussein sees adult patients only. Please let us know the patient’s age when booking your appointment so we can schedule with the appropriate practitioner.
What conditions warrant a private dermatology consultation?
Any skin, nail or mucous membrane condition can be the subject of a private dermatology consultation: acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, suspicious skin lesions, scars, nail conditions, pigmentation disorders, alopecia, skin infections. A dermatology consultation is also indicated for an annual screening check-up in people at high risk of skin cancer.
