Your Guide to Dermatology & Medical Aesthetics

Yes. Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths that often appear on the neck, underarms and eyelids. They are removed in clinic using simple techniques such as snipping, cautery or freezing, usually under local anaesthetic where needed. The area typically heals within one to two weeks. See skin tag, mole and wart removal.

Yes. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Many clear on their own, but persistent, painful or spreading warts can be treated with prescription topical treatments, cryotherapy (freezing) or other in-clinic methods. More than one session is often needed, and warts can recur.

Yes. Any mole that worries you should be examined first. If a mole looks benign, removal is an option for comfort or cosmetic reasons. If a mole looks unusual, the priority is diagnosis — it may be removed and sent to a laboratory for examination. Moles should never be removed at home or with "mole removal" creams, which can cause scarring and delay the diagnosis of skin cancer.

DPN is a very common, harmless condition in people with darker skin, appearing as small dark-brown or black raised spots — usually on the cheeks, around the eyes, on the forehead and neck. The spots tend to run in families and increase gradually with age. They are not contagious and not cancerous; treatment is optional and cosmetic.

Yes, when treated gently by an experienced clinician. Common methods include light electrocautery (hyfrecation), fine curettage or snip removal. Because melanin-rich skin can develop light or dark marks after any procedure, settings are kept conservative, a test area may be suggested, and sun protection afterwards is important. New spots may develop over time, so occasional maintenance is common.

Book an assessment promptly if a mole or growth:

• is new in adulthood, or changing in size, shape or colour
• has an irregular border or more than one colour
• bleeds, itches, crusts or does not heal
• looks different from your other moles
• appears on the palms, soles or under a nail (an area where melanoma in darker skin is more often found)

Most changes turn out to be harmless, but early assessment is always the safer choice.

Consider booking an assessment if your acne:

• has not improved after two to three months of consistent over-the-counter treatment
• includes deep, painful lumps or cysts
• is leaving dark marks or scars
• started suddenly in adulthood, or comes with irregular periods or excess hair growth
• is affecting your confidence or wellbeing

Earlier treatment is the most effective way to prevent permanent scarring.

There is no single best treatment — the right plan depends on the type of acne, its severity, your skin tone and your medical history. Plans often combine:

• Topical treatments such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid
• Oral treatment where appropriate — for example a course of antibiotics, hormonal therapy for some women, or isotretinoin for severe or scarring acne under medical supervision
• In-clinic support such as chemical peels or medical facials to clear congestion

See acne treatment at Melton.

Acne can usually be brought well under control, and many people reach a point where they have few or no breakouts. However, acne is a condition that can come and go — particularly with hormonal changes — so it is more accurate to talk about control than a permanent cure. Some treatments, such as isotretinoin, can lead to long-term remission for many people. A maintenance routine helps keep skin clear once it has settled.

Most acne treatments take 8 to 12 weeks to show clear improvement, because skin needs time to renew and inflammation needs time to settle. It is common to see gradual change rather than overnight results, and some treatments cause mild dryness or a brief flare at first. Your clinician will usually review progress after a couple of months and adjust the plan if needed.

Yes. Inflammatory acne — especially deep nodules and cysts — can damage the collagen beneath the skin and leave permanent textural scars, such as ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars. Raised scars and keloids are also more likely in some people, including those with darker skin. Picking or squeezing spots increases the risk. Flat dark marks left after spots are different: they are pigment, not true scars, and usually fade with the right care.

Yes — most acne scars can be noticeably improved, although complete removal is rarely realistic. The aim is smoother texture and less visible scarring. Treatment usually begins once active acne is under control, so that new breakouts do not create new scars. Several sessions, often of more than one technique, are normally needed. See acne scar treatment at Melton.

It depends on the scar type. Rolling and shallow boxcar scars often respond well to collagen-stimulating treatments such as microneedling, sometimes combined with PRP; deeper or tethered scars may need additional techniques. Many people get the best result from a combination plan over several months. Your skin tone also matters, because some resurfacing methods carry a higher risk of pigment change in darker skin.

