Acne treatment cost in Dubai — consultations, medicines, peels and lasers

Key facts

• Cost depends on acne severity and treatment type
• Isotretinoin requires reviews and blood tests
• Peels and lasers are priced per session or course
• Scar treatment is usually a separate phase
• Written, itemised plan after consultation

The consultation and diagnosis

The first step is a dermatology consultation, where your acne type and grade, skin type, medical history and previous treatments are reviewed. This matters for cost because the right diagnosis avoids spending on products that do not suit your acne. Conditions such as fungal folliculitis, rosacea or perioral dermatitis can look like acne but need different treatment. At the consultation, Dr. Abdullah Anis explains what is likely to help, how long it should take and what follow-up will be needed. Many people find that a clear plan reduces the amount they spend on trial-and-error skincare.

Prescription medicines and monitoring

Topical prescriptions, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatment and isotretinoin all differ in cost and in the follow-up they require. Isotretinoin, used for severe or scarring acne, involves regular review appointments and blood tests to monitor liver function and lipids, and pregnancy testing for women who could conceive. These visits are part of safe treatment and should be included when comparing plans. Medicines are usually bought from a pharmacy, and insurance cover for prescriptions and follow-up varies by policy. Your plan sets out the expected number of reviews over the treatment period.

Chemical peels for acne

Chemical peels, such as salicylic acid peels, can help with active acne, blackheads and post-acne marks when used alongside medical treatment. The cost depends on the type and strength of peel and on how many sessions are recommended, which is often a course of several treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Peels are cosmetic or supportive procedures and are typically not covered by insurance. Not everyone needs peels, and they are timed to avoid irritation with other medicines. Dr. Abdullah Anis will advise whether peels add value in your case or whether medicines alone are sufficient.

Laser and scar treatment

Once acne is controlled, some people want treatment for remaining scars or marks. Options such as fractional CO2 laser, subcision and microneedling with or without PRP have different costs based on the area treated, the number of sessions and whether treatments are combined. Scar treatment is usually a separate stage, planned after active acne has settled, and sometimes after a waiting period following isotretinoin. It helps to consider acne control and scar treatment as two phases, so you can budget realistically and avoid starting scar procedures while new spots are still forming.

Getting a written, itemised plan

Because acne treatment is individual, Manhal Medical Center provides a written, itemised plan after your consultation, listing the recommended consultations, tests, procedures and expected number of sessions. This allows you to check your insurance cover, compare options and decide on priorities. Dr. Abdullah Anis, a Specialist Dermatologist with more than 25 years of experience, explains the reasons for each step and any alternatives. If your skin responds faster or slower than expected, the plan is reviewed and you are informed before any changes. Clinic prices are not published online in line with DHA advertising rules.

Acne is a medical skin condition. Effective treatment matches the type — comedonal, inflammatory, hormonal or cystic — and prevents scarring.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Abdullah Anis

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.