Cysts are small sacs filled with fluid or other substances that forms beneath the skin, often on the face or torso. Cysts are typically benign, slow-growing, and painless. Two primary types include epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts, which contain keratin and often appear on the face or torso, and pilar cysts, which arise from hair follicles on the scalp. Although most cysts are harmless, removal may be preferred for functional reasons or due to appearance, especially if located on visible areas.

Cyst removal involves a small incision to fully excise the entire cyst sac, ensuring low recurrence risk, followed by stitches to close the area. The procedure is generally painless and takes about 30 minutes. Recovery is quick with minimal scarring, which typically fades over a year.

If you’re considering cyst removal for comfort or cosmetic reasons, contact us today to book a consultation or same-day procedure.

Lipoma Removal Procedure

• Anaesthesia: Local
• Procedure Duration: Up to 1 hour
• Referral: Not required
• Same-Day Removal: Available
• Downtime: Minimal, day case

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign lump made of fatty tissue located beneath the skin. These lumps typically grow slowly and vary in size from a few millimeters to over 10 cm. Lipomas are usually soft, rubbery, and easily movable under the skin.

Causes of Lipoma

The exact cause of lipomas is unknown, though factors like genetics and prior skin injuries may contribute to their development.

Symptoms of Lipomas

Lipomas are often asymptomatic (painless). However, larger lipomas or those near nerves can cause pain or discomfort.

Symptoms of Concern

If a lipoma shows any of the following signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional:

• Pain
• Rapid growth
• Inflammation (redness, swelling, warmth)

Though lipomas are typically benign, rare cases can develop into malignant tumours, making early assessment important.

Common Reasons for Removal

You may choose to remove a lipoma for the following reasons:

• Cosmetic concerns, especially if the lipoma is in a visible area.
• Pain or discomfort, particularly when the lipoma grows near nerves or becomes too large.

Procedure Details

• The procedure involves surgical excision under local anesthesia.
• Once removed, the tissue may undergo histological testing to check for any abnormalities.
• The wound is closed using stitches.
• For larger or deeper lipomas, general anesthesia may be required.
• Multiple lipomas may indicate a genetic condition and require further evaluation.

Pain During Removal

Thanks to local anesthesia, patients usually experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. While the process is largely painless, some pressure or movement may be felt around the lipoma as it is removed.

Healing & Scarring

Recovery is generally quick, and you’ll receive personalized aftercare instructions. Scars from the procedure may take up to one year to fully mature and fade.

Aftercare

Post-procedure care includes:

• Follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
• Dressings for the incision site.
• Communication of biopsy results if the removed lipoma undergoes testing.

Risk of Recurrence

Lipomas rarely recur after removal, provided the entire lump is fully excised during the procedure. Expert removal of benign lumps to restore smooth, healthy skin.

For consultation or same-day removal, contact us today to discuss your options.

Mole Removal Procedure

• Anaesthesia: Local
• Procedure Duration: Up to 1 hour
• Referral: Not required
• Same-Day Removal: Available
• Downtime: Minimal, day case

What is a Mole?

A mole is a common skin growth composed of pigmented cells called melanocytes. Moles vary in color (brown, black), size, and shape, and they can be either flat or raised. They can appear anywhere on the body, including less visible areas like the scalp, nails, fingers, or toes.

How Common are Moles?

Moles may be present at birth or develop later in childhood and adulthood. They are most common in sun-exposed areas but can form anywhere on the body. While most moles are benign, it is essential to monitor them regularly for changes.

When to Remove a Mole?

You may choose to remove a mole for the following reasons:

• Cosmetic concerns if the mole is highly visible or affects your confidence.
• Irritation from moles that catch on jewelry or clothing.
• Changes in appearance, such as:
  • Growth in size
  • Alteration in shape or color
  • Symptoms like itching, pain, or bleeding

Melanoma, a form of skin cancer, can develop from uncontrolled melanocyte growth. About 30% of melanomas arise from existing moles, while most occur on previously unaffected skin. Regular monitoring of moles is critical for early detection.

How is Mole Removal Done?

