Skin lesion removal at Birmingham Breast Clinic

In addition to our breast care services, Birmingham Breast Clinic offers removal of skin lesions. Our experienced surgeons provide a personalised, safe, and effective approach to skin lesion removal, ensuring optimal results for both medical and cosmetic purposes.

What is a skin lesion?

A skin lesion is any abnormal growth or change in the skin’s appearance. Skin lesions can vary widely in size, shape, and colour and may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Common types of skin lesions include moles, cysts, lipomas, warts, and skin tags. In some cases, skin lesions may need to be removed for medical reasons, such as to rule out skin cancer or to alleviate discomfort caused by irritation or infection.

Reasons for skin lesion removal

There are several reasons why you might consider having a skin lesion removed, including:

• Medical necessity: Some skin lesions may be suspicious and need to be removed to rule out or confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer. Early removal of potentially cancerous lesions is important to prevent the spread of cancer.
• Cosmetic reasons: Even if a lesion is benign, it may be removed if it is unsightly, affects your self-esteem, or causes cosmetic concerns.
• Physical discomfort: Lesions that rub against clothing, cause irritation, or are prone to infection can be removed to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.
• Changes in appearance: If a mole, cyst, or other lesion changes in size, shape, or colour, it should be evaluated by a doctor, as this could indicate malignancy.

Types of skin lesions treated at Birmingham Breast Clinic

We treat a variety of skin lesions, including:

• Moles: Common skin growths that may be flat or raised, typically brown or black in colour.
• Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs beneath the skin that can become infected or painful.
• Lipomas: Non-cancerous fatty lumps that develop beneath the skin.
• Warts: Rough, raised growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Skin tags: Small, soft growths that often appear in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the neck or underarms.
• Actinic keratosis: Rough, scaly patches of skin that develop from prolonged sun exposure and may become cancerous.
• Basal cell carcinoma: A type of non-melanoma skin cancer that usually appears as a small, shiny bump or red patch.

Skin lesion removal surgery: What to expect

Skin lesion removal is typically a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia. The exact procedure will depend on the type and size of the lesion, as well as its location on the body. Below are some of the most common methods of skin lesion removal:

• Excision: This is the most common method of removing skin lesions. The surgeon makes an incision around the lesion and removes it, along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This is especially important for potentially cancerous lesions to ensure that all abnormal cells are removed. The incision is then closed with stitches, and the removed tissue is sent for analysis if necessary.
• Shave excision: In cases where the lesion is raised above the surface of the skin, the surgeon may shave off the lesion using a surgical blade. This method is often used for benign lesions such as moles or skin tags. Stitches are not usually required for this procedure.
• Cryotherapy: For certain lesions, such as warts or actinic keratosis, cryotherapy may be used to freeze the lesion with liquid nitrogen. The frozen tissue eventually falls off, allowing new skin to grow.
• Curettage and cautery: This method involves scraping away the lesion with a special tool (curette) and then sealing the wound with heat (cautery) to prevent bleeding. It is often used for benign skin growths and some types of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Recovery after skin lesion removal

Recovery after skin lesion removal surgery is typically straightforward, and most patients can resume normal activities soon after the procedure. Here are some general recovery tips:

• Wound care: Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the surgical site. This may involve keeping the area clean, dry, and covered with a sterile dressing. Stitches, if used, will typically be removed after 1 to 2 weeks.
• Pain management: Some mild discomfort or tenderness around the incision site is normal after surgery. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, is usually sufficient to manage this.
• Scar management: While scarring is a natural part of the healing process, your surgeon will aim to minimise visible scars. Scars usually fade over time, but your doctor may recommend silicone sheets or scar creams to improve the appearance of the scar.
• Follow-up: A follow-up appointment may be necessary to ensure proper healing and, if needed, to discuss the results of any pathology tests.

Risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, skin lesion removal carries some risks, although complications are rare. These may include:

• Infection: The surgical site can become infected, which may require antibiotics.
• Scarring: There will be some degree of scarring, but your surgeon will take care to minimise its appearance.
• Bleeding: Minor bleeding or bruising around the incision site may occur.
• Recurrence: In rare cases, the lesion may grow back if it is not fully removed.

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and provide guidance on how to reduce complications.

Why choose Birmingham Breast Clinic?

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we provide expert, compassionate care for patients requiring skin lesion removal surgery. When you choose Birmingham Breast Clinic, you benefit from:

• Experienced surgeons: Our team specialises in skin lesion removal and other breast and skin procedures, ensuring high-quality care.
• Personalised treatment plans: We tailor our approach to meet each patient’s needs and preferences, offering the best possible results.
• Comprehensive aftercare: We provide full support from consultation to recovery, ensuring a smooth and successful healing process.

Contact us

If you have a skin lesion that needs evaluation or removal, contact Birmingham Breast Clinic today to schedule a consultation. Our expert team is here to provide the care and support you need.