Skin Lesion Removal

Skin lesions, also known as skin lumps and bumps, are skin blemishes that are commonly found on the skin surface or just beneath the skin in the subcutaneous fat layer. Common types of skin lesions include skin tags, warts, or moles and can be quickly and efficiently removed by one of our expert dermatologists. The vast majority of skin lesions or skin lumps are benign in nature and are removed for cosmetic reasons. In a small number of cases, a skin lump or bump may possess sinister features that require further testing, which may include a skin biopsy to rule out cancerous changes.

At Centre for Surgery, our practitioners would always recommend not to wait for a skin lesion to settle on its own and to seek assessment by a specialist dermatologist. Skin cancers comprise a very small proportion of skin lesions, although the number of skin cancers is on the rise, and these skin lesions can be very dangerous to leave to grow unchecked. If in doubt, you should always seek an urgent dermatology review for your peace of mind. It is always better to have a skin lesion assessed and its nature determined to be benign and harmless than to simply ignore it in the hope it will disappear on its own.

Centre for Surgery specialises in all types of skin lesion removal using state-of-the-art surgical and erbium laser methods at our state-of-the-art CQC-regulated facility on Baker Street in Marylebone, London.

What are skin lesions?

Skin lesions are very common; most people will have some at some point. Skin lesions can vary in size, shape, and colour and can appear anywhere on the body. Some skin lesions can be present at birth, such as birthmarks and moles, while some skin lesions can develop later in life, such as cysts, warts and lipomas. Skin lesions can be caused by several factors. Some skin lesions, such as freckles, birthmarks, and moles, can be genetic however, the most common cause of many skin lesions is environmental in origin—for example, infective skin lesions caused by bacteria.

Most skin lesions are completely harmless and there is often no need to remove them. However, many skin lesions can become a cosmetic nuisance; therefore, many patients prefer to undergo skin lesion removal. If a skin lesion causes pain or discomfort or displays signs which are potentially cancerous, then skin lesion removal would be appropriate. It is always recommended to consult with your GP if you notice a suspicious-looking lump. The vast majority of benign skin lesions are assessed and removed by specialists in the private sector. The NHS does not usually undertake skin lesion removal for benign (non-cancerous) lumps and bumps.

Addressing Skin Lesions

Skin lesions that are cancerous require immediate medical intervention, and surgery is often the most trusted and effective approach. Many individuals opt for plastic surgery to remove these skin lesions to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome. On the other hand, some skin lesions, such as moles, are benign and pose minimal risk. Despite their harmless nature, they can also be removed for aesthetic purposes.

Why perform a skin biopsy?

Where the precise diagnosis of a skin lesion is uncertain or the dermatologist requires confirmation of the diagnosis, then a skin biopsy will be performed. Many skin biopsies can be performed in several different ways. Very often, a punch biopsy or shave biopsy is undertaken. The advantage of both methods is that they both leave smaller scars. They are used when there is uncertainty over a diagnosis or previous treatments have failed. Suspicion of skin cancer is a very common reason to perform a skin biopsy. In these cases, common biopsy techniques include a punch biopsy, shave biopsy or an incision biopsy. In some cases, an excision biopsy is performed. In this case, the whole skin lesion is removed at the same time and therefore resulting in full treatment in the same session.

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Benefits of skin lumps and bumps removal at Centre for Surgery

The incidence of skin cancer is rapidly increasing in the UK, and it’s becoming a significant health concern. In fact, skin cancer’s growth rate is outpacing that of any other form of cancer, accounting for nearly four-fifths of all newly diagnosed cancer cases.

The primary culprit behind skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, predominantly from the sun’s rays, especially during the intense UK summers. Artificial sources like sunbeds also contribute to UV exposure. Societal factors such as the pursuit of the perfect tan, an increase in outdoor activities, and the thinning of the ozone layer are accelerating the alarming increase in skin cancer cases.

It’s important to understand that anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin type, ethnicity, or age. However, certain factors can elevate your risk. You may be at a higher risk if:

• • Your skin is fair and prone to freckling
• You have light-coloured hair and eyes
• You have a large number of moles, or moles that are unusually sized or shaped
• • You have a family history of skin cancer
• • You spend a substantial amount of time outdoors
• • You’ve had radiation treatments for acne during adolescence

We encourage you to familiarise yourself with your skin and inspect it regularly for any changes. If you notice any unusual growths or alterations anywhere on your body, it’s advisable to consult with a plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery.

• Benign Skin Lesions: Benign skin lesions are non-cancerous and pose minimal risk of developing into cancer. These might include ordinary moles, skin tags, or lumps. Despite being harmless, some people might choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons or if they cause discomfort.
• Pre-cancerous Skin Lesions: Pre-cancerous skin lesions display early signs of potentially developing into cancer. If they aren’t appropriately treated, they could progress into malignant skin cancers. Examples of pre-cancerous skin lesions include squamous cell carcinoma in situ (also known as Bowen’s disease) and solar (or actinic) keratosis. Both of these conditions are generally caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, highlighting the importance of sun protection.

Understanding Cancerous Skin Lesions

The appropriate treatment for skin lesions and cancers varies greatly depending on the type of cancer involved and its location on your body. Available treatment methods run the gamut from simple creams to more invasive surgical removal and reconstructive procedures. However, surgical removal is often the best method for most skin cancers. This is because the excised cancer can be sent to a pathologist for analysis to confirm that the entire cancer has been removed.

Treating complex skin cancers, particularly those that occur in aesthetically sensitive areas like the face, requires a high level of expertise to ensure the best possible outcome.

