Skin Lesion Removal Dermatologist2019-11-08T17:46:08+00:00

Feel in charge of your skin

PERSONALISED DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT PLANS

Skin lesion removal, otherwise known as excision, is a minor procedure that involves removing a skin lesion with the aid of a local anaesthetic.

I CAN USE THE PROCEDURE TO REMOVE BENIGN AND MALIGNANT LESIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, SKIN CANCERS

How soon can I remove your skin lesion?

I offer a one-stop service which means that I can often perform the procedure on the day of your consultation. If you’re looking for a same-day service, let my secretary know when you book the appointment.

What kind of skin lesions can I remove?

I can remove benign lesions such as moles, cysts, lipomas and dermatofibromas through excision if they are becoming bothersome and causing symptoms such as itching, irritation, inflammation and discomfort. I am a trained skin cancer surgeon and can remove new or changing skin lesions where I suspect a malignant change, and confirmed skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

How does the procedure work?

I always explain the procedure in full, including its benefits and risks, in order to ensure you are happy to go ahead with the treatment. I initially numb the affected skin with local anaesthetic. I then remove the lesion with a margin of healthy surrounding skin to ensure that I completely remove it and to reduce the risk of this recurring.

Is it painful?

The only part of the excision that can be uncomfortable is when I inject a local anaesthetic. This step can sting for a few seconds, but then the affected area will numb. You can then feel free to fully relax and listen to the background music while I look after your skin with the utmost care.

Will I have a scar following treatment?

This procedure results in a linear scar. However, I provide you wiith instructions and advice so that your scar settles with the best possible appearance.

Skin treatment enables people of all ages to take control of their skin condition and get their life back

What my patients love about my service

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou for her assessment on my continued taking of roaccutane.

She was completely right, I didn’t need a new course, I needed to move away from the drug. The creams she gave me and Cetaphil recommendation have meant my skin has been the best it’s ever been (ongoing and since I saw her) ALL SUMMER :))))) I’ve had zero problems…and I’m loving it.

Thank you once again.


Phillip, Acne

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

Following the consultation today I feel it appropriate to say thank you for your help in dealing with my rosacea.

On each occasion, I have visited your department I have noticed the kindness and cheeriness of all the staff I have encountered and particularly wanted to say that you made me feel at ease with your calmness and excellent manner.

All is much appreciated.”


Anne, Rosacea

“Thank you very much!!

You three were (and are) a great team!

I will remember you.

You made me feel comfortable.”


Ellie

“Tania,

Please pass to Dr Pratsou my thanks for her skilled work.

The wound is healing beautifully and now the stitches are out it looks as though it will be almost invisible once fully healed.”


Graham, Skin cancer removal

“Dear Dr Penelope, Rena & the team, (I can’t remember the nurse’s name who helped me during my 2 procedures at the Spire!)

I wanted to thank you for your support and help during a very difficult time. You guys do a wonderful job – and we are eternally grateful for your help.”


Clarissa, Skin cancer

“I would like to put on record how impressed I was with the operation you performed for the removal of the SCC on my neck. I cannot even see where the cut or the stitches were! I am indeed very grateful for the excellent work you do.”


Harry, Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

I am very grateful to you for your diagnosis, recommended treatment and advice. Your letter to my GP sets out both the course of events, and your own analysis of probable condition and possible cause, clearly summarising our discussion.

I hope there will be no recurrence but I will certainly come back to you if there is.”


Ryan, Skin rash

“Dear Tania,

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou. I saw her this morning for a mole check. She was so lovely and reassuring. Please also thank the two nurses who assisted her during the mole removal procedure. I was very nervous, but they were very efficient, which meant I did not have too long to think about it, but most of all they were very kind. They kept me distracted and calm, which made a huge difference. Thank you also for your efficiency in both booking me in so quickly.”


James, Mole removal
Dear Ms. Pratsou,

I am writing to thank you for the care you have given me in the past few months. From the moment I walked into your consulting room with a lesion on my cheek, a lesion that I fully expected to be some sort of skin cancer (and it was), you have been thorough, reassuring, respectful and in every way professional.

You recognised that I had some insight into the condition of my skin and the procedures required to treat me. You listened to me. You projected expertise and compassion.

During the procedure to remove the growth you ensured that the atmosphere in the treatment room remained not only calm, but actually pleasant. Had it not been that you were excising a growth and sewing me up, I almost felt as if you, me and the nurse were at some sort of women’s discussion group. The time flew by. I had zero anxieties about the procedure and as we both know now, the wound healed flawlessly.

Thank you for your expertise and your communication skills and all round good nature. I feel very lucky.


Karen Tatom, Skin cancer removal

We have replaced the images and names of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

The first step to feeling in charge of your skin is to book an initial consultation

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE SKIN YOU WANT

How it works

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS

STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF

Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.

MEET WITH ME

I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN

I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.

More information about the treatment

FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS

Skin lesion removal, otherwise known as excision, is a minor procedure that involves removing a skin lesion with the aid of a local anaesthetic.