The mole is surgically excised under local anesthesia, usually requiring stitches to close the wound. The procedure is generally painless and takes about 30 minutes. The removed mole is sent for histological testing to check for any abnormalities.

Healing After Mole Removal

• Healing typically takes 2-3 weeks.
• A follow-up appointment is scheduled after one week to check the healing progress and change the dressing.
• You will receive guidance on wound care to minimize scarring.
• Biopsy results will be communicated promptly once available.

Will Mole Removal Leave Scarring?

The procedure is carefully performed with precise stitching to ensure a neat scar. While minimal scarring is expected, proper care will help reduce its appearance over time.

Will a Mole Return After Removal?

Once a mole is completely removed, it will not grow back. If the mole is suspicious, a margin of healthy tissue around it is also removed to ensure that no abnormal cells remain.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us today for expert skin care in Harley Street.

Warts are small, rough growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious through direct skin contact. Common on the hands, feet, and groin, warts can be unsightly or uncomfortable, particularly on weight-bearing areas like the feet.

Removal options include surgical excision, where the wart is removed and the base is cauterized to prevent recurrence, and cryotherapy, which freezes the wart with liquid nitrogen until it blisters and falls off, usually within a few days.

Recovery time is generally 1-2 weeks, though activity restrictions may be advised for warts on sensitive areas. Follow-up appointments ensure proper healing and minimized scarring.

For persistent or bothersome warts, contact us to schedule a consultation or same-day removal.

Skin Tag Removal Procedure

• Anaesthesia: Local
• Procedure Duration: 30 minutes
• Referral: Not required
• Same-Day Removal: Available
• Downtime: Minimal, day case

What is a Skin Tag?

A skin tag is a small, soft growth that hangs off the skin, commonly found in areas like the neck, armpits, and groin. Skin tags are made up of skin, collagen, and blood vessels. Though they are typically benign, they can be unsightly or uncomfortable, often catching on clothing or jewellery and occasionally bleeding.

Causes of Skin Tags

Several factors may contribute to the development of skin tags, including:

• Friction (from clothing or skin folds)
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Genetics
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Why Remove a Skin Tag?

Individuals may choose to remove skin tags for cosmetic reasons or to relieve discomfort. Skin tags can catch on clothing or jewellery, causing irritation or even bleeding. Removing them can help enhance self-confidence, especially when they are visible or numerous.

Removal Methods

There are two common methods for skin tag removal:

1. Cryotherapy
   • The skin tag is frozen using liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold disrupts the blood supply to the tag, causing it to form a blister, scab, and eventually fall off within 1-2 weeks.
   • Patients may experience mild pain or discomfort from the cold, and this method is typically used for small to medium-sized skin tags.
2. Surgical Excision
   • The skin tag is cut off under local anaesthesia.
   • Larger skin tags may require stitches to close the wound.

Recurrence, Risks, Healing, and Recovery

• Recurrence: While removal is effective, new skin tags can develop over time.
• Risks: At-home removal methods are not recommended due to the risk of infection and scarring.
• Healing: After cryotherapy, healing is usually quick with minimal scarring. A scab will form, and mild discomfort may occur during the healing process.
• Activities: Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately following the procedure.

For cosmetic or comfort-driven removal, contact us to schedule a consultation or same-day procedure.

Our scar excision and revision surgery is tailored to improve the appearance, texture, and functionality of scars. This procedure is suitable for scars from injuries, surgeries, acne, burns, and skin conditions, with the primary goals of enhancing skin texture, increasing range of motion for restrictive scars, and reducing associated pain or itching.

During a consultation, we evaluate the scar, review your medical history, and discuss treatment options. The procedure, performed under local or general anesthesia based on scar size, involves precise excision and suturing, lasting 30 minutes to two hours. Patients generally experience mild swelling, bruising, or itching, which subsides within a week. Initial healing typically completes within 1-2 weeks, with final results visible after 12-18 months.

For hypertrophic and keloid scars, steroid injections may be administered every 3-6 weeks to reduce size and itchiness. Some may require follow-up treatments with an average of 3-6 sessions to maintain optimal results.