Once a skin cancer has been removed, it often leaves a mark, as it might not be feasible to simply stitch the wound closed. In these instances, reconstruction using various plastic surgery techniques may be necessary. The most common techniques include:

Skin Flaps

This technique involves moving some adjacent skin to fill in a defect that’s too large to close with stitches or when a better aesthetic result is desired. Because the skin flap is typically taken from a neighbouring area, the characteristics of the skin are closely matched, which can lead to a pleasing cosmetic outcome.

Skin Grafts

This technique involves harvesting skin from a different location on the body to fill the defect. This graft relies on the growth of new blood vessels into the transplanted skin for it to ‘take’ or successfully attach. During this phase, the graft needs to be protected to ensure a successful outcome.

In many cases, skin lesion removal with the Erbium laser is the preferred option of removal for skin lesions. The treatment is very precise, causes very little discomfort and can carried out under a topical local anaesthetic in many cases. Laser treatment usually lasts around 15-20 minutes. The vast majority of skin lesion removal can be treated under a local anaesthetic. However, some very large lipomas or very extensive skin lesions may require treatment under TIVA general anaesthetic, which we also provide in our own dedicated on-site surgical theatres.

Common skin lesions include:

• Skin tags
• Warts
• Verrucas
• Milia
• Moles
• Lipomas
• Cysts

Some skin lesions are related to excessive sunlight and include:

• Age spots
• Seborrhoeic keratosis
• Actinic keratosis

The Erbium laser is an excellent treatment option for addressing these skin lesions and has superseded old-fashioned methods such as cryotherapy, curettage and cautery and topical creams. Erbium laser does not carry the risks of surgical removal including incisions, the need for suturing and the downtime that comes with surgical methods of removal. Scarring is also much more cosmetically pleasing compared with surgical methods.

Remember if there is any change in the size and shape of an existing skin lesion or if you notice a new lump with potentially suspicious features then it is important to be seen by your GP or a specialist dermatologist to rule out cancerous changes.

Vascular skin lesions include:

• Facial thread veins
• Cherry angioma
• Venous lakes

The Nd:YAG laser is the gold standard skin lesion removal laser for fast and effective removal of facial vascular skin lesions with minimal risk and downtime. Vascular laser treatment can often be undertaken without topical anaesthesia, and cold air cooling during treatment is sufficient to minimise discomfort. There is no downtime with vascular skin lesion removal using Nd:YAG laser.

Do you have any pigments on the skin such as freckles, age spots, birthmarks, moles, certain vascular lesions, ephelides, melasma, seborrheic and actinic or keratoses? You can improve the appearance of any skin pigments using lasers. This is a desirable way to remove pigments without using chemicals or resorting to surgery. Pigmented lesions can often be seen as aesthetically unappealing. They can often be very prominent and noticeable on the face, which can cause negative self-image problems and lower self-esteem. Fortunately, this can be remedied with laser treatment. This is a quick, safe and effective way to remove pigmented lesions without involving any incisions.

At Centre for Surgery, we use Fotona’s SP Line laser system for all pigmented lesion removals. Laser removal of pigmented lesions is suitable for those who want to avoid a recovery time and do not wish to have any sutures or scars. You will be a suitable candidate if you have a pigmented lesion which you wish to have removed through laser therapy. You must be at least 18 years old to undergo this procedure. Laser therapy is a suitable procedure for all ethnic skin types. You will need to have reasonable expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Before undergoing any treatment, you must meet with your surgeon for a consultation. The surgeon will be able to assess your skin and decide whether or not you are an eligible candidate for the procedure or whether another option is more suitable.

Laser removal of pigmented lesions works by destroying the pigment of the skin without the need for excision. The procedure will involve three steps.

• (1) Light absorption: light from the laser is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the skin.
• (2) Pigment break-up: photoacoustic waves from the laser will break up the pigment into smaller particles.
• (3) Pigment removal: The body will then naturally remove the small particles and the area will be clear of any pigments.

You may feel some mild pain during the procedure. However, most people are able to tolerate this without the use of any topical anaesthetic. This quick, safe, and non-invasive procedure will leave you with an improved skin appearance. You may need to have numerous sessions to achieve the best results. Many people will require three to four sessions.

Repeat sessions can be performed after two weeks. As this is a non-surgical procedure, there is very little downtime. You will be able to return home straight after the procedure. Ensure you take care of your skin following the treatment. This can be done by applying sunscreen when you are outside. Failure to do so may result in the return of pigments.

You will be booked in to see one of our expert dermatologists at Centre for Surgery in Marylebone for your skin lumps and bumps consultation.

At Centre for Surgery in London, we specialise in the surgical removal of skin lesions. Our highly trained and experienced team of plastic surgeons are committed to providing comprehensive and personalised care for every patient.

Each surgeon on our team is an expert in their field, and we ensure that our patients receive the highest standard of care. We’re equipped with state-of-the-art technology, which allows us to provide a range of treatment options for skin lesions, ensuring that each patient gets a tailored treatment plan that suits their unique needs.

We understand that the thought of surgery can be daunting, and we’re dedicated to making the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible. This begins with our initial consultation, where we’ll explain the procedure, the likely results, and any potential risks or complications.

During the procedure, our surgeons work with a meticulous approach to minimise scarring and achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome. We also provide thorough aftercare to ensure that your recovery is smooth and comfortable, and that you’re satisfied with the results.

Whether you’re seeking treatment for a benign or malignant skin lesion, Centre for Surgery in London is here to guide and support you through every step of the process.