Skin lesions can be classified as benign or malignant (cancerous). Most lesions which are cancerous should be removed.  85% of skin cancers would typically occur in the head and neck area including face. The purpose of surgery is, first of all, to ensure the lesion is completely removed on pathology and, secondly, to ensure the resultant defect is closed or reconstructed with best cosmetic result. 

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We work closely with Specialist Skin MDT and many referrals come to us from Dermatology colleagues. 

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During the consultation, Ms Ewa Majdak-Paredes will discuss the nature of the lesion and implications, surgical treatment options and alternatives, reconstructive options if required, recovery and risks involved. Skin cancer patients will be treated on urgent basis and their management might be multidisciplinary depending on the type of cancer. 

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In terms of reconstructive options, many skin cancers or lesions are small and the defect would simply close directly resulting in a straight line scar. Cosmetically favourable scar has to be placed correctly in order to be as inconspicuous as possible. 

If the defect would not close, reconstruction will be required. Most common forms or reconstruction include a local flap or a skin graft.  Reconstructive surgery in the area of the head and neck including face requires plastic surgery expertise to achieve best possible cosmetic result along with cancer cure. 

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When additional treatments is required, patients will be referred to the appropriate specialty. 

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Most of these procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic as day case.

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Recovery takes 2-4 weeks. There might be swelling and bruising for a couple of weeks which usually settles down well. 

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You would require nurse appointment a week after surgery and consultant follow up appointments to assess your progress and discuss pathology.  

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Risks and implications will be discussed in detail during your consultation and summarised in a letter. 

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A regular follow up might be required depending on the diagnosis. Your care might also be transferred to the NHS if desired. Private patients treated for high risk skin cancer will always be discussed and managed by a relevant multidisciplinary team (Specialist Skin MDT) to ensure best possible multidisciplinary care and advice.  

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Common Skin Cancers - education leaflet

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma patient information leaflet 

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Squamous Cell Carcinoma patient information leaflet

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Are you at riks? leaflet

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ABCDE Moles - how to check leaflet

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Cosmetic removal of skin lesions

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Lesions can be removed for cosmetic reasons if desired. Most areas will close directly without requiring reconstruction. Diligence and attention to details is required in order to ensure the scar is as inconspicuous as possible. Lesions will always be tested in the pathology lab to establish their nature and rule out anything that can be untoward. 

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During the consultation, Ms Ewa Majdak-Paredes will discuss the nature of the lesion and implications, surgical treatment options and alternatives, reconstructive options if required, recovery and risks involved. 

​

Most of these procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic as day case.

​

Recovery takes 2-4 weeks. There might be swelling and bruising for a couple of weeks which usually settles down well. 

​

You would require nurse appointment a week after surgery and consultant follow up appointments to assess your progress and discuss pathology.  

​

Risks and implications will be discussed in detail during your consultation and summarised in a letter. ​

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