Yes — microneedling is one of the most widely used treatments for atrophic (depressed) acne scars. Controlled micro-injuries prompt the skin to produce new collagen, gradually softening rolling and boxcar scars. A course of around three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, is typical, and improvement continues for months afterwards. It is generally well suited to darker skin. See microneedling at Melton or read Acne Scars? Microneedling Could Be Your Solution.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is most often used alongside microneedling for acne scars, rather than on its own. Combining the two may support healing and give a modestly better result than microneedling alone for some people, although evidence is still developing. It can be a good option for those who prefer a treatment made from their own blood. See PRP for skin.

Yes. Peels containing salicylic acid are especially useful for acne because they work inside the pore to clear oil and congestion, while other peels help fade marks and smooth texture. A series of superficial peels is usually recommended alongside a home routine. In darker skin, peel choice and strength are chosen carefully to avoid irritation and new pigmentation. See chemical peels.

Inflammation from a spot can trigger melanin-producing cells to make extra pigment, leaving a flat dark mark known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Because melanin-rich skin has more active pigment cells, these marks are more common, darker and longer-lasting in brown and Black skin — sometimes lasting many months. Sun exposure, picking and harsh products make them worse. The good news is that PIH usually fades with treatment and protection.

The most effective plans treat both at once. Calming the acne prevents new marks from forming, while ingredients such as retinoids, azelaic acid and carefully chosen peels can address breakouts and fade existing pigmentation together. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential, as is avoiding harsh scrubs or unregulated "lightening" creams that can irritate skin and make pigmentation worse.

There is no correct age. Prevention — daily sunscreen, a retinoid where suitable, and a healthy lifestyle — can begin in your twenties. Many people consider in-clinic treatments in their late twenties to forties, when they first notice lines that remain at rest, dullness or early volume loss. The better question is what is bothering you, and whether treating it now makes sense. A good clinician will also tell you when a treatment is not yet needed.

Wrinkles form through a combination of factors:

• Natural ageing — collagen and elastin production slow over time
• Sun exposure — UV damage is the biggest external cause of premature skin ageing
• Repeated expressions — frowning, squinting and smiling create dynamic lines
• Volume loss — shifting fat and bone change how skin drapes
• Lifestyle — smoking, poor sleep and dehydration

Melanin-rich skin tends to show fine lines later, but volume loss and pigmentation can be earlier concerns.

It depends on the cause of the line. Expression lines on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes often respond to anti-wrinkle injections. Fine textural lines benefit from collagen-stimulating treatments such as microneedling, PRP, skin boosters or mesotherapy and peels. Folds caused by volume loss may be softened with dermal fillers. Many people benefit from a combination.

Non-surgical rejuvenation uses injectable, energy-based and skin-quality treatments to refresh the face without surgery or long recovery. Examples include anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, collagen stimulators such as Sculptra, PDO thread lifts, HIFU, microneedling and PRP. Results are subtler than surgery and usually need maintenance, but downtime is minimal and treatment can be gradual.

At home, the most effective steps are daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, a retinoid (if suitable), vitamin C, not smoking and good sleep. In clinic, collagen can be stimulated by controlled treatments such as microneedling, PRP, bio-stimulation facials, Sculptra and HIFU. Collagen builds slowly, so results typically develop over two to six months.

Botox (botulinum toxin) relaxes specific muscles, softening lines caused by movement — such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. Dermal fillers, usually made from hyaluronic acid, add volume and support — restoring cheeks, softening folds, or enhancing lips and contours. Put simply: Botox treats lines from movement; fillers treat lines and hollows from volume loss. They are often used together.

Yes — and at Melton, natural-looking results are the goal. Natural results come from careful assessment of your facial proportions, conservative dosing, treating the cause rather than chasing every line, and building results gradually where appropriate. Many people start with a modest treatment and add more at review rather than doing too much at once.

It varies by treatment and by person. As a general guide:

• Botox: around 3–4 months
• Hyaluronic acid fillers: around 6–18 months, depending on product and area
• Collagen stimulators (e.g. Sculptra): often 18 months or more after a full course
• Microneedling and PRP: gradual improvement, maintained with periodic sessions

Metabolism, lifestyle and sun exposure all affect longevity.