Enhancing the appearance and functionality of scars.

Healing Time

• Initial Healing: Typically takes 1-2 weeks.
• Final Results: Visible after approximately 12-18 months.

Treatment Scope

• Scar revision can be performed on any area of the body.
• The procedure aims to make scars less noticeable and improve texture.

Benefits of Scar Revision Surgery

• Increased Range of Motion: Especially beneficial for scars that restrict movement.
• Improved Skin Texture: Smooths uneven or raised scars, making them less apparent.
• Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Alleviates symptoms such as pain and itching associated with scars.

Candidate Suitability

Eligible Patients:

Most patients seeking to improve scars from:

• Injuries
• Surgical procedures
• Acne
• Burns (including Micro needling, PRP, and Stem Cell/Exosome treatments)
• Skin conditions
• Keloid/Hypertrophic scars

Unsuitable Candidates:

Those with the following conditions may not be eligible:

• Active acne
• Medical conditions that impair wound healing

Alternative treatment options will be discussed during the consultation.

Procedure Details

Initial Consultation:

During the consultation, our physicians will:

• Evaluate the scar
• Review your medical history
• Discuss treatment options

Surgical Procedure:

• The surgery involves making an incision around the scar to remove the tissue, followed by suturing or applying adhesive strips.
• Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Anaesthesia:
  • Local anaesthetic for smaller scars
  • Sedation or general anaesthesia for larger or complex scars

Recovery and Outlook

Sutures:

• Remain in place for 7-14 days, depending on the location.
• Downtime: Up to two weeks for less complicated scars.

Expected Results:

• While scars may not disappear entirely, they will become less visible and more aesthetically pleasing over time.
• With proper aftercare, the new scar will blend well with the surrounding tissue.

Full Effects:

• Final results are typically visible 12-18 months post-treatment.

Risks and Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Mild discomfort or itching

These symptoms usually subside within a week or two.

Steroid Treatments for Scarring

Purpose:

Steroid treatments are effective for managing hypertrophic and keloid scars, helping to reduce their size and flatten their appearance.

Administration:

• Steroids are delivered via injections.
• Injection Schedule: Typically administered every 3-6 weeks, with an average of 3-6 sessions required.

Symptom Relief:

Steroids can reduce itchiness in keloid and hypertrophic scars. However, patients may experience temporary intensification of itching within the first 24-48 hours post-treatment.

Need for Re-Treatment

Some patients may require additional treatments or “top-up” sessions to maintain optimal results.

If you are seeking scar improvement, contact us to schedule your personalized consultation.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

• Anaesthesia: Topical anaesthetic cream
• Procedure Duration: Up to 45 minutes
• Referral: Not required
• Same-Day Treatment: Available
• Downtime: Return to routine activity same day

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition marked by excessive sweating, often affecting the hands, feet, armpits, and scalp. It affects 1-3% of the population. This condition can impact daily activities and confidence due to its unpredictable nature.

Treatment Overview

Treating excessive sweating with Botulinum Toxin is proven to be very effective. Administering the injection with a clear understanding of the condition and anatomy involved is critical.

• Procedure: Botulinum toxin A is injected into the affected areas.
• Time to Take Effect: Typically, noticeable within 10-14 days after treatment.
• Duration of Relief: Effects of treatment last 3-9 months, with repeat sessions required every 3-6 months to maintain results.

What does the procedure involve?

Local anaesthetic cream is applied to the areas. Botulinum toxin is then injected.

What happens after the procedure?

You can return to your routine activity as normal. Refrain from drinking alcohol or strenuous exercise 24 hours after the treatment.

When do you start seeing results?

Results typically become noticeable within 10-14 days after treatment.

How long do the results last?

The treatment can last 3 to 9 months.

What are the risks?

Potential risks are pain, redness or itching and some muscle weakness around the treatment area.

Who is NOT Suitable for Treatment?

This treatment is contraindicated for individuals who are:

• Pregnant
• Living with neuromuscular disorders

During the consultation, we will review your medical history and determine whether this procedure is suitable for you.