Skin Lesion Removal in London

What we mean by a benign skin lesion

Most lumps and marks that appear on adult skin are harmless. The ones we are most often asked to remove are:

• Seborrhoeic keratoses — waxy, warty, “stuck-on” brown or skin-coloured growths that multiply with age, common on the trunk, face and scalp.
• Dermatofibromas — small firm nodules, often on the legs, that dimple when pinched.
• Fibroepithelial polyps — larger, fleshy versions of a skin tag, usually in areas of friction.
• Other benign growths — assessed individually, including lesions where a diagnosis is needed before deciding on removal.

Moles, cysts, lipomas, skin tags, milia and warts each have their own page; this page covers the benign growths that do not fit those groups. Because some skin cancers can resemble a keratosis, every pigmented or changing lesion is examined with dermoscopy before removal is agreed.

When removal might be considered

Benign lesions do not need removing for medical reasons. People choose removal because a growth catches on clothing or jewellery, itches or bleeds when knocked, is visible on the face or neck, or simply because they want it gone. Removal is also appropriate when the diagnosis is uncertain and the lesion is best examined under the microscope.

Assessment first

At your £150 assessment the clinician examines the lesion with dermoscopy, confirms it is benign or decides it needs a biopsy, and agrees the technique, expected cosmetic result and price. Lesions with any suspicious features are managed through dermatology and, where needed, the appropriate specialist or NHS urgent pathway — they are never simply removed for cosmetic reasons. Facial and eyelid-margin lesions may be planned with our Consultant Plastic Surgeon.

How the procedure works

Under local anaesthetic, the lesion is removed using the technique agreed at assessment. Superficial growths such as seborrhoeic keratoses are usually shaved level with the surrounding skin or treated with curettage and light cautery, leaving a small raw area that heals in one to two weeks with a dressing. Firmer lesions such as dermatofibromas are excised as a small ellipse and closed with sutures. Most sessions take 15–40 minutes, and several lesions can often be treated together.

Techniques available

• Shave excision — for raised superficial lesions; no stitches, heals as a flat pale mark.
• Curettage & cautery — the lesion is scraped away and the base sealed; suits keratoses and small polyps.
• Cryotherapy (freezing) — liquid nitrogen for selected thin lesions; may leave a lighter patch on darker skin.
• Elliptical excision — full-thickness removal with sutures for firm or deeper lesions, or where histology of the whole lesion is wanted.

Scarring & cosmetic considerations

Every technique that breaks the skin leaves some mark. Shave and curettage sites usually fade to a small flat area slightly paler than the surrounding skin; excision leaves a fine line roughly three times the width of the lesion, which softens over 6–12 months. Skin type, site and sun exposure all influence the result, and your clinician will explain what to expect for your lesion before you decide.

Price & what affects the cost

The £150 assessment is charged separately and comes first. Procedure pricing depends on the size, number and site of lesions and the technique used; single benign lesions start from £295 per session. See the full fee list.

Histology & laboratory testing

Excised tissue is sent to an accredited laboratory for histology where clinically indicated, with a low threshold for testing any lesion whose diagnosis is not certain and for lesions removed by full excision. Clearly benign superficial growths removed for cosmetic reasons are not routinely tested. Histology is charged separately, and your clinician will tell you before treatment whether your specimen is being sent.

Recovery & aftercare

Keep the area clean and dry for 24–48 hours, then follow the dressing advice you are given. Shave and curettage sites scab and heal over one to two weeks; sutured excisions have their stitches removed at 7–14 days depending on the site. Most people return to desk work the same or next day. See our minor surgery recovery guide for detail and red flags.

Risks & limitations

Minor surgery is safe but not risk-free. Possible issues include bleeding, infection, a scar that is more noticeable than hoped, a change in skin colour at the site, incomplete removal or regrowth of a superficial lesion, and — rarely — an unexpected histology result requiring further treatment. All are discussed at assessment and covered in your written consent.