Dermatology in Czech Republic

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on health issues affecting the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membrane. It is a specialty with both surgical and medical aspects. A dermatologist can address cosmetic issues, which can help to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin, nails, and hair. Being a dermatologist requires a great depth of clinical knowledge, including the variety of internal health problems that may cause skin symptoms. Dermatologists can treat over 3,000 conditions. Some of the most common are acne, dermatitis and eczema, hair loss, nail problems, fungal infections, warts, vitiligo, and skin cancer.

Dermatology has a number of departments and specialties, including:

• Cosmetic Dermatology – dermatologists have been the leaders in cosmetic surgery. Many dermatologists are trained on the use of fillers, botulinum toxin, and laser surgery. Some dermatologists also perform blepharoplasty, liposuction, and facelifts. However, most dermatologists limit their cosmetic practice to minimally invasive procedures.
• Dermatopathology – this field is a joint specialty of dermatology and pathology. It focuses on the study of cutaneous diseases at molecular and microscopic levels. Dermatopathology can make a definitive diagnosis of various skin diseases, including melanoma.
• Trichology – this is the study of the hair and the scalp. This field of dermatology deals with diseases such as hair loss, scalp changes, hypertrichosis, and hair abnormalities.
• Immunodermatology – this filed specializes in immune-mediated skin diseases, such as bullous pemphigoid and lupus.
• Pediatric Dermatology – pediatric dermatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases in children, which include newborns and infants.

What does the Procedure Involve?

A range of medical and cosmetic procedures are used to manage issues affecting the skin, nails, and hair. Many skin conditions can be treated by medications and noninvasive procedures, while others may require more invasive approaches. The following are several dermatologic procedures:

• Cosmetic injections – cosmetic injections can temporarily address scarring, wrinkles, and reduced facial fullness. A dermatologist can inject botulinum toxic (Botox) or fillers, such as fat and collagen. The results may last for a few months before you need another injection.
• Chemical peels – this procedure is used to treat some types of acne, as well as sun-damaged skin. It can also treat other cosmetic complaints, such as lines under the eyes and age spots. During chemical peels, a chemical solution is applied to the skin. This chemical solution causes a layer of skin to peel off, revealing regenerated skin beneath it that is typically a lot smoother.
• Dermabrasion – this type of procedure uses a high-speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and tattoos, scar tissue, and potentially precancerous areas of the skin.
• Cryotherapy – cryotherapy involves freezing skin lesions, usually with liquid nitrogen, to destroy the affected cells. It can be a quick treatment for a number of benign skin issues, such as warts.
• Hair removal or restoration – various methods can be used to address hair loss, such as hair transplants. On the other hand, dermatologists can use lasers to remove unwanted hair from the body.
• Excision of lesions – skin lesions may be cut away to prevent a disease from spreading, to improve symptoms, for cosmetic reasons, or to prevent reoccurring infection. Excision of lesions may be done under a local or general anesthetic.
• Laser surgery –can be used to treat a number of cosmetic problems or skin issues, such as warts, tumors, moles, scars, birthmarks, wrinkles, and unwanted tattoos.
• Tumescent liposuction – this procedure is used by dermatologists to remove fat. Large volumes of local anesthetic are injected into fatty tissue, then it is sucked from the body. Note that tumescent liposuction is performed to contour the body, not to treat obesity.
• Vein procedures – people with superficial leg veins, called spider veins, may want them removed. Several procedures can be done to remove them, but sclerotherapy is the most popular treatment. It involves injecting a special solution or a foam into the vein. The special solution and foam irritate the lining, causing the vein to become less noticeable or, in some cases, disappear completely.
• Skin grafts and flaps – missing skin can be restored using skin from other areas on the body. Dermatologists can also repair skin loss by making a flap of skin from a nearby area of the body. The flap of skin is then used to cover the damaged patch.
• Biopsies – a skin biopsy is usually needed to diagnose or rule out certain conditions.
• Mohs surgery – this procedure is a treatment for skin cancer. It involves removing layers of skin in order to get rid of cancerous cells. The removed skin layers are then examined under a microscope. Then, successive layers are removed until there are no more cancerous cells found in the skin.
• PUVA – Psoralen combined with ultraviolet radiation (PUVA) is a procedure to treat several skin diseases, such as vitiligo, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Psoralen is a drug that can make the skin more sensitive to radiation treatment.

How Long Should I Stay in Czech Republic?

Depending on the type of procedure you have, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day or stay for several days. For noninvasive treatments, such as chemical peels and cosmetic injections, you should be able to leave the hospital on the same day and fly home within a couple of days. For invasive procedures, particularly to treat serious medical conditions, such as cancer, you may need to stay in the hospital for several days, and stay in Czech Republic for at least 10 to 14 days. Your surgeon and/or medical travel team will advise you on this matter.

