Dermatology/Surgical Removal of Skin Lesions

The removal of skin lesions improves the appearance of the skin and removes discomfort  

Skin lesions are lumps or bumps such as moles, cysts, warts, skin tags and lipomas (fatty lumps). Most skin lesions don’t cause serious problems and are benign, but you may want to have them removed for practical or cosmetic reasons.  

Skin lesions can be bothersome and sometimes uncomfortable, and their removal will improve the appearance of the skin whilst removing the discomfort being experienced.  

There are different methods to remove skin lesions – the type of procedure you have will depend on the type of skin lesion you have. If you have benign (non-cancerous) warts, for example, you can be treated with non-surgical procedures. Larger skin lesions or ones that need precise removal may need to be surgically removed under local anaesthetic or sedation.  

Simple removals involve cutting skin tags with surgical scissors and shaving non-cancerous lesions down to skin level. Freezing skin tags, lesions or moles with liquid nitrogen is also common. Larger or more complex lesions may require removal through surgical excision, laser therapy or photo-activated chemicals.   

At 152 Harley Street, skin lesion procedures are carried out in our state-of-the-art day case theatre and you will be able to leave shortly after your procedure.  

Skin lesions can be bothersome, and sometimes uncomfortable. Removing a skin lesion will not only remove the discomfort being experienced but it will also improve the appearance of the skin.

The procedure to remove a skin lesion will depend upon the skin lesion type, the size of the lesion and where it is located. Removal can range from a simple biopsy, to scraping, shaving or freezing the lesion. In the rare cases where an excision is needed, it may simply heal on its own or closed with sutures (stitches). Larger lesions may require reconstructive techniques involving skin grafts or flaps.

Not all skin lesions can be surgically removed, as it depends on the type and location of the lesion. In general, skin lesions that are cancerous or pre-cancerous are the most likely to be removed surgically. These can include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Other types of skin lesions that may be removed surgically include cysts, lipomas, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, and certain types of moles.

The decision to remove a lesion will depend on various factors, such as the size, location, and type of lesion, as well as the patient’s overall health.

However, some types of skin lesions may not be suitable for surgical removal. For example, lesions that are located in sensitive areas or near vital organs may be difficult or risky to remove surgically. Additionally, some lesions may be too large or may have spread too deeply into the skin, making it difficult to remove them entirely with surgery.

No matter the size or location of your skin lesion, we will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.

We will evaluate the lesion and recommend the most appropriate treatment option based on your individual circumstances.

Procedure Overview

  • Non-invasive procedure to remove moles, cysts, warts, skin tags and lipoma’s (fatty lumps)
  • Eliminates uncomfortable, benign and precancerous/cancerous growths and improves the appearance of the skin
  • Non-surgical and local anaesthetic options depending on the size and/or location
  • Typical procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes
  • Typical procedure costs £925
  • Full recovery expected immediately, with over-the-counter pain relief if required
Photo of half a face of a woman

No! Depending upon the size and location of your lesion, your consultant will give you a local aesthetic to the affected skin. This will not only prevent any pain but will also cause the lesion to rise upwards making it easier to remove. During the procedure you may feel some pressure and a sensation of pushing.

Typically, the procedure will take between 20 to 30 minutes, depending upon the size of the lesion being removed and where it is located.

After your procedure, you should not have much pain. But some soreness, swelling, or bruising is normal. Your consultant may recommend over-the-counter pain relief medicines to help with any discomfort. Most people can return to their normal routine the same day of their procedure.

After the skin lesion has been removed, the treated area will remain red for a few days. If you have stitches this might result in a scar that should fade as the wound heals. Generally, most wounds take an average of 1-3 weeks to heal.

The extent of scarring after surgical removal of a skin lesion depends on several factors, such as the size and location of the lesion, the skill of the surgeon, and the healing process of the patient.

In general, smaller lesions and those removed from areas with loose skin tend to result in less noticeable scarring. 

After the surgical removal of a skin lesion, the recovery process typically involves some degree of pain and discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or prescribed painkillers. The site of the incision will be covered with a dressing, which will need to be changed periodically in the first few days after the procedure. 

In the days and weeks following the procedure, the patient needs to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Your surgeon may recommend a topical antibiotic or other medications to help prevent infection and promote healing. You should also avoid activities that could irritate the incision site or cause it to reopen, such as strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or stretching.

Over time, the incision site will begin to heal, and the scab that forms will eventually fall off on its own. During this time, it’s important to avoid picking at the scab, as this can increase the risk of scarring.  

As the wound continues to heal, the scar will gradually fade and may become less noticeable over time. 

It’s important to follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring. 

 In some cases, your surgeon may recommend additional treatments or procedures, such as scar massage or laser therapy, to help reduce the appearance of scarring.

The price to have a skin lesion removed starts from approximately £925 which includes both consultant and facility fees. The total cost will be confirmed following the initial consultation.

skincare routine for 30s

"Excellent care by Mr Juling Ong and his team for my son. He removed a lesion completely which has barely left any scar - far less than we had expected. Histology tests were carried out and clear. Also, great organisation of the appointments etc. Highly recommend."

"After sending a photo to my GP of a red mark on my face she advised me to see a dermatologist to see if it was skin cancer. I made an appointment with Dr Mann at once he made me feel calm with his manner. He assured me the mark was not cancer but I had a mole which needed removing. Dr Mann removed the mole – I was very anxious but he talked to me though the procedure. He is very professional at the same time has a caring and friendly manner. I would recommend Mr Mann 100%. So very glad I chose him from the list of dermatologist I was sent."

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