A consultation with history: since 1971
The Clínica Dermatológica y Cirugía Estética de Puebla was founded in 1971 by dermatologist Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. More than five decades later it still serves Puebla, directed by the second generation: his son, Dr. Arístides Arellano Huacuja, plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Let us say it in full, because precision matters in medicine: Dr. Arístides is not a dermatologist — he is the house’s surgeon. The dermatology consultation belongs to the clinic, and the clinic has carried dermatology in its name, its origin and its daily practice for 55 years.
That continuity is not a sentimental fact. It means clinical judgement accumulated over this city’s skin — its sun, its phototypes, its frequent problems — and it also means something almost no single practice can offer: when the diagnosis ends in surgery, the operating room is in the same house.
What is seen at the dermatology consultation?
The consultation covers medical diagnosis and management of diseases of the skin, hair and nails:
- Active acne: diagnosis of type and grade, prescription treatment and follow-up — the medical control that keeps acne from scarring.
- Dermatitis and eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, hives: chronic diseases controlled under supervision. Controlled, not "cured" — and whoever promises otherwise is not being straight with you.
- Dark spots and melasma: the differential diagnosis (melasma, lentigo, something else?) that decides all subsequent treatment.
- Mole checks and skin cancer screening: full examination and dermoscopy.
- Skin and nail infections (fungal), viral warts.
- Hair loss: diagnosing the cause — the indispensable step before discussing any hair transplant.
Where the consultation ends and the surgeon begins
The house rule is simple, and we state it as we would to a family member: medical control belongs to the dermatology consultation; whatever requires a scalpel or a laser belongs to the plastic surgeon. Both under the same roof.
In practice: acne is controlled in consultation, and its scars are treated by the surgeon. A mole is checked in consultation, and if it must be excised — especially on the face — the surgeon excises and reconstructs. The cyst, the lipoma and the carcinoma are surgical from the start. Not sure which column your problem falls in? That is why we wrote the guide dermatologist or plastic surgeon? — read it before booking with anyone, including us.
What to expect from the consultation
A complete clinical history, skin examination, dermoscopy where indicated and a diagnosis with a written plan: what you have, what treatment is indicated, what to expect and when to be seen again. If treatment requires prescription, it is prescribed and supervised; if it requires procedures, they are explained with written costs before anything is done.
What you will not find: session packages sold before a diagnosis, promises of "definitive cures" for chronic diseases, or technology fired at every spot that walks through the door. The diagnosis commands; the treatment obeys.
Track record and credentials
The clinic is directed by Dr. Arístides Arellano Huacuja, plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon — second generation of the house founded by his dermatologist father in 1971.
Dr. Arístides Arellano is a plastic surgeon holding a specialty licence: he practises under a Mexican medical licence (D.G.P. 1125959) and a specialty licence in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (0002008), both issued by the Directorate General of Professions (DGP), which reissued his certificate of professional standing in 2025. His career began before Mexico’s present-day specialty-board system existed: he belongs to the founding generation of plastic surgery in Puebla, the second generation of a surgical tradition started in 1971 by Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. Trust is verified, not promised: both licences are public and anyone can look them up in the DGP’s National Registry of Professionals.
Risks and expectations
Every medical treatment carries risk and requires individual assessment and follow-up. Chronic skin diseases (acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea, melasma) are controlled and can improve substantially, but their definitive disappearance is not guaranteed: results may vary from person to person. Prescription treatments demand medical supervision — be wary of anyone offering them without a consultation.
What does the dermatology consultation cost?
The consultation fee is confirmed when you book your appointment. Any procedures deriving from it are quoted in writing at the consultation itself, with no obligation. See also the price list for surgical procedures.
Trust is verified, not promised. All 210 scanned documents —degree, licences, diplomas, publications and certificates, from 1977 to 2025— are open in Dr. Arístides Arellano’s credential archive, alongside an explanation of the difference between a specialty licence and a board certification.
Patient pathway · how it works
- 1 · BookingThe consultation is scheduled and its fee confirmed. Bring the list of products and treatments you have already used: they are part of the diagnosis.
- 2 · Consultation and diagnosisClinical history, full examination and dermoscopy where indicated. The goal of the first visit is a correct diagnosis, not selling a procedure.
- 3 · Written planIndicated treatment, realistic expectations and written costs. If prescription is required, it is issued with clear instructions for use and follow-up.
- 4 · Follow-upChronic skin diseases are managed with follow-up visits to adjust treatment to response. Consistency is half the result.
- 5 · If the case is surgicalExcision, reconstruction or laser are performed at the same clinic by Dr. Arístides Arellano, plastic surgeon — same file, same roof, since 1971.
Frequently asked questions
Which conditions does the clinic’s dermatology consultation see?
Diseases of the skin, hair and nails: acne, dermatitis and eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, hives, fungal infections, warts, dark spots and melasma, hair loss, and mole checks with dermoscopy. Management is medical, with prescription and follow-up where required.
Is Dr. Arístides Arellano the clinic’s dermatologist?
No. Dr. Arístides Arellano is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon (licence 0002008) and directs the clinic; he is not a dermatologist. The dermatology consultation is a service of the clinic, founded in 1971 by his father, dermatologist Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. He personally covers the surgical and laser ground: excisions, reconstruction and scars.
Why choose a 55-year-old clinic over a new practice?
Two practical reasons: clinical judgement accumulated over this region’s skin problems, and continuity of care — if your case ends in a biopsy, excision or reconstruction, everything happens at the same institution with the same file, without hunting for a second doctor on your own.
Do I need a consultation before a laser treatment?
Yes, always. A laser is a tool, not a diagnosis: fired at the wrong lesion it can make it worse — the classic example is melasma treated with aggressive energy. First the diagnosis in consultation; then, and only if indicated, the right device with the right parameters.
Do you treat teenage acne?
Yes. Teenage acne is one of the most frequent consultations and one of the most important to treat early: timely medical control reduces the risk of permanent scarring, which is far harder and costlier to treat than the acne itself.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
The list of products, medications and treatments you have already used (cosmetics and home remedies included), any previous studies you may have, and preferably makeup-free skin on the day of the appointment so it can be examined properly.
Every case is different. Discuss yours in a personal consultation.
Book a consultation on WhatsAppEvery figure published on this site is approximate and is not a quote. Any procedure or treatment first requires a private assessment consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano —$800 MXN, charged separately— and it is at that consultation that the definitive cost of your case is determined.
Educational content; it does not replace a medical consultation. Results may vary from person to person.