Skin lesion removal in London for moles, cysts, lipomas, skin tags, warts, milia and other benign lumps, plus pre-cancerous sun damage, by surgical excision or laser, with removed tissue checked under the microscope.
Whether you want a mole, cyst, lump or skin tag removed, the right method depends on what the lesion is, how deep it sits and whether it needs checking under the microscope, from mole removal and cyst removal to lipoma removal and skin tag removal. If you are not sure what your lesion is, start with skin lesion assessment and removal, which explains how lesions are assessed and removed.
Lesions are removed by surgical excision, laser or fine extraction, depending on the type of lesion and where it is:
Tissue that is cut out is sent to a laboratory for histology, where it is examined under the microscope to confirm what it was; typical skin tags are the exception and do not need testing. Results usually take 3–4 weeks. Any lesion that looks unusual is diagnosed before it is treated: we do not laser or shave a pigmented lesion that could be cancer, because that would destroy the tissue needed to make the diagnosis.
Usually a small one. Laser and shave techniques often heal with a flat mark that fades over the following months, while excision leaves a fine line scar, placed along the natural creases of the skin where possible. Deeper lumps such as cysts and lipomas need an incision, which is planned to be as short and well hidden as possible.
Usually only if a lesion is suspicious, painful, repeatedly infected or affecting function; removal for cosmetic reasons is not normally available on the NHS. We do not treat skin cancer at Centre for Surgery: if a lesion looks as though it could be a skin cancer, or a biopsy shows one, we refer you through your GP to an NHS skin cancer team.
Lesions are assessed and removed at our Baker Street hospital, rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission, usually under local anaesthetic. Current prices are on our skin and aesthetics price list.
Skin lesion removal assesses and removes lumps, bumps and marks on the skin by excision, laser or fine extraction, with tissue sent for analysis where needed. Choose it if you are not sure what your lesion is; diagnosis always comes before treatment.
Mole removal takes off raised, dark or irritated moles by excision, shave or laser, chosen to suit the mole and leave the smallest possible mark. Choose it if a mole bothers you or catches on clothing; any mole with concerning features is checked under the microscope.
Lipoma removal cuts out a soft, fatty lump from under the skin in one piece under local anaesthetic, so it is unlikely to grow back. Choose it if a lump is growing, uncomfortable or visible; deep or large lipomas may need a scan first.
Cyst removal cuts out an epidermoid or pilar (sebaceous) cyst together with its lining under local anaesthetic, so it is much less likely to return. Choose it once any infection has settled; an inflamed cyst is treated first and removed later.
Sebaceous hyperplasia removal treats the small yellowish bumps with a central dip caused by enlarged oil glands, usually on the forehead, nose and cheeks, using laser. Choose it if the bumps bother you; new ones can appear over time.
Xanthelasma removal clears the yellow, cholesterol-rich patches that form on the eyelids, by laser or surgical excision depending on their size and depth. Choose it if the patches are noticeable; a cholesterol check is worthwhile, as they can come back.
Syringoma removal treats the small skin-coloured bumps that cluster on the lower eyelids and upper cheeks, using precise erbium laser. Choose it if the bumps make the under-eye area look uneven; several sessions may be needed and some can recur.
Skin tag removal takes off small, soft growths from the neck, eyelids, armpits, groin or genital area, usually by laser or fine snipping under local anaesthetic, leaving a small flat mark that fades. Choose it if tags catch on clothing or jewellery; new ones can form.
Wart and verruca removal treats stubborn warts on the hands, face, body and soles of the feet with laser, often over a few sessions. Choose it if over-the-counter treatments have not worked; warts are caused by a virus, so new ones can appear.
Milia removal clears the tiny white bumps that sit just under the skin around the eyes, nose and cheeks, by gentle extraction or laser. Choose it if milia have not cleared on their own; most people need only one or two sessions.
Dermatofibroma removal cuts out the firm, slightly raised nodule, most often found on the lower legs, under local anaesthetic, with the tissue sent for analysis. Choose it if the nodule is itchy, catches when shaving or bothers you; removal leaves a fine line scar.
Pyogenic granuloma removal treats the fast-growing red lump that bleeds easily, removing it completely and sending it for analysis. Choose it if a lump has appeared quickly and bleeds when touched; complete removal makes it less likely to return.
Lip lesion removal treats lumps, spots and patches on the lips, from harmless mucous cysts and dark spots to sun damage, with removed tissue checked under the microscope. Choose it for any lip lesion that is growing, bleeding or not healing; it is assessed before treatment.
Seborrhoeic keratosis removal clears the raised, waxy brown growths that come with age, usually with laser, leaving a pink mark that fades over a few weeks. Choose it if they catch on clothing or bother you cosmetically; they are harmless, but new ones form over time.
Dermatosis papulosa nigra removal treats the small, dark raised spots on the face and neck that are common in darker skin, using laser settings chosen to protect your skin tone. Choose it if the spots bother you; careful settings reduce the risk of pigment change.
Actinic keratosis treatment clears rough, scaly patches caused by sun damage, which can occasionally progress to skin cancer, using freezing, laser or prescribed creams. Choose it if you have rough patches on sun-exposed skin; anything uncertain is biopsied first.
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Patient Library
30 articles on cysts, lipomas and moles, written for patients and medically reviewed by Dr Spyridon Vlachos, Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Lumps & bumps
Skin lesion histology results explained: what happens to your sample, how long results take, what each result means and the next steps.
Read the article: Skin Lesion Histology Results: What Happens to Your Sample and What They MeanThe Centre for Surgery newsletter
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