Injectables usually need one session, with a review after about two weeks. Collagen-building treatments such as microneedling, PRP or bio-stimulation typically need a course of three to six sessions, followed by maintenance. Your clinician will suggest a realistic schedule after assessing your skin and goals.

Dermal fillers are injectable gels placed beneath the skin to restore volume, smooth folds and enhance contours. Most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin. Different fillers have different textures — firmer for structure, softer for lips and fine areas — so the product is chosen for the area being treated.

Common uses include restoring cheek volume, softening laugh lines (nasolabial folds) and marionette lines, enhancing or hydrating the lips, defining the chin and jawline, and improving under-eye hollows. Fillers can also help balance facial proportions. See dermal fillers at Melton.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a sugar molecule that holds water and gives skin its plumpness. In fillers it is "cross-linked" so it lasts months rather than days. A key safety advantage of HA fillers is that they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed — one reason they are the most widely used filler type.

Yes. With age, the face loses fat and bone support, especially in the mid-face and temples, which can make you look tired. Fillers placed strategically can restore that support, often lifting and softening the lower face too. For more gradual, longer-lasting volume, collagen-stimulating options such as Sculptra may also be discussed.

Yes. Laugh lines (nasolabial folds) are commonly softened with filler — though modern technique often treats the cheek first, since loss of mid-face support is a major cause of these folds. The aim is to soften, not erase, as a smooth line-free area can look unnatural. See laugh lines filler.

Yes. Lip fillers can add volume, define the border, improve symmetry or simply restore hydration. At Melton, lip treatment respects your natural lip shape and facial proportions — subtle enhancement is often more flattering than significant change, and volume can always be added gradually.

Yes. Firmer fillers can be used to define the chin, jawline and cheekbones, improving balance and profile without surgery. Contouring requires careful assessment of the whole face, as small changes in one area affect how others are perceived.

Most hyaluronic acid fillers last 6 to 18 months, depending on the product, the area and your metabolism. Lips tend to be at the shorter end because they move constantly; cheeks and chin often last longer. Results fade gradually.

Hyaluronic acid fillers have a good safety profile when injected by trained medical professionals using approved products. Common side effects include swelling, tenderness and bruising. Rare but serious complications — such as filler blocking a blood vessel — are why filler should only be performed by medically trained injectors who understand facial anatomy and can recognise and manage complications immediately, including dissolving filler if needed.

Cost depends on the area, the product and how much is needed. At the time of writing, Melton lists under-eye filler (2ml) at KES 25,000, laugh lines filler (2ml) at KES 45,000, and cheek, jaw and lip fillers from KES 40,000 depending on area. Your exact plan and cost are confirmed at consultation.

Some swelling is normal, especially in the lips, which can look fuller than the final result for two to three days. Swelling generally settles within a week. Applying a cold compress, sleeping slightly elevated and avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours can help.

Most people return to normal activities straight away, though it is wise to allow a few days before an important event in case of bruising or swelling. Final results are usually assessed at about two weeks, once everything has settled.

Fillers add volume and structure; Botox relaxes muscles that cause expression lines. They are often used together. See the full answer under Anti-Aging.

A consultation is essential. Your clinician will look at your facial structure, skin quality and goals, and check your medical history — fillers may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active skin infection, certain autoimmune conditions or a history of severe allergies. Sometimes a different treatment, or no treatment, is the better recommendation.

Microneedling is a medical skin treatment that uses a device with very fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. As the skin repairs itself, it produces new collagen and elastin, gradually improving texture and firmness. A numbing cream is applied first for comfort. See microneedling at Melton.

Microneedling is most often used for:

• atrophic acne scars
• enlarged pores and rough texture
• fine lines and early skin laxity
• dullness and uneven tone
• selected cases of stretch marks

It can be combined with PRP or skin boosters for added benefit.

Yes — this is one of its main uses. See the full answer under Acne & Acne Scarring.

Yes, for many people. By stimulating collagen around the pore and refining skin texture, microneedling can make enlarged pores look smaller. Pore size is influenced by genetics and oil production, so results are an improvement rather than a complete change, and a supporting skincare routine helps maintain them.

Yes. Fine lines, especially around the eyes, cheeks and mouth, often soften over a course of treatment as new collagen strengthens the skin. Deeper expression lines usually respond better to anti-wrinkle injections, so the two are sometimes combined.