I can use the procedure to remove benign and malignant lesions, for example, skin cancers.

I offer a one-stop service which means that I can often perform the procedure on the day of your consultation. If you’re looking for a same-day service, let my secretary know when you book the appointment.

How do I know Skin Lesion Removal is right for you?

I can remove benign lesions such as moles, cysts, lipomas and dermatofibromas through excision if they are becoming bothersome and causing symptoms such as itching, irritation, inflammation and discomfort.

I will offer to remove any mole that I suspect to be suspiciously changing with a small margin of healthy surrounding skin. I can then send this sample off for lab analysis to rule out sinister changes.

Often, patients will present with a non-healing, growing or bleeding lesion in a sun-exposed area. That lesion will clinically indicate a basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. In cases of highly suspected or confirmed basal or squamous cell carcinoma, I remove the skin cancer with a margin of 4mm of surrounding normal looking skin. This approach ensures that I have completely removed it and reduces the risk of it recurring. Most often, this is the only treatment you will need.

In some cases, I will need to take a small diagnostic skin biopsy first before I can recommend that we proceed to complete excision.

Cases of confirmed melanoma, a type of skin cancer, require further skin excision or removal known as wide local excision.

I often undertake skin lesion removal, or excision, on the same day as your consultation.

I use a local anaesthetic, and you will be able to go home on the same day.

After I explain the need for the skin lesion removal, the possible side effects and receive your written consent, I undertake the procedure.

I mark the lesion I will remove and confirm its location with you. I may need to use one or more injections of local anaesthetic to numb the affected area.

I then remove the lesion with a margin of healthy surrounding skin to ensure that I completely remove it and to reduce the risk of this recurring.

I then repair the resulting wound with internal and external skin sutures. This approach generally results in a linear scar.

I cover the wound with an appropriate dressing. I will then give you aftercare instructions both verbally and in writing.

These will include the number of stitches you required and how long they need to stay in before you have them removed by a nurse.

Can I go straight back to work following my excision?

This will depend on the size of the lesion I remove, the resulting length of the scar, and the site of the body I treat.

Some patients who have small lesions removed feel well enough to go back to work following their excision, though some prefer to work from home or take the day off, especially if a large lesion is treated.

Can I drive following my excision?

Depending on the body site where I take the excision from, if you feel physically well following the biopsy, there should be no medical reason preventing you from driving. In some cases, (for example when I take excisions from the foot or the lower leg) I may advise you not to drive.

Additionally, excisions I take from the face may result in bulky dressings that can be in your line of sight. You should, therefore, avoid driving.

Furthermore, it is important to note that some insurance policies might not cover you in case of a car accident following a procedure and you should check with your insurance if you are in any doubt.

If you know that you are having a minor procedure, it may be wise to make suitable travel arrangements.

Is a skin excision painful?

The only part of the excision that can be uncomfortable is when I inject a local anaesthetic.

This step can sting for a few seconds, but then the affected area will numb. You can then feel free to fully relax and listen to the background music while I look after your skin with the utmost care.

How long will it take for my skin to heal?

Healing, in part, depends on the size of the lesion I remove, the resulting length of the scar, and the site of the body I treat.

The skin might look healed within 1 or 2 weeks of the procedure and once your stitches are out. It is, however, important to note that your skin is still mending under the surface with the help of dissolvable sutures. It is necessary to bear this in mind when undertaking physical activities that can put tension on the scar. You may need to take a break from intense physical activities for some weeks.

Will my scar fade?

It is impossible to remove any lesion without leaving a scar. How well the wound heals depends on my surgical technique, your careful adherence to aftercare instructions to prevent stretching and pigmentation of the scar, and your own skin’s ability to heal. You may expect any scar to be 2 or 3 times as long as the diameter of the lesion I remove.

What can I do to help the appearance of my scar?

You should follow the aftercare instructions carefully. Avoid putting tension to the affected area for the first 2 or 3 weeks to avoid wound break down or skin stretching. Please take adequate sun protection measures to avoid excessive scar pigmentation. You can also, once your stitches are out, gently massage the residual scar on a daily basis with a moisturiser of your choice. This action stimulates collagen production and greatly improves the final appearance of the scar.

Please note that this can take anywhere between 6 weeks and 2 years for a scar to settle into its final appearance.

When can I resume my normal physical activities?

The final appearance will largely depend on the size of your wound following the procedure and where it is on your body. You will have a splash proof dressing on so you can shower as usual. In general, you should avoid going swimming while your sutures are still in place (between 1 and 2 weeks). It would help if you avoided moderate to intense sporting activities during this time and possibly for a total of 3-4 weeks depending on the size of your wound. This measure helps to prevent tension across the scar that can result in wound breakdown or stretching and an unsightly appearance.

Affiliations and memberships

I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS

Questions and answers

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About the author

Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist

MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)

I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.

I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.

After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.

Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.

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