Minor Skincare Treatments and Operations

Essentially the removal of benign (non- cancerous) moles, cysts, warty lesions from the skin on the face and body under local anaesthetic in a minor operating facility. Most are removed for cosmetic reasons or because they may catch on clothing and interfere with personal grooming.

Many moles and small cysts are unsightly or annoying for many reasons not just cosmetic. E.g. a mole in a scalp line, face or neck can interfere with combing or brushing or washing or some cysts such as sebaceous cysts can grow and discharge their contents which can lead to embarrassment.

If these moles or cyst appear innocent on examination at consultation then most are suitable for direct removal and closing with stitches.

The NHS provides a removal service though your GP on moles that are thought to be suspicious such as a skin cancer; melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma (rodent ulcer). Consultation will establish if you mole is of concern. You can be referred back to your GP for treatment on the NHS or privately to a Consultant dermatologist. These skin problems may need on going specialized medical care that is outside of the scope of Viridian Medical. A large mole where there may be significant loss of skin may not be suitable for removal under local anaesthetic.

The mole may be in a difficult area e.g very close to the eye on a lip border. This is all best addressed at consultation. If you have problems with scarring that is hypertrophic or keloid this removal may not be appropriate. If you are on aspirin or wafarin or other “blood thinners” you may not be suitable

You need to attend for a consultation to establish the cause of the mole or cyst. If you wish to proceed you will be given a theatre slot within 2 weeks. You will fill in a consent form

On the day of arrival you can perform your normal daily routine and eat normally.

Most procedures take less than 30 minutes. A local anaesthetic (lignocaine with adrenalin) is injected around the lesion which may sting and then the lesion is removed using a very small scalpel. Stitches are used to close the wound for it to heal. You will be advised when to have the stitches removed which can be anything for 5 to 14 days depending on the location. During healing the wound will look pink for many months and gradually fade to a thin white scar.

Sending the specimen for histology after it has been removed is to have it examined by an expert under the microscope. This is to give reassurance that the lesion is not of concern. It is strongly recommended all pigmented moles even if innocent looking, or present for many years should be examined this way.

Very rarely something unexpected is revealed, or if at a later date a mole develops nearby it is reassuring to know it was not related to the one that was removed.