Skin Lesions
Consultations offered at our five convenient locations in Harley Street, London, Princess Margaret Hospital, (Windsor), Spire Thames Valley, (Gerrards Cross), Kings' Oak Hospital, (Enfield) and Refresh Medispa, (Amersham)
A skin lesion is an abnormal growth or area of skin that can appear in various forms. They may be benign, meaning they are not harmful, or malignant, which means they could potentially develop into skin cancer. Common skin lesions include moles (nevi), warts, cysts, dermatofibromas, seborrheic keratosis, and actinic keratosis. (1) Understanding skin lesions is essential for individuals who want to maintain healthy skin and manage any concerns that may arise. (1)
Skin lesions and tags can occur on any part of the body. They can be present from birth, but can also develop with age, and are most common in patients over 50. Although they can occur anywhere on the body, they tend to show up more frequently on the armpits, eyelids, neck, and groin, and, when visible, can cause embarrassment.
When considering treatment for skin lesions, it is vital to seek treatment from an experienced surgeon. Dr Maisam Fazel of Refresh Cosmetic Surgery has helped many patients throughout England overcome the challenges they face with skin lesions, and he can offer you the same through attentive, personalised care, patient education, and advanced techniques.
If you are concerned with or burdened by a skin lesion, rest assured that there are effective treatment options available. Schedule a consultation today to explore your skin lesion treatment options. If you have any further questions, please call +44 330 660 0979 to reach any of our locations.
Contents
About Skin Lesions
Skin lesions are diverse and may result from various factors, including genetics, exposure to UV light, friction between skin, infections, inflammation, ageing, and more. (1) They can manifest as raised bumps, flat spots, discoloured patches, or changes in texture. (1) Understanding the different types of skin lesions helps in recognising the signs that warrant professional attention. Skin lesions can impact one’s overall appearance, lead to discomfort, or indicate more serious underlying conditions. Therefore, timely evaluation and treatment by a qualified surgeon are essential.
Benefits
Having a qualified surgeon properly identify a skin lesion and treat it is important for your health just as much as it is for your appearance. Under the expert care of Dr Fazel, our patients often benefit through:
- Improved appearance: Removing unwanted skin lesions leads to smoother, more uniform skin, enhancing one’s self-esteem and confidence.
- Health and safety: Prompt evaluation and removal of suspicious lesions can mitigate the risk of skin cancer development, allowing for early intervention.
- Relief from discomfort: Lesions that cause itching, pressure, or irritation can be successfully removed, providing immediate relief and comfort.
- Accurate diagnosis: A biopsy of skin lesions allows for an accurate diagnosis, ensuring that any potentially harmful conditions are addressed promptly.
- Lowered risk of infection: Effective treatment reduces the chances of infection related to painful or sore lesions.
- Customised treatments: Each patient receives tailored recommendations from Dr Fazel to address specific skin concerns effectively.
- Long-lasting results: Many treatment options provide lasting results, reducing the need for repeated interventions in the future.
- Enhanced skin health: By managing skin lesions appropriately, patients often experience improved overall skin quality and health.
Candidates
Because skin lesions can manifest in many different forms, candidacy is open to a wide range of individuals. People who notice recent or ongoing changes in existing moles or lesions, such as size, shape, or colour alterations, may need evaluation. Individuals bothered by the appearance of skin lesions, which may affect their self-esteem, may also be eligible for treatment or evaluation. Overall, patients should be in good general health and not have any active skin infections or open wounds.
Personal Consultation
A personal consultation is a pivotal step when considering treatment for skin lesions. This initial meeting involves several components. First, you will discuss your health history, previous skin issues, and any medications you currently take. Dr Fazel will then conduct a thorough examination of the skin lesions in question, assessing their full characteristics. Different treatment options will be discussed based on your individual needs, including possible surgical interventions, topical treatments, or biopsies. Patients will receive comprehensive information regarding the nature of each lesion and expected treatment outcomes.
Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form, or call your closest Refresh location at +44 330 660 0979.
