•Houston has 20 listed dermatology professionals with an average Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars — one of the strongest average ratings of any major Texas metro.
•U.S. Dermatology Partners Medical District leads all Houston providers with a perfect 5.0-star rating across 1,413 reviews, making it the most reviewed and highest-rated practice in the city.
•Houston's hot, humid subtropical climate accelerates UV damage year-round — board-certified dermatologists (ABD) here consistently recommend annual full-body skin cancer screenings, not just seasonal ones.
•Consultation costs in Houston typically run $150–$500, with procedures ranging from $200 to $5,000 or more depending on complexity — pricing that reflects the city's large, competitive specialist market.
•New patient appointment wait times in Houston run 2–8 weeks across most practices; scheduling in late summer or early fall ahead of the cosmetic procedure season gives you the best access to providers.
Dermatology in Houston: What You Need to Know
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, home to 2.3 million residents, and presents a skin health environment unlike almost any other major American city. The subtropical climate delivers oppressive heat and humidity from April through October, with UV index readings that frequently reach 'very high' or 'extreme' levels during summer months. Combine that with the fact that Houston is one of the sunniest large cities in Texas — receiving over 200 sunny days per year — and you have a population that is chronically exposed to skin-damaging ultraviolet radiation. That reality is directly reflected in the demand for dermatology services here. The 20 listed dermatology professionals in Houston serve a massive and medically sophisticated patient base, which helps explain why the average rating across these practices sits at an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars. High patient volume and competitive market pressure have pushed Houston dermatology practices toward strong service standards.
The energy industry dominates Houston's professional economy, and many of the city's workers — including engineers, field technicians, and executives who spend time at outdoor sites — face occupational sun exposure that compounds their lifetime UV burden. This means dermatologists in Houston see a higher-than-average proportion of patients presenting with actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma compared to peers in less sun-intense cities. Practices like Houston Dermatology Specialists (4.9 stars, 1,402 reviews) and Advanced Dermatology in nearby Pearland (4.9 stars, 3,292 reviews) have built large patient followings partly because they handle both medically necessary skin care and cosmetic dermatology — reflecting the full-spectrum demand that Houston's diverse, affluent, and aging population places on the specialty.
It is also worth noting that Houston's geography and weather create indirect skin health risks. Post-hurricane and post-flood environments can expose residents to contaminated floodwater, leading to bacterial skin infections, contact dermatitis, and fungal conditions. Dermatologists in Houston are well-practiced at identifying and treating post-disaster skin conditions — a clinical competency you simply will not find emphasized in guides written for cities with more benign climates. When evaluating a provider, it is worth asking whether they have experience managing post-flood dermatological presentations, particularly if you live in Houston's flood-prone corridors.
Houston Local Tip: The Texas Medical Center — the largest medical complex in the world — is located in Houston and anchors the city's Medical District neighborhood. Several top-rated dermatology practices, including U.S. Dermatology Partners Medical District, are clustered in or around this area. If you have complex skin conditions requiring coordination with oncology, plastic surgery, or immunology, choosing a dermatologist with proximity or formal affiliations to Texas Medical Center institutions gives you faster access to multidisciplinary care — a real advantage that patients in smaller Texas cities do not have.
How Much Does Dermatology Cost in Houston?
Dermatology pricing in Houston reflects both the city's large specialist market and the wide range of services offered — from routine medical visits to high-end cosmetic procedures. Initial consultations with a board-certified dermatologist in Houston typically run between $150 and $500, depending on the practice's location, the dermatologist's experience level, and whether the visit is for a medical condition (often partially covered by insurance) or a purely cosmetic concern (almost always out-of-pocket). Houston's cost of living is moderate by major-city standards, and that is reflected in dermatology pricing that tends to be slightly lower than comparable practices in New York, Los Angeles, or Miami — though costs at premium Medical District practices can approach those markets for specialized cosmetic work.
Procedural costs in Houston span an enormous range. A simple cryotherapy treatment for actinic keratoses might cost $200–$400, while Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer — a procedure Houston dermatologists perform frequently given the city's high skin cancer burden — can run $1,000 to $3,000 or more depending on lesion complexity and reconstruction needs. High-end cosmetic procedures like laser resurfacing, body contouring, or a full series of injectables can push past $5,000 for comprehensive treatment plans. One important local note: because so many Houston employers are tied to the energy industry, employer-sponsored insurance plans in this market tend to be relatively comprehensive, and many medically necessary dermatology services — biopsies, excisions, treatment of chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema — will be covered at in-network rates. Always call your insurance provider before your appointment to understand what requires prior authorization.