What's the Recovery Time?

Recovery time will vary depending on the type of procedure you have, the reason why you have the procedure in the first place, and your general health. Your dermatologist will usually give you a detailed recovery timeline for each procedure. In general, recovery time for nonsurgical procedures is typically short and you should be able to resume your normal routine within a few days. For surgical procedures, it may take several weeks until you are allowed to return to your full daily activities.

What About Aftercare?

Your dermatologist will give you a set of instructions to care for yourself during the recovery period. The instructions will be different for each type of procedures, but they may include a diet plan, light exercises to follow, how to care for your surgical wounds or affected area, activities you can or cannot do, signs of complications to be aware of, and medication to take. It is important that you follow your dermatologist’s instructions closely in order to avoid complications and to obtain the best possible results.

Some cosmetic procedures may not be permanent, such as dermal fillers and Botox, so you will need to have regular treatments in order to maintain the results. For skin cancer treatment, you may need to attend follow-up checkups to ensure that cancer has not come back.

What's the Success Rate?

Experienced and skilled dermatologists will be able to deliver a high success rate and satisfactory results. However, every type of procedure carries some risk, which may include infection, swelling, bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and unsatisfactory results.

Are there Alternatives to Dermatology?

If you have any problems with your skin, going to a dermatologist is the only way to treat it. However, if the skin problem is caused by an underlying condition, your doctor or dermatologist will recommend you to see relevant doctors to treat it.

What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?

Before seeing a dermatologist, you may have a problem with your skin. You may not like the wrinkles on your face, or you may have a lesion that needs to be removed. After receiving treatment from a dermatologist, your skin problems should be addressed. You may be able to achieve your dream appearance, any disease you had before may be treated.

Dermatology in and around Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe and it has a rich and eventful history, as well as amazing attractions. From medieval towns and magnificent castles to picturesque national parks and relaxing spa resorts, it has a lot to offer. The country also boasts top-quality healthcare and is emerging as a popular medical tourism destination. Medical procedures in the country are performed with the latest technology and techniques. The medical professionals are highly qualified, well trained, and internationally recognized. Besides, the cost of medical procedures in the country is extremely competitive. Medical tourists can make significant savings compared to most other countries in Europe. Cosmetic surgery is particularly popular among international medical tourists.

Popular Parts of Czech Republic

Prague is the capital and is popular for its fine dining, eccentric nightlife, and wonderfully preserved medieval buildings with Gothic architecture, such as Prague Castle, the 14th-century Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock. Along with Prague, Ceský Krumlov and Brno are frequently visited by tourists as well.

Weather and Climate in the Czech Republic

Due to its location, the Czech Republic has a mostly temperate climate. Extreme weather is rare, but the summers can get hot and the winters cold. Summer starts in June and the days can be scorching hot. The average temperature is around 26°C, but in recent years, it tends to rise to 37°C. Winter, from November to March, can get rather cold. The average temperatures drop to around 2°C during the day and -2°C at night, with some snowfall and rain. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September – October) have beautiful weather.

Getting around in the Czech Republic

Václav Havel Airport Prague is the main airport where international visitors fly into and out of the Czech Republic. It serves numerous flights to many cities around Europe and Asia, including London, Moscow, Dubai, and Seoul. The Czech Republic has an affordable and reliable public transport system. Domestic flights are available, but rarely necessary. The rail network is affordable and very comprehensive, covering almost every city and town in the county. The bus also has extensive coverage throughout the country. Public transport within cities is also excellent. In major cities, you can opt for the metro, tram, bus, or trolleybuses. Taxis are widely available and are metered, but the fares are higher at night.

Tourist Visas in the Czech Republic

Nationals of all EU countries do not need a visa to visit and stay in the Czech Republic. The country is a part of the Schengen area, which means citizens of around 62 countries can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. These visa-exempt countries include Australia, Canada, the US, and South Korea. Citizens of other countries are required to apply for a visa before visiting the country. Those who want to receive medical care should obtain a Czech Republic Visa for Medical Purposes.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Czech Koruna/Czech Crown (CZK) is the currency of the Czech Republic. 1 USD is equivalent to 22.98 CZK. Note that the euro is not widely accepted in the country.​​​​​​
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widespread around the Czech Republic. Major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, are accepted for many types of transactions, but you may need to pay in cash for smaller amounts. Tipping is expected, especially in restaurants. Tip at least 10% of the bill.
3. Local Language: The official and most commonly spoken language is Czech, but Slovak is widely spoken as well. Many people, particularly in major cities, can speak English and German.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population is religiously unaffiliated and does not believe in God. However, Christianity is the largest religion. Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Paganism are also practiced by a small percentage of the population.
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Liberation Day, Sts Cyril & Methodius Day, Jan Hus Day, Republic Day, and Czech Statehood Day are some of the most important public holidays in the Czech Republic.