Skin Lesion Assessment & Removal in London

A skin lesion is any abnormal growth, lump, bump or change in the skin. They vary in size, colour and appearance and may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly.

Most skin lesions are harmless. However, some lesions can resemble skin cancers, making an accurate clinical assessment essential before removal.

We commonly assess and treat:

Skin Tags (Acrochordons)

Soft, harmless growths that commonly develop on the:

• Neck
• Underarms
• Eyelids
• Groin
• Under the breasts

Skin tags often become irritated by jewellery or clothing but are not dangerous.

These common, non-cancerous growths often appear as brown, black or tan raised patches with a waxy or "stuck-on" appearance.

They become more common with age and may occur anywhere on the body.

Small, bright red vascular lesions caused by clusters of tiny blood vessels.

These are very common and harmless but may increase in number with age.

Tiny white or yellow cysts that develop just beneath the skin's surface, commonly around the eyes and cheeks.

Small yellow or flesh-coloured bumps caused by enlarged oil glands, most commonly seen on the forehead and cheeks.

Many moles are completely harmless and remain unchanged throughout life.

Some patients choose removal because they:

• Catch when shaving
• Rub on clothing
• Cause irritation
• Affect appearance

Any mole showing suspicious features will require appropriate medical assessment rather than cosmetic removal.

Small lumps beneath the skin caused by trapped material or blocked glands.

Some cysts remain stable, while others may become inflamed or infected.

You should seek assessment if you notice a lesion that:

• Is changing in size
• Changes colour
• Develops irregular borders
• Bleeds without injury
• Becomes painful
• Continues to itch
• Ulcerates
• Does not heal
• Appears suddenly and grows rapidly

These changes do not necessarily mean the lesion is cancerous, but they should always be assessed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Every appointment begins with a detailed assessment of the lesion.

During your consultation we will discuss:

• How long the lesion has been present
• Whether it has changed
• Symptoms such as pain or bleeding
• Your medical history
• Previous skin cancers
• Family history
• Medications
• Your treatment goals

If there is any concern that a lesion could represent skin cancer, cosmetic removal will not be performed. Instead, you will be advised on the most appropriate referral pathway for further investigation.

Treatment depends on the type, size and location of the lesion.

Where appropriate, options may include:

Cryotherapy →

Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze selected benign lesions, allowing them to gradually fall away during healing.

Suitable for certain skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses and viral lesions.

Surgical Excision →

Complete removal using a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic.

This may be appropriate for:

• Benign moles
• Cysts
• Selected skin lesions

Where clinically indicated, tissue can be sent for histological examination.

Shave Excision →

A technique used to remove raised benign lesions that sit above the surface of the skin while aiming to achieve an excellent cosmetic outcome.

Electrocautery →

Heat energy is used to remove or reduce selected benign skin lesions and control bleeding during minor procedures.

Laser Treatment →

Some vascular or pigmented benign lesions may be suitable for laser treatment following clinical assessment.

Histology →

For selected lesions, particularly when there is any diagnostic uncertainty, we may recommend sending the tissue for laboratory analysis (histopathology).

Histology provides confirmation of the diagnosis and helps ensure the most appropriate ongoing management.

Following removal, we will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support healing and minimise scarring.

This typically includes:

• Keeping the area clean
• Protecting the wound
• Avoiding unnecessary friction
• Applying dressings were advised
• Daily sun protection after healing
• Attending follow-up appointments if required

Can all skin lesions be removed?

No. Treatment depends on the type of lesion and whether it is clinically appropriate to remove it. Some lesions require specialist assessment or referral before treatment.

Will the procedure be painful?

Most minor procedures are performed under local anaesthetic, making treatment comfortable for the majority of patients.

Will I have a scar?

Any procedure that removes skin has the potential to leave a scar. We use careful surgical techniques and provide detailed aftercare advice to help optimise healing.

Can removed lesions come back?

Some lesions are permanently removed, while others may recur over time depending on the diagnosis and treatment method.

Can you remove suspicious moles?

If a mole appears suspicious, we will advise the safest and most appropriate management, which may include referral to dermatology or plastic surgery rather than cosmetic removal.

Your safety always comes first.

At Syno Health, skin lesions are assessed by experienced medical clinicians who understand the importance of recognising normal skin changes as well as identifying lesions that require further investigation.

We combine clinical expertise with meticulous minor surgical techniques to provide safe, effective treatment while prioritising both your health and cosmetic outcome.