Preparation
After diagnosing your skin lesion and establishing a treatment plan, you will receive important preparation instructions. These may vary depending on your lesion, its location, and the treatment method, but there are some common guidelines that all patients should follow. Patients should avoid medications or supplements that thin the blood, as well as alcohol and nicotine, to promote proper healing. On the day of your procedure, please do not wear any makeup, and please thoroughly wash your skin beforehand.
Skin Lesion Treatment
There are a few different treatment options for skin lesions. Some of these include surgical excision, the Mohs technique, removal with liquid nitrogen, laser treatments, and more. In most procedures, we will take a sample of the lesion tissue and send it to a pathology lab for analysis. This will offer you deeper insight into your health. Most procedures are completed relatively quickly, typically within 30 minutes to an hour, after which patients return home.
One of our most effective skin lesion treatments is the Plasma Skin Treatment. At the start of this procedure, after cleansing and sterilising the skin, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied. We leave this for about 30 minutes. If necessary, we can provide a stronger anaesthetic injection. Using a handheld device, Dr Fazel will emit a controlled plasma arc to the targeted skin lesion. This arc causes a controlled thermal increase in the skin’s surface without direct contact and may stimulate collagen production and support healing. (2) In treating skin lesions such as warts, skin tags, or benign growths, the plasma energy ablates (vaporises) the unwanted tissue with precision, causing it to dry out and eventually fall off as the skin heals. (2) The treatment can target superficial layers without damaging surrounding healthy tissue, making it a minimally invasive yet effective option.
Recovery
Recovery from skin lesion procedures tends to be straightforward. The treated area may be swollen and red afterwards, but these symptoms will subside within a few days. It is important to keep the area clean and dry and to follow any dressing care instructions provided by Dr Fazel. Over-the-counter pain relievers are often sufficient for mild discomfort, though prescription medication may be provided if necessary. Many patients can resume normal activities within a few days, although high-intensity workouts should be avoided for up to two weeks. Sun exposure and swimming should also be avoided until fully healed. Patients will see Dr Fazel for follow-up appointments to monitor healing, remove stitches (if applicable), and assess the treatment area’s condition.
Results
Results from skin lesion removal vary depending on the type and width of the lesion, though patients can expect a well-healed area devoid of the previously present lesion. Most patients appreciate improved skin appearance, greater confidence, and peace of mind knowing malignancies have been evaluated. Scars typically mature over time and become less noticeable. Dr Fazel provides diligent follow-up strategies to ensure optimal visual and clinical outcomes.
Cost of Skin Lesion Treatment in London
The cost of your skin lesion treatment will depend on several factors, including the type of lesion, its scale and severity, the treatment method used, and more. After meeting with Dr Fazel, you will receive a comprehensive price quote. Our Plasma Skin Treatment procedure starts at £450, though this price may change depending on your unique circumstances.
Schedule your consultation today to explore your treatment options. If you have any further questions, please call your closest Refresh location at +44 330 660 0979.
FAQ
What are the signs that I should have a skin lesion examined?
Keep an eye out for changes in size, shape, colour, or texture of moles, as well as bleeding or itchiness. Any significant change warrants a consult.
Can all skin lesions be removed?
Most lesions can be treated, but the choice to remove them will depend on multiple factors, including their nature, location, and patient preference.
Are there any risks associated with skin lesion removal?
As with any procedure, risks exist. These may include infection, bleeding, scarring, or reactions to anaesthesia. Discuss any concerns with Dr Fazel during your consultation.
How long does it take to recover from skin lesion removal?
Healing times vary based on the procedure but typically range from a few days to several weeks. Full recovery may take longer, depending on the wound care given.
References
- Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B. Analysis of Types of Skin Lesions and Diseases in Everyday Infectious Disease Practice—How Experienced Are We? Life. 2022;12(7):978. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/life12070978
- Veronica E, Russo T, Agozzino M, et al. Plasma radiofrequency ablation for treatment of benign skin lesions: Clinical and reflectance confocal microscopy outcomes. Skin Research and Technology. Published online May 20, 2019. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.12716