Why Choose a Consultant Dermatologist-Led Clinic
Not all skin clinics are equal. Understanding who is treating you — and what their qualifications truly mean - could be the most important decision you make for your skin health.
20+
Years of expertise
7
Dermatology doctors
3
Clinic locations
The Difference Matters
What Does "Consultant Dermatologist" Actually Mean?
A Consultant Dermatologist is a fully qualified medical doctor who has completed a minimum of 12–14 years of medical training — including specialist NHS dermatology training — and is listed on the GMC Specialist Register.
This is a vastly different qualification to a beautician, aesthetician, nurse prescriber, or even a GP who offers skin treatments. At Southface, every clinic is led and overseen by doctors who hold this gold-standard credential.
Our team's qualifications include:
GMC Specialist Register — Dermatology
Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians
NHS Skin Cancer Service
British Association of Dermatologists
15+ years laser treatment experience
Surgical dermatology
Academic research & publishing
Allergy & patch testing
Our founder, Dr Helen Robertshaw, has been a Consultant Dermatologist for over 20 years and played an instrumental role in developing the local NHS skin cancer service — bringing the full breadth of NHS and private expertise to every patient.
SIX COMPELLING REASONS
Why This Level of Expertise Changes Everything
01
Accurate Diagnosis From Day One
Many skin conditions look alike — but a misdiagnosis can delay effective treatment or, in the case of skin cancer, prove dangerous. Our consultants have diagnosed thousands of complex cases and can detect what others might miss, including early-stage melanoma and rare inflammatory conditions.
02
Safety With Cosmetic Treatments
Botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, lasers and chemical peels carry real medical risks. In the supervision of a medically trained dermatologist, complications are anticipated, avoided, and managed appropriately. You are never just a client — you are a patient receiving medical-grade care.
03
Medical & Aesthetic Under One Roof
At Southface, you don't need a referral chain. Your dermatology doctor can assess your skin condition and recommend treatment in the same appointment. This may be prescribed medication, surgery or laser treatments. This joined-up care is possible only because our team holds full medical qualifications.
04
Prescribing Rights & Access to Treatments
Only a qualified medical practitioner can prescribe potent topical or oral treatments — from prescription-strength retinoids and antibiotics to immunosuppressants for severe eczema or psoriasis. Our consultants can prescribe and monitor the full spectrum of dermatological medicines.
05
Accountability & Regulation
Our doctors are registered with the GMC and hold professional indemnity insurance. They are bound by strict codes of conduct and subject to ongoing clinical governance. Your care is traceable, auditable, and backed by professional liability — this is not always the case with unregulated aesthetics providers.
06
Exceptional Standards in a Private Setting
Every doctor at Southface is selected for their exceptional depth of knowledge and clinical experience, and many continue to work within the NHS — meaning our clinical standards are tested, peer-reviewed, and aligned with national guidelines. You receive the expertise of advanced-level dermatology, combined with the access, convenience, and personalised attention of a private clinic.
Side by Side
Southface vs. A Standard Aesthetics Clinic
It's worth understanding precisely what separates a consultant dermatologist-led clinic from the growing number of unregulated aesthetics providers.
| Feature | Southface Dermatology | Typical Aesthetics Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| GMC Specialist Register (Dermatology) | ||
| Skin cancer diagnosis & management | ||
| Prescription medicines & treatments | ||
| Management of treatment complications | Veries | |
| Medical-grade laser treatments | 20+ years | Veries |
| NHS-equivalent clinical governance | ||
| Allergy, patch & diagnostic testing | ||
| Advanced skin surgery |
Our Credentials
The Qualifications Behind Every Consultation
Becoming a Consultant Dermatologist requires over a decade of post-graduate training. Here is what that journey involves — and why it matters to you as a patient.
Medical Degree (MB ChB / MBBS)
5–6 years of intensive medical school training, covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and clinical medicine. The essential foundation of all medical practice.
Foundation & Core Medical Training
2–3 years of foundation training across multiple specialties, followed by core medical training — developing broad clinical competence across medicine.
Specialty Registrar in Dermatology
4–5 years of specialist dermatology training within the NHS, including skin cancer, medical dermatology, surgical procedures, and laser therapy. Examined by the Royal College of Physicians.
GMC Specialist Register
Only doctors who have completed full specialist training can join the GMC Specialist Register — the definitive mark of a Consultant Dermatologist. Our team are all on this register.
Continued Professional Development
Our consultants maintain their skills through ongoing CPD, attendance at BAD conferences, peer-reviewed publication, and active NHS practice — keeping treatments at the clinical frontier.
Professional Indemnity & Governance
Every clinician at Southface holds full medical malpractice indemnity and is subject to clinical governance frameworks that protect you as a patient throughout your care journey.
"The skin is the body's largest organ. It deserves the same rigorous medical expertise as your heart or your lungs — especially when something is wrong."
Dr Helen Robertshaw — Founder, Consultant Dermatologist
Why Patients Choose Us
Built on Trust, Transparency & Outcomes
Verified Patient Reviews
Hundreds of verified patient reviews reflect real outcomes — not curated testimonials. We are proud of our reputation and welcome scrutiny.
Three Established Clinics
Permanent clinic locations in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole — not pop-up sessions. We are invested in our community and our patients' long-term care.
Transparent Pricing
Our price guide is published openly online. There are no hidden fees, no upselling packages, and no pressure. Consultations are objective and honest.
Aftercare as Standard
Your relationship with us doesn't end at the door. We provide comprehensive aftercare, follow-up appointments, and are accessible if you have concerns after treatment.
What Our Patients Say
Ready to experience the difference?
Book Your Consultation with a Specialist Today
Dr Helen Robertshaw — Founder, Consultant Dermatologist