Treatment of Benign Lesions

Shave excision:
This technique is suitable for some skin conditions, such as skin tags, actinic keratoses and some moles. It is often combined with cautery (a device which passes an electrical current to your skin to stop bleeding). It is better suited to skin-coloured lesions. A patch of skin is left to heal by itself, but because the deeper layer is left intact it usually does so within 1-2 weeks, often ultimately without a scar.

Complete removal (excisional biopsy):
This is used for larger moles or those which are pigmented, and for any lesions which could be cancerous in order to ensure none is left behind. Your wound will then be stitched closed, leaving a scar.

Freezing (cryotherapy):
Cryotherapy involves freezing off lesions with liquid nitrogen. A blister will form after the treatment, and the lesion will eventually fall off with the blister. It is suitable for selected skin lesions.

Scooping away (curettage):
This method of removal can be used for warts. I will use a surgical instrument to gently scoop away the lesion. This may be combined with cautery or cryotherapy.

Before embarking on cosmetic surgery always do your research and find a reliable surgeon with a good local reputation. Developing a rapport with your surgeon is essential. A consultation usually takes at least half an hour and it should be with the surgeon rather than a nurse or patient coordinator. I like to meet twice before surgery so you can ask all the questions you’ve thought of between meetings. If necessary I would prefer to meet more than twice before surgery than for you to have unanswered questions going into the operation. 

• Analgesia (pain relief) – Ibuprofen and paracetamol
• Surgical skin tapes should be left in place for the first week and replaced thereafter
• The hospital or surgeon should be contacted if you develop a temperature, bleeding or rapid swelling
• Wounds will be checked at 1 week, and I usually then see you at 1, 3 and 6 months.
• Swelling reduces after a few weeks