Frequently asked questions

Name: Clínica Valorian
Address: Avenida General López Domínguez, 2, Marbella, Málaga, 29603, ES
Telephone: +34 951 259 055
Price range: €€€

Question 1

What are the clinic's opening hours?

Accepted Answer

Clínica Valorian is open Monday to Friday, from 10:30 to 18:00. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Visits are by appointment only.

Question 2

How do I request a first appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can request one through the appointment form, by phone or WhatsApp. Care is always by appointment only.

Question 3

Do you store health data?

Accepted Answer

At this stage we do not store health data. Requests are handled confidentially in accordance with the GDPR.

Question 4

Where is Clínica Valorian located?

Accepted Answer

We are at Avenida General López Domínguez, 2, 29603 Marbella (Málaga), in central Marbella, very close to the seafront promenade.

Question 5

In which languages do you provide care?

Accepted Answer

We provide care in Spanish, English and French.

Question 6

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

There are public car parks near the clinic, such as the beach car park and the car park next to Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella. We recommend allowing a few minutes to park before your appointment.

Question 7

How can I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book by phone at +34 951 259 055 or by email at hola@clinicavalorian.es. We will confirm the date and time and answer any questions you may have beforehand.

Question 8

How do I cancel or change my appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please let us know as early as possible by phone (+34 951 259 055) or email (hola@clinicavalorian.es), so we can reschedule it and offer the slot to another patient.

Question 9

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept payment in cash, by card and by bank transfer.

Question 10

Will I know the price before starting a treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The first medical assessment allows us to define a personalised plan, whose cost is explained to you in detail before starting any treatment, so you can decide with full information.

Question 11

When should you see a skin-health physician?

Accepted Answer

It is advisable to seek care when a skin lesion appears, persists or changes. Also in case of acne, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, facial redness, intense itching or a change in a mole. Early diagnosis often allows simpler, more effective treatment.

Question 12

How can you recognise a suspicious mole?

Accepted Answer

A mole should be monitored when it changes in size, shape or colour. Asymmetry, irregular borders, several colours or recent changes should prompt a medical consultation. The ABCDE rule is an excellent guide to the main warning signs.

Question 13

What are the first signs of a melanoma?

Accepted Answer

A melanoma may appear as a new pigmented spot or as a change in an existing mole. Rapid growth, irregular borders, several colours, bleeding or a recent change should prompt a prompt consultation. The earlier a melanoma is diagnosed, the better the chances of cure.

Question 14

What is the difference between a mole and a melanoma?

Accepted Answer

A mole is usually a benign, stable lesion. Melanoma is a skin cancer that can progress rapidly. The main difference is its evolution: a melanoma changes in appearance over time, unlike most moles.

Question 15

How can you prevent skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Prevention relies on adequate sun protection, avoiding excessive ultraviolet exposure, wearing protective clothing and regular skin monitoring. Any new or changing lesion should be examined by a physician.

Question 16

Are UV tanning beds dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Artificial UV rays increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. They also accelerate skin ageing and promote pigment spots. Scientific societies advise against their use.

Question 17

What is mole mapping for?

Accepted Answer

Mole mapping tracks the evolution of moles using medical photographs and dermoscopic examination. It supports the early detection of skin cancers while limiting unnecessary procedures on benign lesions.

Question 18

Which sunscreen should you choose?

Accepted Answer

A broad-spectrum sunscreen protecting against UVA and UVB with SPF 50+ is recommended for significant exposure, particularly in children, fair-skinned people and patients at high risk of skin cancer.

Question 19

Can you tan safely?

Accepted Answer

No. Tanning is the skin's defence reaction to ultraviolet radiation. Even without sunburn, UV causes cellular damage that accelerates skin ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer.

Question 20

Should moles be checked regularly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. People with many moles, a personal or family history of melanoma, or very fair skin should have regular medical follow-up. The frequency is tailored to each patient according to their level of risk.

Question 21

Why do I still have acne as an adult?

Accepted Answer

Adult acne is common, especially in women, though it also affects men. It is often linked to hormonal factors, stress, genetics, certain cosmetics or some medications. A medical diagnosis helps identify the cause and offer a personalised treatment.

Question 22

Does diet affect acne?

Accepted Answer

In some people, a high-glycaemic-index diet or a high intake of certain dairy products may promote acne flare-ups. However, diet is only one factor among others. A comprehensive approach remains the best strategy.

Question 23

Why is my face constantly red?

