FAQ’s – Minor Surgery
What should I consider when choosing a clinic for mole removal?
All of our surgical procedures are performed by Dr Doron Boone who has performed tens of thousands of minor surgical procedures in both the NHS and private sector for over 30 years. He can remove moles, skin lesions, small lumps and bumps and skin tags at his Bristol and Weston clinics.
Does the shave excision hurt?
Patients may feel some discomfort from the initial local anaesthetic injection, but the procedure itself is painless and quick, usually taking less than ten minutes for Dr Doron Boone to complete. Afterwards the wound may be a little sore for 7-10 days whilst it heals so we recommend after the dressing is removed, that you apply Vaseline to the wound to keep it moist 3-4 time daily and avoid picking any scabs.
After shave excision, how long does it take to heal?
The Electrosurgery Hyfrecator seals surface blood vessels to leave a wound that is similar to a graze. The skin may ooze or be sore immediately following the procedure, but most patients can return to work on the same day. The wound will typically take 7-10 days to heal and may be slightly red for a few weeks before leaving normal skin or occasionally a small white flat mark.
How many moles can be removed at the time of the procedure?
Many patients have multiple moles and it is possible to treat several at a time. However, it can sometimes be preferable to remove one or just a small number of moles in one session.
Is mole removal permanent?
The vast majority of moles treated by shave excision will result in an excellent scar and only 3-5% of moles will re-grow longer-term. If re-growth does occur then it will usually take several years, however occasionally this re-growth can occur earlier.
Can this procedure be performed on the NHS?
The removal of moles, cysts and skin-tags is not generally available on the NHS for most patients since these procedures are considered purely cosmetic. Only moles and skin-tags which have suspicious features or are likely to be cancerous are removed under the NHS. If you have any concerns regarding your moles then it is important to see your GP to arrange for it to be checked out, particularly if you notice any change in shape, size, border or colour.
I have a firm fibrous lump on my leg – Is this a mole?
Not necessarily – It may be a Dermatofibroma.
Can moles become malignant?
Yes, malignant moles can arise from a previously benign mole. The good news is that most moles are not cancerous and can be treated in our clinic with simple surgical excision.
What is a Malignant melanoma?
A Malignant Melanoma is a type of skin cancer, arising from the pigment producing cells. It is a serious condition, which requires urgent specialist treatment. Melanomas are usually pigmented but not always so. Their rapid growth pattern, shape and pigment distribution may give a clue to their malignancy.
The following features may possibly suggest malignancy:
- Unusual uneven borders or asymmetric shape
- A mole that has bled or ulcerated
- Rapid growth or colour change
- Diameter larger than 6mm.
Rarely, a malignant melanoma may arise within a mole and the more moles an individual has, the greater the risk.
Please click on the following link to find out more about malignant melanoma detection
http://issuu.com/modeten/docs/moles_and_melanoma_skin_cancer?e=3689809/2623638
How much does surgery cost?
We specialise in the treatment of patients with small minor skin lesions and offer extremely competitive rates. This is because, unlike private hospitals, we do not need all the facilities that would be needed for more major procedures and we can therefore keep our costs down. Please see the price list for our current fees.
Dermatofibroma
A dermatofibroma is a firm fibrous lump in the skin, often slightly darker in colour than the surrounding area and most frequently found on the legs. These are benign lesions (non-cancerous). Dermatofibromas are often itchy and feel quite firm and are similar in appearance to flesh-coloured moles. They most often cause problems by becoming ‘nicked’ and bleeding whilst shaving.
Dermatofibromas can be removed by either shave or elliptical excision.