What To Expect At Your First Dermatologist Appointment

Dermatologists are board-certified medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment skin concerns, including acne breakouts, acne scars, sun damage, signs of the natural aging process like wrinkles and sagging skin, suspicious moles or other lesions, early indicators of skin cancer, hair loss, hyperpigmentation, skin conditions like melasma, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and melanoma, and much more. Taking advantage of dermatology services is essential for patients’ overall health, and scheduling regular checkups with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green can help patients address a wide range of skin issues by generating an individualized treatment plan to access healthy skin. If you have never scheduled a dermatologist appointment before, you may be wondering what to expect for your first time. With expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, patients can feel confident that they will receive the best care for overall skin health. Dr. Green is highly adept at helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals.

Your first dermatology appointment will usually begin with a baseline skin check. Dr. Green will either perform a full-body skin examination or look at the specific area of concern. Dr. Green will also ask for your full medical history, including a list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking (both prescription and over-the-counter) and a family history of skin problems. Suppose signs of the natural aging process, such as fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, sagging skin, sun spots, or uneven skin texture, are your primary concern. In that case, Dr. Green will ask you about your aesthetic goals before developing the treatment plan that will best meet your needs. Whether you require recommendations for the best skincare routine, a prescription for topical or oral medications, or in-office treatments like dermal fillers, laser treatment, chemical peels, or Botox, Dr. Green will provide the highest quality of care for all of her patients.

Experienced, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients in her Upper East Side, New York City office for more than 25 years. An expert in various cosmetic and medical skincare treatments, Dr. Green is highly adept at creating unique, effective skincare plans for each patient. With her proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, Dr. Green can provide patients with recommendations for the highest quality topical creams, lotions, and serums. Dr. Green is also an expert injector for Botox and dermal fillers, providing patients with natural-looking rejuvenated skin using her less-is-more approach. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.

Why visit a dermatologist?

There are many reasons to visit a dermatologist, from addressing pressing skin concerns to seeking cosmetic treatments to promote overall skin health. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in all areas of dermatology. When it comes to basic skincare and skin health maintenance, a dermatologist can help patients develop a skincare routine that is right for their skin type, prescribe acne treatment for all forms of acne breakouts, and provide in-office treatments to keep the skin clear, evenly textured, and blemish free like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments. A dermatologist can also help to address and manage specific skin conditions, like melasma, psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, with a mix of prescription treatments, over-the-counter recommendations, in-office treatments, and guidance on lifestyle changes that can reduce the symptoms.

If patients have specific areas of concern, such as suspicious moles, hyperpigmentation, or lesions, Dr. Green can provide skin cancer screening for early detection of skin cancers like melanoma. Dr. Green will examine the lesion of concern and possibly perform a biopsy to ascertain if it is, in fact, cancerous. Once the biopsy results are in, Dr. Green can recommend the best course of treatment, which may include removal of the lesion.

In addition to the skin itself, a dermatologist is also the medical professional to visit when you are concerned about hair loss. There are many different types of hair loss, and Dr. Green is an expert in diagnosing the underlying cause. Once the cause of the hair loss is known, Dr. Green will develop a treatment plan that will strengthen the hair follicles, slow the rate of hair loss, and—depending on the condition causing the hair loss—promote hair regrowth.

Some patients may feel concerned about signs of the natural aging process, such as the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and volume loss. A dermatologist like Dr. Green can also address these concerns with in-office treatments to provide patients with smooth, bright, evenly-toned, youthful-looking skin. To address fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Green may recommend Botox for dynamic wrinkles or dermal fillers to restore lost volume in the cheeks, under-eyes, jawline, and around the mouth. Laser treatments like Thermage can reduce high skin laxity by tightening the skin for a naturally youthful appearance. Whatever your skin concern, Dr. Green has a solution at her Upper East Side, New York City office, and the best first step in caring for your skin is to schedule an initial consultation.

What happens at your first dermatologist visit?

Many patients wonder, “What happens at your first dermatologist appointment?” During your first dermatologist visit, Dr. Green needs to get to know more about you so that she can develop an individualized treatment plan for your specific areas of concern. Dr. Green will usually begin her first appointments by going over your medical history, which includes your history of skin problems, past treatments, medications (over-the-counter, supplements, and prescribed), family history of skin concerns, and your current skincare routine. She will ask you about your specific aesthetic goals before conducting a skin exam. After this conversation and examination, Dr. Green will develop a treatment plan that will best fit your needs. If you would benefit most from in-office treatments, Dr. Green may schedule a follow-up appointment with you to perform the procedure.

What to expect at your first dermatology appointment?

Your first dermatology appointment may seem intimidating if you have never been before, but at Dr. Green’s New York City office, it is an opportunity for Dr. Green to get to know you so she can figure out how to meet your needs best. Suppose you are looking to receive a series of cosmetic treatments, like Botox, dermal fillers, body sculpting, or laser treatments. In that case, your first appointment may be a consultation so that Dr. Green can recommend the procedures that will meet your aesthetic goals. Suppose you are looking to address a specific skin concern, such as acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation, melasma, eczema, hair loss, rosacea, or suspicious lesions. In that case, your first appointment may consist of a conversation with Dr. Green and a skin exam to determine the root cause of the skin concern. After which, Dr. Green will generate a treatment plan with a possible combination of prescription medications, in-office treatments, and recommended lifestyle changes.

How long does a first dermatologist appointment take?

