If you’ve been putting off scheduling your first dermatology appointment in New Braunfels because you’re not sure what to expect, you’re not alone. Many patients tell us the same thing. The good news: a dermatology visit is straightforward, nothing to dread, and almost always leaves patients wondering why they waited so long. Here’s exactly what happens when you come see us at Elect Dermatology.
Before Your Appointment: What to Prepare
A little preparation makes your visit more productive. Before you arrive, take note of any spots, moles, rashes, or skin concerns you want to discuss. If you’ve noticed something changing — a mole that looks different, a patch that won’t heal, or persistent acne — take a photo with your phone so you have a reference point.
Also bring:
- Your insurance card and a photo ID
- A list of current medications and supplements (some affect the skin)
- Names of any skincare products you’re currently using
- Your family history of skin cancer or skin conditions, if known
Arrive with clean skin if you’re being seen for an acne or rash concern — skip heavy makeup, sunscreen, and lotions on the areas of concern so we can assess your skin accurately.
Check-In and Intake
When you arrive at our office at 2154 Gabriels Pl, Ste 103, in New Braunfels, you’ll complete a brief health history form — either in the office or via a digital intake form we may send in advance. This covers your medical history, current medications, previous skin conditions, and the reason for your visit.
Our staff will verify your insurance and collect any copay. Wait times are kept minimal because we know your time is valuable.
The Skin Examination
The core of any dermatology visit is the skin exam. Depending on why you came in, this may be a focused exam (just looking at a specific spot or area) or a full-body skin exam.
For a full-body exam, you’ll change into a gown. Dr. Hockley or Dr. Stahr will systematically examine your skin from scalp to toes, including areas you might not think to check yourself — behind the ears, between toes, under nails, and the scalp. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual full-body skin exams for adults, particularly those with a history of sun exposure or prior skin cancer.
The exam itself is non-invasive. Your dermatologist will use a dermatoscope — a handheld device that illuminates and magnifies the skin — to get a closer look at any suspicious spots. This tool significantly improves the accuracy of identifying concerning lesions, as shown in a meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology.
Diagnosis and Discussion
After the examination, your dermatologist will walk you through what they found. This is your opportunity to ask every question you’ve been sitting on. Common topics that come up:
- What are these spots, and do I need to worry about them?
- Is this mole normal or should we watch it?
- What’s causing my rash, acne, or dry skin?
- What treatment options are available?
- Do I need a biopsy?
Our physicians are direct and thorough. We don’t rush through this part of the visit. If a lesion looks suspicious during the exam, we may recommend a skin biopsy — a simple in-office procedure where a small tissue sample is removed and sent to a pathology lab for analysis. Most biopsies take only a few minutes and require minimal local anesthesia.
Treatment, Procedures, and Prescriptions
Depending on what we find, several things might happen during or after your first visit:
In-office treatment: If you have actinic keratoses, warts, cysts, or other lesions that can be treated on the spot, we may do so during your first appointment. Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), biopsies, and minor removals can all happen same-day.
Prescriptions: For conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, Dr. Hockley or Dr. Stahr will discuss prescription options — topical or oral medications — along with usage instructions and what to expect. Explore our medical dermatology services to see the full range of conditions we treat.
Referrals: In rare cases — particularly if a finding suggests an internal condition with skin manifestations, such as lupus or a thyroid-related disorder — we may coordinate with your primary care physician or a specialist.
Cosmetic Consultations
Many patients come to their first visit with both medical and cosmetic concerns. That’s completely normal, and we’re set up to handle both. If you’re interested in Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, or other aesthetic treatments, we’re happy to discuss those during the same appointment or schedule a dedicated cosmetic consultation. Learn more about our aesthetic services in New Braunfels.
After Your Visit
You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your skin health, a treatment plan if needed, and follow-up instructions. If we sent a biopsy to the lab, results typically return within 5–10 business days and we’ll contact you directly with findings.
We’ll also set up your next appointment — whether that’s a 3-month acne follow-up, a 6-month mole recheck, or your next annual skin exam. Consistent dermatology care is one of the most impactful things you can do for your long-term health. Research from the Skin Cancer Foundation shows that patients who see a dermatologist regularly have significantly better outcomes for skin cancer detection and treatment.
Ready to Book Your First Visit?
There’s no reason to keep postponing. Dr. Hockley and Dr. Stahr are board-certified M.D. dermatologists accepting new patients in New Braunfels. We treat patients of all ages and offer same-week appointments for new patient concerns.
Call (833) 353-2875 to schedule, or learn more about our practice at www.electdermatology.com. We’re located at 2154 Gabriels Pl, Ste 103, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Reviewed by Dr. Stahr, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Elect Dermatology, New Braunfels, TX.
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