Accepted Answer

Persistent facial redness may be due to rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It can be worsened by sun, hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, stress or temperature changes. Appropriate treatment often improves symptoms markedly.

Question 24

Can rosacea be cured?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea is a chronic disease that cannot be permanently cured, but it can be very well controlled with an appropriate approach combining medical treatments, skin care, sun protection and, in some cases, laser treatments.

Question 25

When should you worry about hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. However, significant shedding lasting several weeks, visible thinning or a progressive decrease in hair density warrant a consultation to look for the cause.

Question 26

Are food supplements effective against hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Food supplements can be useful in case of a documented deficiency or specific needs. However, they do not replace a medical diagnosis. Their effectiveness depends directly on the cause of the hair loss.

Question 27

Is psoriasis contagious?

Accepted Answer

No. Psoriasis is absolutely not contagious. It is a chronic inflammatory disease linked to an immune-system dysregulation and a genetic predisposition. It cannot be transmitted by contact.

Question 28

Can stress trigger psoriasis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stress is recognised as a factor that can promote the onset or worsening of psoriasis flare-ups in many patients. A comprehensive approach including stress management can help improve the disease.

Question 29

Is eczema an allergy?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Atopic dermatitis is linked to an impaired skin barrier and an immune predisposition. Some forms of eczema are allergic, such as contact eczema, but not all forms of eczema are due to an allergy.

Question 30

Is vitiligo contagious?

Accepted Answer

No. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterised by the loss of the melanocytes responsible for skin pigmentation. It is not transmitted from one person to another.

Question 31

Do warts go away on their own?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some warts can disappear spontaneously thanks to the body's immune response. However, this can take several months or even years. Treatment may be offered when they are painful, numerous or bothersome.

Question 32

How can you recognise a skin fungal infection?

Accepted Answer

A fungal infection often appears as a red, scaly patch, sometimes ring-shaped, with itching. The diagnosis is confirmed by clinical examination and, in some situations, may require a mycological sample.

Question 33

At what age can you start aesthetic medicine?

Accepted Answer

There is no ideal age. Some treatments are performed from the thirties with an anti-ageing prevention goal, while others are offered later to correct the effects of time. The indication depends above all on each patient's needs.

Question 34

Does the expression-line treatment leave the face frozen?

Accepted Answer

No. When performed by an experienced physician with appropriate doses, the expression-line treatment relaxes certain muscles responsible for wrinkles while preserving a natural facial expression.

Question 35

How long do hyaluronic acid injections last?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the treated area, the type of product used and the patient's metabolism, results usually last between 6 and 18 months.

Question 36

Is laser treatment painful?

Accepted Answer

Most laser treatments are well tolerated. During the session, a sensation of heat or slight stinging may be felt. Depending on the laser used, an anaesthetic cream may be offered.

Question 37

Why does skin age?

Accepted Answer

Skin ageing results from natural age-related factors as well as environmental factors such as sun, tobacco, pollution and certain lifestyle habits. The decline in collagen and elastin progressively leads to wrinkles and skin laxity.

Question 38

Does the microbiome influence skin health?

Accepted Answer

Many studies show a link between the gut microbiome and certain skin diseases such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. A balanced diet helps maintain a diverse microbiome and healthy skin.

Question 39

How does a first skin-health consultation unfold?

Accepted Answer

The consultation begins with a medical interview to understand your symptoms, history and treatments. A full clinical examination is then carried out to establish a diagnosis and offer personalised care.

Question 40

Can a treatment be performed on the same day as the consultation?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. If the diagnosis is established and no contraindication is found, some skin or aesthetic-medicine treatments can be performed immediately. When specific preparation or time to reflect is needed, a second appointment is offered.

Question 41

Do moles keep appearing throughout life?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Although most moles appear during childhood and adolescence, new naevi can develop in adulthood. However, the appearance of a new pigmented lesion after the age of 40 warrants a skin-health medical evaluation to rule out a melanoma or another skin cancer.

Question 42

Are all brown spots cancers?

Accepted Answer

No. Most pigmented spots are solar lentigines, moles or seborrhoeic keratoses, which are benign. However, some spots can be a skin cancer. Any recent or changing lesion should be examined by a skin-health physician.

Question 43

Should a wound that won't heal be a cause for concern?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A wound that persists for several weeks without healing may be a sign of a basal cell carcinoma, a squamous cell carcinoma or another skin condition requiring a medical diagnosis.

