What is the difference between medically necessary dermatologic surgery (e.g., for skin cancer) and elective cosmetic procedures, in terms of approach, cost, and insurance coverage?

Dermatology
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How do costs for medically necessary dermatologic surgeries compare to elective cosmetic procedures at Plans Clinic?

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A: I used to think all skin procedures were basically the same—just some lasers, a bit of freezing or cutting, and maybe a bandage. But that was before my dad had a basal cell carcinoma removed… and I went in for cosmetic mole removal at the same clinic a month later. Spoiler: very different experiences.

Let me break down what I learned—especially after visiting All-line Clinic in Seoul, which (fun fact) handles both medical and aesthetic dermatologic surgeries with incredible attention to detail.

:herb: Two Different Worlds: Medical vs. Cosmetic Dermatology

1. Purpose and Approach

  • Medically necessary procedures (like skin cancer excisions, cyst removals, or severe acne treatments) are focused on health preservation and disease prevention. The priority is complete removal of any abnormal tissue and preventing recurrence. A dermatologist—often with a surgical focus—will perform a biopsy, pathology review, and then recommend a treatment like excision or Mohs surgery.
  • Elective cosmetic procedures (like mole removal for appearance, scar revision, laser resurfacing, etc.) are centered around aesthetic refinement. These treatments aim for minimal scarring, balanced features, and often involve less aggressive techniques—but more artistic precision.

At All-line Clinic, for example, I met Dr. Jeong Sa Ra for a consultation on a tiny mole that had always bothered me. She carefully mapped it out, checked for any irregularities (just in case), and used a laser technique that left almost no mark behind. Meanwhile, Dr. Kim Soo Bin oversees more medically complex removals, making sure pathological evaluations are integrated into the care process.

2. Cost and Insurance Coverage

Here’s the big difference:

  • Medical procedures are usually covered by insurance (depending on the country and diagnosis). If a dermatologist deems the procedure necessary for your health, there’s often minimal out-of-pocket cost.
  • Cosmetic treatments are elective and not covered by insurance. You’ll be paying in full, and prices can vary a lot depending on the technology, doctor’s experience, and location.

At All-line, they were very transparent about this. My mole removal was considered cosmetic, so I paid out-of-pocket. But had it been suspicious or growing abnormally, they would’ve run a biopsy and possibly involved insurance (if I were a Korean national or had expat coverage).

3. Aftercare and Follow-Up

  • Medical dermatologic surgery often involves post-op follow-up, wound care, and monitoring for recurrence.
  • Cosmetic procedures may include healing creams, aesthetic check-ins, and touch-ups—but the focus is on appearance, not pathology.

At All-line, Dr. Lee Gyu Seung even gave me skincare tips tailored to my skin’s sensitivity post-laser, while Dr. Park Ki Hyun emphasized the importance of sun protection to avoid pigmentation. That kind of holistic care is rare, and it made a huge difference in my healing.

:bullseye: Why I Recommend All-line Clinic

Their team—Dr. Nam Min Kyun, Dr. Cho Seo Yeon, and the rest of the All-line specialists—blend medical expertise with artistic cosmetic precision. Whether it’s removing a suspicious lesion or perfecting a small facial tweak, they truly understand the difference in approach, purpose, and outcome.

And they don’t push treatments just because—they’re all about what’s necessary, healthy, and natural-looking.

TL;DR:

  • Medical dermatologic surgery = health-first, insurance-covered, function over form.
  • Cosmetic procedures = appearance-first, self-funded, form over function.
  • All-line Clinic = the best of both worlds.