Introduction

Apart from Mohs micrographic surgery, we also specialise in standard dermatologic and plastic surgery techniques for the removal of skin cancers, acne scars and benign skin lesions.   These procedures are usually performed in our fully-equipped theatre under local anaesthetic.

Standard excision

The lesion is carefully removed, with a diamond or ellipse-shaped excision.  The skin is then carefully sutured together with a combination of dissolving and non-dissolving sutures.  The latter will need to be removed in 5-10 days depending of the area of the surgery.

Flap and graft plastic surgery techniques

For larger lesions and those in more difficult positions such as the nose and ears, it is not always possible to bring the skin together in a straight line.  In this case we need to reposition skin from nearby (a flap) or take skin from elsewhere (a graft) to close the wound. 

Shave excision

Some lesions, flesh-coloured protuberant moles and skin tags, are suitable for this relatively minor procedure.  The skin is injected with local anaesthetic and then the lesion is then very precisely shaved from the skin to leave the surface flat.   Aftercare is important in achieving a good cosmetic outcome and strict but simple written wound-care instruction are given.

Curettage

Some lesions including rough seborrhoeic keratoses are suitable for removal by this technique.  The skin is injected with a local anaesthetic and then the lesion is very precisely scraped from the skin to leave the surface flat.   Aftercare is important in achieving a good cosmetic outcome and strict but simple written wound-care instruction are given