Service
Low Estimate
High Estimate
Notes
New Patient Consultation
Low$150
High$500
Medical visits may be covered by insurance; cosmetic consults are typically out-of-pocket
Skin Cancer Screening (Full Body)
Low$150
High$350
Highly recommended annually in Houston due to year-round high UV exposure; often covered by insurance with referral
Mohs Surgery / Skin Cancer Excision
Low$1,000
High$3,500
Price varies by lesion size and reconstruction complexity; frequently covered by major medical insurance plans
Out-of-pocket only; fall and winter are peak seasons in Houston as patients recover away from intense sun
Money-Saving Tip for Houston Patients: Schedule cosmetic procedures between November and February. Houston's brutal summer sun makes outdoor recovery uncomfortable and can compromise results from laser treatments and chemical peels. Practices also tend to offer better availability and occasionally promotional pricing during this off-peak window. For medical dermatology, ask your primary care physician for a referral before scheduling — many Houston-area insurance plans reduce your out-of-pocket cost significantly when a referral is on file, even for practices that accept self-referrals.
How to Choose the Right Dermatology
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Is the dermatologist board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD)? The right answer is yes — board certification requires passing a rigorous two-part examination and completing an accredited residency. In Texas, any licensed physician can legally call themselves a dermatologist, so ABD certification is the credential that separates fellowship-trained specialists from general practitioners offering dermatology services on the side.
Do you have experience treating skin conditions common to Houston's climate — including UV-related damage, fungal infections, and post-flood dermatitis? The right answer should demonstrate familiarity with subtropical skin presentations. A dermatologist who has practiced in Houston for several years should be well-versed in the chronic photodamage patterns, heat rash, and opportunistic infections that this climate produces.
What is your typical wait time for a new patient appointment, and do you offer same-day or urgent slots for concerning lesions? The right answer for routine care is 2–8 weeks, which is standard across Houston practices. However, any reputable practice should have a clear protocol for expediting appointments when a patient presents with a potentially malignant lesion — waiting 8 weeks to evaluate a suspicious mole is not acceptable.
Which insurance plans do you accept, and how do you handle prior authorization for procedures like Mohs surgery or biologic therapy for psoriasis? The right answer is a clear, specific list of accepted plans and a dedicated staff member or process for handling authorization. Vague answers like 'we accept most insurance' should prompt follow-up questions, especially for Houston energy-sector employees who may have specialized employer plans.
Can you provide a breakdown of costs for the services I am likely to need before my first appointment? The right answer is yes, with at least a general cost range provided upfront. Ethical Houston practices will not require you to show up before disclosing whether a service is within your budget. All 20 listed dermatology professionals in Houston have direct phone contact — use it to ask this question before booking.
Red Flags When Hiring Dermatology
Watch for These Red Flags When Choosing a Houston Dermatologist:
No ABD board certification listed — In Texas, the lack of board certification is a significant concern. Always check the American Board of Dermatology's public lookup tool before booking. A practice that cannot confirm its physicians' credentials when asked directly is a serious warning sign.
Unusually short appointment slots for complex conditions — Houston dermatology practices that book 7-minute slots for full-body skin cancer screenings or chronic condition management are prioritizing volume over quality. A thorough full-body exam takes 15–30 minutes minimum. If a practice cannot accommodate adequate time, seek another provider.
Heavy upfront upselling of cosmetic procedures during medical visits — There is a meaningful difference between a dermatologist who notes cosmetic concerns you might want to address and one who aggressively pushes add-on procedures before completing your medical evaluation. This practice is more common in med-spa-adjacent operations than in traditional dermatology offices.
No clear protocol for urgent or concerning skin changes — Any Houston dermatology practice worth your trust should have an explicit process for triaging potentially malignant lesions. If staff cannot tell you how quickly a suspicious spot would be evaluated, that is a systemic gap in care.
Review profiles that are extremely new or suspiciously uniform — Houston's dermatology market is competitive, and some practices inflate their online presence. Cross-reference ratings across multiple platforms. A practice with thousands of Google reviews built over many years — like Advanced Dermatology's 3,292 reviews — is more meaningful than a smaller cluster of recent five-star reviews with no detail.