It can help, particularly when uneven tone comes with textural irregularity or post-acne marks. For pigmentation such as melasma, it is used cautiously and usually alongside other treatments. See Pigmentation, Dark Spots & Melasma.

Most people need three to six sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart. Scarring usually needs more sessions than general skin rejuvenation. Collagen continues to build for months after the final session, and occasional maintenance helps preserve results.

A session usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, including time for the numbing cream to take effect. The needling itself typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Expect redness similar to mild sunburn for one to three days, sometimes with slight swelling, dryness or flaking. Most people return to work within a day or two. Deeper treatments for scarring may have slightly longer recovery.

Keep skin clean and use only the gentle products recommended by your clinician for the first few days. Avoid make-up for at least 24 hours, avoid active ingredients such as retinoids and acids for several days, skip intense exercise, saunas and swimming for 48 hours, and use sunscreen diligently. Do not pick at any flaking skin.

Yes — microneedling is generally considered one of the safer resurfacing options for darker skin, because it does not rely on heat or light. There is still a small risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so needle depth, technique and aftercare are adjusted carefully, and sun protection afterwards is essential.

At the time of writing, Melton lists microneedling at KES 8,000 per session. Because most concerns need a course, your clinician will outline the recommended number of sessions — and any add-ons such as PRP — at your consultation. See microneedling.

A HydraFacial is a medical-grade facial treatment — sometimes called hydradermabrasion — that uses a specialised device with gentle vortex suction to cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities from pores and infuse the skin with hydrating serums — all in one session. Unlike many traditional facials, extractions are done by suction rather than squeezing, which is gentler on skin. See HydraFacial at Melton.

Most people notice brighter, more hydrated, smoother-looking skin immediately after treatment. Benefits include deep cleansing, reduced congestion, a more refined skin texture and improved radiance. With regular sessions, it can also support the management of oily, dull or dehydrated skin. It works well as a complement to more intensive treatments.

A standard HydraFacial takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the protocol and any add-ons, such as LED light or targeted boosters.

Many people book a HydraFacial about once a month, which aligns with the skin's natural renewal cycle. Others use it before events or as part of a broader treatment plan. Your clinician can suggest a frequency based on your skin goals.

It can help with congestion, blackheads and oiliness, and many people with mild acne find it beneficial as part of a wider plan. It is not a treatment for active inflammatory or cystic acne on its own — that needs medical treatment first. See acne treatment.

Yes — this is one of its strongest benefits. By removing dead surface cells and flooding the skin with hydration, a HydraFacial typically leaves skin looking brighter and more luminous straight away.

Yes. The suction-based extraction step is designed to clear debris from pores, making it a good option for congestion and blackheads, particularly on the nose and chin. Regular sessions alongside a suitable home routine help keep pores clear.

No. Most people can return to normal activities immediately, and some go straight back to work. Mild redness, if any, usually fades within an hour or two.

Yes — HydraFacial is a popular pre-event treatment because it gives an immediate glow with no downtime. Booking it two to five days before an event is a sensible window, especially if it is your first treatment.

At the time of writing, Melton lists the HydraFacial at KES 7,000 per session. We also offer HydraFacial for the body. Read more in HydraFacial: The Treatment Taking Nairobi by Storm.

Dark circles have several causes, and many people have more than one:

• Pigmentation (periorbital hyperpigmentation) — very common in darker skin and often genetic
• Hollowing (tear trough) — volume loss creates a shadow
• Thin skin that shows the blood vessels underneath
• Allergies, eczema and rubbing, which can darken the skin
• Lack of sleep, dehydration and ageing

Eye bags are usually caused by a combination of ageing, genetics, fluid retention and the weakening of the supporting tissues around the eye, which allows the fat beneath it to bulge forward. Salty food, allergies, poor sleep and crying can make puffiness temporarily worse. Persistent, prominent bags are often structural rather than lifestyle-related.

Yes, in most cases they can be improved. Pigment-related circles may respond to topical treatments, gentle peels and sun protection; hollowing can be softened with carefully placed filler; and thin, crepey skin may benefit from PRP or skin-quality treatments. Because causes overlap, combination plans are common. See dark circles treatment.

