Whether you’ve built a thriving single-location dermatology practice or oversee a multi-site group, the steps you take before going to market can dramatically influence your outcome.

At TUSK, we’ve worked with dermatologists across the country—many of whom didn’t initially plan to sell until they understood the opportunity available in the market for their practice. You need to know what your timeline to exit looks like and what success looks like when that moment comes.

Here are the five strategic questions every dermatology practice owner should ask themselves before starting the process.

1. What Does an Ideal Exit from your Dermatology Practice Look Like?

There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy when it comes to selling a dermatology practice. Some physicians want to stay on and help scale with a partner. Others want to slow down, hand off operations, or step away entirely. Your answers will directly shape what kind of buyers you attract, how your deal is structured, and what your role looks like post-sale.

This isn’t just about maximizing price. It’s about aligning your goals—clinical, financial, and personal—with the right partner and the right timeline.

2. Do You Know What Your Practice Is Worth—and What It Needs to Be Worth?

Every dermatologist hopes to “get a great deal.” But the real question is: what does a great one mean to you?

Is there a specific number you need to reach for retirement? A buyout amount tied to your financial plan? Or are you unsure what your practice is worth in today’s market?

Dermatology practices, especially those with aesthetics services, can command high multiples. But there’s also nuance: payor mix, provider retention risk, scalability, and recurring revenue streams all impact valuation.

Before entertaining any offers, you need a sell-side valuation from an expert who understands how buyers in dermatology think. At TUSK, we build detailed, market-based models that don’t just show what your practice is worth, but what it could be worth with the right positioning.

3. Is There a Succession Plan in Place?

For some dermatology practices, clinical care and production revolve around the owner. That can be a challenge for buyers.

• Do you have associate dermatologists or extenders (PAs/NPs) who will stay on?
• Are you open to continuing in a clinical role post-close?
• Is there a pipeline of talent or a strategy for long-term staffing?

Buyers will evaluate not only the strength of your current team but also how dependent the practice is on you and how easily that dependency can be transitioned. Even if you plan to stay on for a few years, de-risking your exit strengthens both the value of your practice and your negotiating power.

4. What’s the Plan for Your Proceeds Post-Sale?

Selling your dermatology practice is likely one of the biggest wealth events of your life. That means the question isn’t just how much you’ll receive, but what you’ll do with it.

Some physicians want to reinvest in other ventures. Others are focused on estate planning, charitable giving, or setting up future generations.

Your financial strategy will inform:

• How your deal should be structured (upfront cash vs. earn-outs or rollover equity)
• How taxes will impact your take-home proceeds
• What timeline is optimal for you to maximize long-term outcomes

Bringing in a financial advisor early, before letters of intent are on the table, can ensure the decisions you make today align with your goals for tomorrow.

5. Do You Have the Right Team to Protect Your Interests?

Buyers come prepared with analysts, attorneys, diligence teams, and negotiation strategies designed to get them the best deal. If you’re selling your practice, you deserve the same.

You need a team that works for you, not the buyer. That includes:

• A healthcare M&A advisor (not a general broker)
• A trusted medical transaction attorney
• A financial advisor and CPA aligned with your goals

At TUSK, we don’t just connect you to potential buyers—we lead the entire process, from valuation to close. We help create competitive tension, shape deal terms around your priorities, and negotiate with the experience that comes from closing hundreds of practice sales.

Selling Your Dermatology Practice Starts Long Before the Deal

The dermatology market continues to drive interest from private equity. Whether you’re 12 months or 3 years away from selling, your decisions today matter. Understanding what your goals are financially and operationally will help guide a smooth dermatology practice sales process.