MINOR SKIN SURGERY

Minor skin surgery is a common part of dermatology practice and is used to diagnose, treat, or remove a wide range of skin lesions. As a Consultant Dermatologist in London, Dr Kentley has performed hundreds of procedures and performs these to the highest clinical standards.

Whether for diagnosis, removal of suspicious moles, or treatment of benign skin growths, minor dermatological surgery can often be carried out under local anaesthetic in an outpatient setting with minimal downtime.

Conditions Treated with Minor Skin Surgery

Minor skin surgery may be recommended for:

  • Suspicious moles and pigmented lesions

  • Skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma)

  • Cysts and lipomas

  • Warts and skin tags

  • Seborrhoeic keratoses and other benign growths

Types of Minor Skin Surgery

Excision

An excision involves surgically removing a lesion, along with a small margin of normal skin, using stitches to close the wound. This is commonly performed for suspected skin cancers, cysts, or larger moles. The sample is usually sent for histopathological analysis to confirm diagnosis.

Shave Biopsy

A shave biopsy removes raised skin lesions by carefully shaving them off the surface. This technique is often used for benign growths such as skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses, or warts, leaving a flat surface that heals with minimal scarring.

Curettage and Cautery

Curettage and cautery involves scraping away a superficial skin lesion (curettage) and then sealing the area with gentle heat (cautery). This is a quick and effective treatment for conditions such as superficial basal cell carcinoma, warts, and seborrhoeic keratoses.

Punch Biopsy

A punch biopsy removes a small, circular sample of skin using a specialised instrument. It is an important diagnostic procedure for rashes, inflammatory skin conditions, or suspicious moles where a tissue sample is required for microscopic analysis.

Aftercare and Recovery

Most minor skin surgery procedures are performed under local anaesthetic and take less than 30 minutes. Patients can usually return to normal activities the same day, with simple wound care instructions provided. Stitches, if required, are removed at a follow-up appointment.

Book a Consultation

If you require assessment of a mole, skin lesion, or other condition that may need surgical treatment, book a consultation with Dr Kentley to discuss the most appropriate and effective management.