Top-Rated Dermatology in Houston
Among the 20 listed dermatology professionals in Houston, five practices stand out by the combination of their Google star ratings and total review volume — two factors that together paint a more complete picture than rating alone. A practice with a 5.0-star rating from 12 reviews tells you something. A practice with a 5.0-star rating from 1,413 reviews tells you something far more reliable.
U.S. Dermatology Partners Medical District holds the top position in the Houston market with a perfect 5.0-star rating drawn from 1,413 reviews — a statistically exceptional achievement for any medical practice. Located in the heart of Houston's Medical District adjacent to the Texas Medical Center, this practice benefits from proximity to one of the world's premier medical hubs, making it a strong choice for patients who may need coordination across specialties. The volume of reviews suggests consistent patient satisfaction over a long period of time, not a short-term spike.
Houston Dermatology Specialists earns a 4.9-star rating across 1,402 reviews — a volume nearly matching U.S. Dermatology Partners and reflecting deep community trust. With nearly 1,400 patient experiences recorded, this practice's near-perfect rating is as meaningful statistically as any in the city. Houston Dermatology Associates similarly carries a 4.9-star rating with 701 reviews, representing a strong mid-size practice with a proven track record.
Advanced Dermatology in Pearland — just south of Houston's city limits — has accumulated the highest raw review count of any practice in this dataset at 3,292 reviews with a 4.9-star rating. That volume is extraordinary and indicates both a very high patient throughput and consistently strong outcomes over time. For Houston residents in the southern suburbs, Pearland's proximity makes this a highly practical and Google-rated option. Houston Premier Dermatology rounds out the top five with a 4.9-star rating from 296 reviews, a smaller but still meaningful sample that suggests a newer or more boutique practice delivering exceptional patient experiences.
Company
Rating
Reviews
Best For
U.S. Dermatology Partners Medical District
5.0★
1,413
Patients seeking the highest-rated practice in Houston with Medical District proximity; ideal for complex cases needing Texas Medical Center coordination
Houston Dermatology Specialists
4.9★
1,402
Patients who want a high-volume, community-trusted practice with a long track record of consistent results across both medical and cosmetic dermatology
Advanced Dermatology – Pearland, TX
4.9★
3,292
South Houston and Pearland-area residents; highest review count in the dataset signals exceptional patient volume and sustained satisfaction over time
Houston Dermatology Associates
4.9★
701
Patients seeking a well-established mid-size practice with strong ratings and a proven patient experience; good balance of accessibility and quality
Houston Premier Dermatology
4.9★
296
Patients who prefer a more boutique practice environment with highly personalized care and strong early reputation signals
Seasonal Guide for Houston
Houston's subtropical climate creates a dermatology calendar unlike what you will find in most American cities. Understanding when to schedule which types of care can meaningfully affect both your outcomes and your access to appointments.
Spring (March–May) is the most important window for skin cancer screenings in Houston. As temperatures climb and Houstonians begin spending more time outdoors — whether on the Gulf Coast, at outdoor festivals like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, or simply commuting and working outside — UV exposure accelerates. Dermatologists across the city see a surge in new patient requests for full-body skin checks during this window. If you have a history of significant sun exposure, a family history of skin cancer, or have not had a full-body screening in over a year, scheduling in early spring before the appointment backlog builds is the smart move. Wait until May or June and you may be looking at 6–8 week delays at the busiest practices.
Summer (June–September) in Houston is dermatologically intense. UV index levels are extreme, heat rash and folliculitis spike due to persistent sweating and humidity, and acne presentations surge — particularly in adolescents at back-to-school time in August. Houston's back-to-school season is one of the busiest periods for acne consultations, driven by teenagers returning to school environments and the hormonal-stress combination that accompanies academic year transitions. If you are scheduling a teenager for acne treatment, late July through early August appointments fill quickly — book ahead. Summer is also when post-hurricane and post-flood skin conditions emerge following severe weather events. Houston's vulnerability to flooding means dermatologists here periodically see clusters of cellulitis, tinea infections, and contact dermatitis following major weather events. If you develop skin symptoms in the weeks after flooding, do not dismiss them as minor.
Fall (October–November) marks the beginning of Houston's peak cosmetic procedure season. As temperatures drop below 90 degrees and the brutal sun intensity begins to ease, patients schedule laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, and injectable treatments. The logic is sound: procedures that require sun avoidance during recovery are far easier to manage when Houston's outdoor environment is less punishing. Practices that offer cosmetic services fill their fall schedules quickly — if you are targeting a specific date for a cosmetic procedure, reach out in August or September to secure your spot.