Question 44

Should you wear sunscreen even when it's cloudy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UV rays pass through clouds. Up to 80% of ultraviolet radiation can reach the skin even on overcast days. Sun protection is therefore recommended during outdoor activities.

Question 45

Can dark skin develop skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The risk is lower than in very fair skin, but it is not zero. Skin cancers occur in all skin types and are sometimes diagnosed later in people with dark skin.

Question 46

Can an old scar be improved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on its age and appearance, a scar can be improved with laser, microneedling, peels, injections or other aesthetic-medicine techniques. A consultation helps choose the most suitable treatment.

Question 47

Can acne scars disappear completely?

Accepted Answer

It is rarely possible to make them disappear completely, but it is often possible to improve them significantly with appropriate treatments such as fractional laser, microneedling, peels or subcision.

Question 48

How long does the expression-line treatment take to work?

Accepted Answer

The first effects usually appear between 3 and 5 days after the injections. The maximum result is seen about two weeks after the treatment.

Question 49

How long does the effect of the expression-line treatment last?

Accepted Answer

The effects last on average between 3 and 5 months. The duration varies according to the treated area, the patient's metabolism and their muscle activity.

Question 50

Can hyaluronic acid be removed if the result is unsatisfactory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hyaluronic acid can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase when medically indicated.

Question 51

Are hyaluronic acid injections painful?

Accepted Answer

Most patients feel moderate discomfort. The products often contain a local anaesthetic, and an anaesthetic cream can be applied before the session if needed.

Question 52

How many laser sessions are needed?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions depends on the indication, the type of laser and the patient's skin. Some lesions require a single session, while other treatments need several sessions spaced a few weeks apart.

Question 53

Does laser work on white hair?

Accepted Answer

No. The laser targets the melanin in the hair. White, grey or very blond hair responds little or not at all to laser treatment.

Question 54

Why do we lose collagen with age?

Accepted Answer

From around the age of 25, natural collagen production gradually declines. This decrease is accentuated by sun, tobacco, pollution and certain hormonal factors, leading to skin laxity and the appearance of wrinkles.

Question 55

Does drinking a lot of water improve the skin?

Accepted Answer

Good hydration is important for the body's function, but drinking more water does not make wrinkles disappear or treat skin diseases. A balanced diet and appropriate skin care play a more important role.

Question 56

Should I wear make-up to a skin-health consultation?

Accepted Answer

It is preferable to come with clean skin, without heavy make-up, to make the clinical examination easier. If this is not possible, make-up can be removed locally if necessary.

Question 57

Can I discuss several skin problems in the same appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The skin-health physician can assess several problems during a single consultation. Depending on their number and complexity, a second appointment may sometimes be offered to devote the necessary time to each problem.

Question 58

Do aesthetic-medicine treatments give a natural result?

Accepted Answer

When performed with appropriate indications, quality products and a personalised medical approach, the treatments aim to preserve facial harmony while respecting natural expressions.

Question 59

Is there an ideal time of year for an aesthetic treatment?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the treatment. Some lasers are preferably performed in autumn or winter to limit sun exposure, while injections can be carried out all year round provided medical recommendations are followed.

Question 60

Is an annual skin check useful even without symptoms?

Accepted Answer

In people with risk factors or numerous moles, a regular medical skin check helps detect certain lesions early, before they become visible or symptomatic. The frequency of follow-up is determined individually by the physician.

Question 61

Why do I have grey hair at 25?

Accepted Answer

Grey hair appearing at an early age is mainly due to genetic factors. If one or more family members started to go grey when young, it is more likely to happen. However, other factors such as stress, smoking, some autoimmune diseases or certain nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin B12, iron, folic acid or copper) can also promote the early appearance of grey hair. In some cases, the physician may recommend blood tests to rule out treatable causes. When the cause is genetic, there is currently no treatment that permanently restores the natural hair colour, although an appropriate diagnosis can help identify modifiable factors and preserve hair health.

Question 62

What is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Accepted Answer

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites that are transmitted mainly through vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact. Many can be prevented, diagnosed early and treated effectively.

Question 63

What is the human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Accepted Answer

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. There are more than 200 types of the virus; some cause genital warts and others can increase the risk of developing certain cancers, such as cancer of the cervix, penis, anus, vulva, vagina and oropharynx.

Question 64

How is HPV transmitted?

Accepted Answer

HPV is transmitted mainly by direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, even without penetration. It can also be transmitted through oral sex and genital contact.