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Skin lesion removal is a minor surgical procedure used to remove non-cancerous growths such as moles, skin tags, cysts, lipomas, and warts. The aim is to safely remove the lesion while achieving the best possible cosmetic result.
Common treatable lesions include moles, skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses, cysts, lipomas, warts, benign lumps, and certain pigmented lesions. Trauma-related concerns such as split earlobes and some scars can also be treated.
Most skin lesion removals are performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the area is fully numbed. Patients may feel pressure during the procedure, but it should not be painful.
Any procedure that breaks the skin can leave a scar, but careful surgical techniques are used to minimise scarring. The final appearance depends on the lesion type, location, and individual healing response.
Initial healing usually takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the size and location of the lesion. Scar maturation continues over several months, with gradual improvement in appearance.
The NHS prioritises urgent or suspected cancerous lesions. Benign lesions and trauma scars are often considered low priority or cosmetic, which can lead to long waiting times or ineligibility for treatment.
In some cases, removed lesions are sent for histological analysis to confirm the diagnosis. This is discussed during your consultation and depends on the type and appearance of the lesion.
Most adults with non-urgent, non-cancerous skin lesions or scars are suitable. A full assessment is carried out to ensure the lesion is appropriate for treatment and to rule out any medical concerns.