Mole Removal
Moles, or naevi, are common skin growths that can appear anywhere. They are usually brown or black in colour and can vary in size and shape. Moles are typically harmless, but some individuals may opt to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they exhibit specific characteristics that raise concerns.
Mole removal offers several benefits, including:
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Enhanced Appearance: Removing aesthetically bothersome moles can boost self-confidence and improve the overall appearance.
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Elimination of Irritation: Moles that rub against clothing or jewellery can cause irritation or discomfort. Mole removal can alleviate these symptoms and improve your comfort.
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Peace of Mind: If a mole exhibits suspicious characteristics or changes in size, shape, or colour, removing it can provide peace of mind by ruling out potential health concerns.
We offer various mole removal techniques to accommodate different types of moles and individual preferences. The most common methods include:
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Excisional Surgery involves surgically removing the mole using a scalpel, surgical scissors, or radiofrequency. Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure. The excised mole is then sent for laboratory analysis, mainly if any concerns about its nature exist.
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Shave Excision: This technique suits raised moles that do not extend deep into the skin. The mole is gently shaved off using a sterile blade, leaving the area smooth. Local anaesthesia is applied to minimize discomfort.
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Laser Removal: Laser removal may be a viable option for certain moles. A specialized laser, CO2 laser targets and breaks down the pigment in the mole, gradually lightening or completely removing it. This method is non-invasive and may require multiple sessions for optimal results.
During your initial consultation, our surgeon will evaluate your moles, discuss the most appropriate removal method for your specific case, and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Need for Biopsy: Most moles do not need a biopsy, but some do. We have arrangements with the Derby Royal Hospital for any pathology service.
Risks and Considerations While mole removal is generally a safe procedure, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and considerations, including:
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Scarring: Depending on the size, location, and removal technique used, there is a possibility of scarring. During the consultation, we will discuss this aspect with you and provide guidance on scar management techniques. Keloids or Hypertrophic scarring is rare but can happen in darker skin and/or a past or family history of keloids
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Pigment Changes: In some cases, the skin surrounding the removed mole may experience temporary or permanent pigment changes, resulting in lighter or darker patches— especially after the CO2 laser.
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Infection: Although rare, there is a small risk of infection after mole removal. We adhere to strict sterilization protocols to minimize this risk, and our healthcare professionals will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help prevent infection.
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Bleeding or Bruising: Some minor bleeding or bruising may occur immediately after the procedure. This is usually temporary and resolves on its own.
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Incision gape: Rarely after stitch removal, part of the incision may separate. This may need support with surgical tape or with a stitch.
After your mole removal procedure, it is essential to follow these aftercare instructions to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications:
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Keep the area clean: Gently clean the treated area with mild soap and water daily. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the area to prevent irritation.
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Apply an antibiotic ointment: Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment to the treated area twice daily. This will help prevent infection and promote healing. Sometimes no ointment is prescribed, and the area is dressed with a special surgical dressing.
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Avoid picking or scratching: It is crucial to avoid picking at the scab or scratching the area, as this can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of scarring.
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Avoid sun exposure: Protect the treated area from direct sun exposure for at least two weeks after the procedure. If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF.
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Avoid strenuous activities: Refrain from strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise, for a few days following the procedure. This will help minimize the risk of bleeding or opening of the incision.
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Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns or questions you may have.
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Monitor for signs of infection: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or pus-like discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our clinic immediately.
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Scar management: Scarring may occur depending on individual healing. We provide guidance on scar management techniques, such as silicone gel sheets or creams, to help minimize the appearance of scars if the scar seems to be hyper-scarring.
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Be patient: It is normal for the treated area to go through various stages of healing, including scabbing, redness, and temporary discolouration. Be patient and allow your body time to heal naturally. It may take many months for the scar to stabilize
We support you throughout the healing process and ensure the best possible outcome.
Sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cysts are common benign lumps that occur beneath the skin. They are typically filled with a semi-solid material called keratin produced by the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous cysts can develop on various body parts, including the face, neck, scalp, back, and genitals.
Scalp cysts can lead to loss of hair in some people over time. They start as small swelling and with time can become several centimetres in size and depth.
The exact cause of sebaceous cysts is often unknown. However, some common factors that may contribute to their development include:
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Blockage of Sebaceous Glands: When the ducts of sebaceous glands become obstructed, the sebum (oily substance) build-up can lead to a cyst formation.
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Trauma or Injury: In some cases, trauma or injury to the skin can trigger the formation of a sebaceous cyst.
We offer treatment for sebaceous cysts tailored to meet your specific needs. The most common treatment is Surgical Excision. Surgical excision involves the removal of the entire cyst and its contents. Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure. The aim is to remove the cyst without causing it to burst or leak during surgery, which can lead to a recurrence. Our success rate in achieving leakless removal is close to 95%
Benefits of Sebaceous Cyst Treatment
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Improved Aesthetics: Removing sebaceous cysts can improve the appearance of your skin, as they often cause a visible bump or lump on the surface.
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Relief from Discomfort: Sebaceous cysts can sometimes cause discomfort or pain, especially if infected. Treatment can alleviate these symptoms and provide relief.
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Prevention of Complications: Sebaceous cysts can sometimes become infected or grow larger, leading to complications. Timely treatment helps prevent such complications and ensures your skin’s health and well-being.
We offer a consultation with the surgeon to understand your concerns and medical history. This personalized approach allows us to develop a tailored treatment plan that best suits your needs. We prioritize your safety and adhere to strict infection control protocols. Our clinic follows CQC-approved practices to ensure all procedures are performed in a safe environment and with sterile instrumentation, minimizing the risk of complications. In addition, we aim to provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your treatment and aftercare.
We understand sebaceous cysts’ impact on your appearance and well-being. Therefore, we aim to provide effective and personalized treatment options for sebaceous cysts.
Warts
Warts are small, rough growths on the skin that can occur anywhere on the body. They are caused by a viral skin infection, specifically the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are contagious and can be spread by direct contact with the virus or with objects contaminated with the virus, such as towels or shoes. If present on the eyelids, shedding virus particles can cause chronic red eyes— chronic conjunctivitis and dry eye symptoms.
Warts can appear as a single growth or in clusters, varying in size and shape. They can be flesh-coloured, white, pink, or brown. Depending on location, warts can also cause itching, bleeding, or pain.
There are several different types of warts, including:
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Common warts usually appear on the hands and fingers and have a rough, cauliflower-like appearance.
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Plantar warts: These warts appear on the soles of the feet and can be painful to walk on.
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Flat warts are usually smaller and smoother than other types of warts and can appear on the face, arms, and legs.
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Genital warts: These warts appear on the genital area and are sexually transmitted.
Treatment options for warts include:
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Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, which causes the wart to blister and eventually fall off.
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Salicylic acid: This topical treatment can be applied to the wart to dissolve it.
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Laser treatment: This involves using a laser to destroy the wart.
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Surgical removal: This is usually reserved for large or persistent warts and involves cutting the wart out.
In summary, warts and skin tags are common skin conditions that can be treated with various options. We offer a range of treatment options for warts and skin tags and can help you find the best option for your needs.
Take Action – To book a consultation call on 01332 297397