The length of time that your initial consultation will take depends on your purpose for scheduling the appointment and whether you will receive any in-office treatments that day. If you are getting a routine full-body skin examination, the appointment will likely take between fifteen and thirty minutes to complete. Many patients find that they are able to schedule their first dermatology appointment during their lunch break, and they can immediately return to their regular activities.

Do you disclose your medical history in your first visit?

Your first dermatology appointment will be similar to your first appointment with your primary care physician. During your first visit, Dr. Green will have a list of questions about your medical history that she will ask. The goal of disclosing your medical history is for Dr. Green to get a clear understanding of the factors that may contribute to your current skin concerns. She will ask you about any medications and supplements that you are taking, as certain medications may make you more sensitive to sunlight, affect hair growth, and even increase your risk of skin cancer. It will also be helpful for you to bring a list of the skincare products that you currently use as a part of your skincare routine, as certain products may be contributing to skin concerns like acne breakouts.

How does a skin exam work?

A skin exam is a routine procedure as part of a first dermatology appointment with the goal of giving your dermatologist a full picture of your overall skin health. For your first visit, Dr. Green may recommend a full-body skin examination. If that is the case, you will be given privacy to change into a hospital gown, and then your dermatologist will examine your skin, including your scalp and between your toes. For a regular full-body skin examination, your dermatologist will likely not inspect your genital area unless you are specifically concerned about it. If there is a suspicious mole, lesion, or rash, Dr. Green may recommend a biopsy, which involves removing some of the area of concern and sending it to a lab. The lab results may take several days, and depending on the findings, Dr. Green may request a follow-up appointment to discuss treatment options.

When will your dermatologist recommend skincare products and other treatment options?

After your initial skin examination and discussion with Dr. Green, she will recommend treatment options and skincare products that will best meet your needs. Many in-office treatments are available at Dr. Green’s New York City office, including chemical peels, laser therapies, microneedling, PRP injections, Botox, dermal fillers, body sculpting, and more. Dr. Green will also recommend skincare products or prescribe topical medications to address specific skin concerns as needed. When Dr. Green generates each patient’s treatment plan, she will discuss the procedures involved, their side effects, and any follow-up as necessary.

One thing that Dr. Green tells all of her patients is to be sure to wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day to help prevent skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and early signs of the natural aging process. Dr. Green recommends that patients apply sunscreen every morning at the end of their skincare routine and reapply every 90 minutes that they spend outside. Just by wearing sunscreen every day, patients can prevent many serious skin problems and manage skin conditions like melasma.

Will your dermatologist always schedule a follow-up?

After your initial consultation, Dr. Green may schedule a follow-up appointment with patients depending on their specific needs and goals. Some patients may have to wait for lab results before Dr. Green has a full understanding of the cause of their skin concerns. However, once the lab results are in, Dr. Green may ask patients to return so she can recommend a specific treatment plan. Some patients may require multiple in-office treatment sessions for the best results, which will necessitate one or more follow-up appointments.

What to bring to your first dermatologist appointment

When you come to your first appointment, Dr. Green recommends bringing all of your medications and skin-specific products that you use. Dr. Green needs to know what medications you are taking, as certain medications can contribute to sun sensitivity, hair loss, and other skin problems. Knowing what creams, lotions, and cleansers you use can also help to pinpoint the cause of specific skin concerns, as certain skincare products can exacerbate skin conditions. It is also helpful to bring a list of questions that you might have for Dr. Green.

What should I wear to my first dermatologist appointment?

When you come to your first dermatologist appointment, Dr. Green recommends that patients come without makeup, jewelry, or nail polish. If patients cover areas of the skin with makeup, it may obscure discoloration, rashes, or lesions, and prevent Dr. Green from seeing subtle skin issues. If your appointment is before or during work, Dr. Green recommends bringing your makeup with you if you want to apply it after your appointment. If you have long hair, Dr. Green recommends wearing it loosely.

Do I need to shave before a dermatologist appointment?

Patients do not need to shave before their dermatology appointment. In fact, it is better for Dr. Green if you do not shave beforehand. Shaving may irritate this skin, causing bumps and small cuts that can make it more difficult to diagnose skin concerns. If you shave regularly, Dr. Green recommends shaving a couple of days in advance of your appointment to avoid skin irritation on the day of.

Tips for your first dermatologist appointment

When preparing for your first dermatology appointment, here are some tips for making everything go smoothly:

1. Prepare your medical history. Dr. Green will ask you about past skin problems, current medications, family history, and your skincare products. Make sure you bring any medications to your appointment.
2. Don’t wear makeup or nail polish. Makeup and nail polish can make a skin exam more difficult, so it is best to come with a clean face and clean nails.
3. Be honest. Dr. Green may ask you questions about your sun protection and skincare habits. The more honest you are, the easier it will be for Dr. Green to prescribe the best treatment plan for you.

How to schedule a dermatology appointment with Dr. Michele Green today

Taking proper care of your skin is a complex issue that really benefits from the support of a skilled and experienced dermatologist. At expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green’s practice in New York City, cosmetic dermatology enhancements and medical procedures are readily available. Whether you are concerned about a specific area, want to maintain overall skin health, are looking to improve the appearance of aging skin, or need help reducing symptoms of a persistent skin problem, Dr. Michele Green is here to meet your needs. Consult with Dr. Green to ensure that you are achieving the skin care you need for optimal skin health.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to the unique concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green.