Mild to moderate bags can often be improved without surgery — for example by using filler to smooth the transition between the bag and the cheek, or by improving skin quality and tightness. However, large or very prominent fat bags may not respond well to non-surgical treatment, and in some cases filler can make puffiness worse. In those situations, an honest clinician will discuss referral for surgical options.

Options include:

• Topical treatments and sun protection for pigmentation
• Gentle chemical peels selected for the delicate eye area
• PRP to improve skin quality and fine lines
• Tear trough filler for hollowing (under-eye filler)
• Anti-wrinkle injections for crow's feet

Under-eye (tear trough) filler can be very effective for hollowing and shadowing, but it is not right for everyone. It tends to suit people with good skin quality and a defined hollow, and is less suitable for those with significant puffiness, fluid retention or very loose skin. Because this is a delicate area, it requires an experienced medical injector and a soft filler. Read Under Eye Fillers.

Under-eye filler often lasts 9 to 12 months or longer, as the area moves relatively little. Skin-quality treatments such as PRP need a course and periodic maintenance, while pigmentation management is ongoing.

It depends on the treatment. At the time of writing, Melton lists anti-aging and dark circles treatment at KES 12,000 and under-eye filler (2ml) at KES 25,000. Your clinician will recommend the most suitable option after assessment.

For most medical and injectable treatments, yes — it is how we make sure a treatment is right and safe for you. See the fuller answer under General Dermatology Questions.

Your first visit usually includes:

• a discussion of your concerns, goals and expectations
• your medical history, medicines, allergies and previous treatments
• an examination of your skin, hair or face
• an explanation of what is likely causing your concern
• your treatment options, including benefits, risks, downtime and cost

You are never under pressure to book treatment on the day.

Yes. Treatment choice, product, strength, dose and aftercare are all tailored to your skin type, tone, medical history and goals. Two people asking for the same treatment may receive quite different plans.

Allow around 30 to 45 minutes for a first consultation, although this varies with the complexity of your concern. Follow-up reviews are usually shorter. If you are having treatment on the same day, allow additional time.

Your clinician will give specific instructions, but general guidance includes:

• arrive with clean skin, without make-up if possible
• let us know about any medicines, supplements or recent illness
• avoid retinoids and exfoliating acids for a few days before peels or microneedling, if advised
• limit alcohol and blood-thinning supplements before injectables to reduce bruising
• avoid significant sun exposure before resurfacing treatments
• plan treatments well ahead of important events

This depends on the treatment — anything from no visible signs after a HydraFacial to a few days of redness after microneedling or swelling after fillers. You will receive written aftercare advice, and we encourage you to contact the clinic if you have any concerns.

As a general guide:

• None: HydraFacial, most superficial peels
• Minimal (hours): Botox
• Short (1–3 days): microneedling, PRP
• Up to a week: fillers (swelling or bruising), medium-depth peels

Individual responses vary, so build in some flexibility.

Aesthetic treatments are generally safe when performed by trained medical professionals, using genuine products, in an appropriate clinical setting, after a proper assessment. Every treatment carries some risk, which will be explained to you before you consent. Most side effects are mild and temporary. The biggest safety factor is who performs your treatment.

Often, yes — and combination plans frequently give the best results. For example, Botox and fillers are commonly combined, as are microneedling and PRP. Some treatments should be spaced apart, and your clinician will plan the right order and timing.

Not always. Some treatments are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active skin infections, certain autoimmune or neuromuscular conditions, bleeding disorders, a tendency to keloid scarring, or while taking certain medicines. Some aesthetic treatments are also not appropriate for people under 18. This is why a medical history is part of every assessment.

We will explain why and, where possible, suggest a safer alternative, a different timeline, or a referral to another specialist. Sometimes the right recommendation is to treat an underlying skin condition first, or to wait. We would always rather give honest advice than perform a treatment that is not right for you.

Many skin concerns look alike but need different treatments. A professional assessment checks for conditions that could make treatment unsafe or ineffective, identifies the true cause of your concern, and sets realistic expectations. For injectable treatments especially, knowledge of anatomy and the ability to recognise and manage complications are essential. Assessment protects both your health and your result.