Winter (December–February) is Houston's mildest season and the optimal recovery window for cosmetic procedures requiring extended sun avoidance. It is also when eczema and psoriasis flares become more common, as even Houston's mild winters bring lower humidity indoors due to heating systems, triggering dry-skin conditions in susceptible patients. Dermatologists here see a predictable uptick in chronic inflammatory skin disease management during the winter months. This is also the best time of year to secure new patient appointments for non-urgent concerns, as the spring screening rush has not yet begun and the back-to-school acne surge has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I wait for a new patient dermatology appointment in Houston?
Across most listed dermatology practices in Houston, new patient appointment wait times range from 2 to 8 weeks for routine concerns. High-demand practices with strong Google ratings — particularly those with over 1,000 reviews — tend to run toward the longer end of that range during peak periods like spring skin cancer screening season and back-to-school in August. If you have an urgent concern, such as a rapidly changing mole, a spreading rash, or a lesion that bleeds unprovoked, call the practice directly and describe your symptoms. Most reputable Houston dermatologists maintain same-week or same-day slots for presentations that may indicate malignancy. Do not wait weeks for an appointment if your clinical picture suggests urgency.
What does it mean for a Houston dermatologist to be board-certified, and why does it matter?
Board certification by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) means the physician has completed an accredited three-year dermatology residency after medical school and passed a rigorous two-part written and clinical examination covering the full scope of dermatologic medicine. In Texas, the law does not prohibit non-dermatologists from performing dermatology procedures or marketing dermatology services, which means patients must do their own due diligence. All five of the top-rated practices listed in this guide are staffed by credentialed dermatology professionals, but you should confirm ABD status for your specific treating physician before your first appointment. You can check certification status for free at the ABD's public lookup tool online. This is the single most important credential check you can perform.
Find Dermatologists Professionals in Houston
Browse top-rated contractors, compare reviews, and get free quotes.
Is skin cancer really that much of a concern in Houston compared to other cities?
Yes, and the data bears this out both nationally and locally. Texas consistently ranks among the top states for melanoma incidence, and Houston's specific climate profile makes it a high-risk environment. The city receives intense solar radiation year-round, and its subtropical humidity means residents are often outdoors in clothing that exposes significant skin surface area. The energy industry — Houston's dominant employer — includes a substantial workforce that spends meaningful time outdoors at refineries, construction sites, pipelines, and offshore support facilities. Add in the cultural emphasis on outdoor recreation along the Gulf Coast, in parks, and at outdoor events, and you have a population with a chronically high cumulative UV burden. Houston dermatologists are extremely experienced with skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, including Mohs micrographic surgery, which is a strong reason to ensure your dermatologist has specific training in skin cancer management rather than a purely cosmetic focus.
Will my insurance cover dermatology visits in Houston, and what should I expect to pay out-of-pocket?
Medical dermatology — meaning visits and procedures related to diagnosed conditions like skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, acne, or rosacea — is covered by most major health insurance plans accepted in Houston, including those common among energy industry employers. However, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your specific plan's deductible, copay structure, and whether the practice is in-network. Initial consultations typically run $150–$500 before insurance adjustments. Procedures like biopsies and Mohs surgery are generally covered but may require prior authorization, which your dermatologist's office should help navigate. Cosmetic dermatology — injectables, laser treatments, cosmetic chemical peels, and non-medically necessary procedures — is almost never covered by insurance and is entirely out-of-pocket. Since all 20 listed Houston dermatology professionals have direct phone contact, call ahead to confirm your insurance is accepted and ask specifically about authorization requirements for any procedures you anticipate needing.
What should I do if I develop a skin condition after Houston flooding or a hurricane?
Post-flood skin conditions in Houston are more common than most residents realize, and they can range from mild to medically serious. Exposure to floodwater — which in Houston is often heavily contaminated with sewage, industrial chemicals, and biological material — can cause bacterial cellulitis, impetigo, tinea pedis and other fungal infections, contact dermatitis from chemical irritants, and in rare cases more serious gram-negative bacterial infections. If you develop redness, swelling, warmth, skin breakdown, or any spreading skin lesion in the days or weeks following flood exposure, seek dermatological evaluation promptly. Do not assume these conditions will resolve on their own. Houston dermatologists have direct clinical experience with post-disaster skin presentations — it is one of the ways this city's dermatology community has built specialized expertise that practitioners in most other major American cities simply have not needed to develop. Call any of the top-rated listed practices and describe your flood exposure history so they can triage your appointment appropriately.
