At Kent Skin and Laser Clinic, we provide dermatology-led skin surgery for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of skin lesions affecting the skin, scalp and nails.
All procedures are performed following careful clinical assessment, ensuring that treatment is appropriate, safe and tailored to the individual patient.
Dermatology-led approach to skin surgery
Skin surgery is performed as part of a comprehensive diagnostic pathway, rather than as a standalone cosmetic procedure.
Prior to any treatment, each lesion is assessed to ensure:
- Accurate clinical diagnosis
- Exclusion of skin cancer where necessary
- Selection of the most appropriate surgical technique
- Consideration of healing and cosmetic outcome
Where required, investigations such as biopsy may be undertaken before or at the time of treatment.
For patients seeking removal of benign moles for cosmetic reasons, further information is available on our Mole Removal page.
Advanced Dermatological Skin Surgery
At Kent Skin and Laser Clinic, we provide dermatology-led skin surgery for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of skin lesions affecting the skin, scalp and nails.
All procedures are performed following careful clinical assessment, ensuring that treatment is appropriate, safe and tailored to the individual patient.
Conditions treated
Skin surgery may be used in the management of a wide range of conditions, including:
Skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Actinic keratoses
- Bowen’s disease
Benign lesions
- Moles (benign and atypical naevi)
- Cysts
- Lipomas
- Dermatofibromas
- Seborrhoeic keratoses
Other conditions
- Inflamed or symptomatic lesions
- Pyogenic granulomas
- Thickened or problematic scars
- Selected nail conditions requiring surgical management
Surgical procedures
A range of minor and more advanced procedures are offered depending on the lesion and clinical indication.
Excision procedures
- Complete removal of lesions under local anaesthetic
- May be performed for both diagnosis and treatment
- Allows histological examination where required
Curettage and cautery
- Removal of superficial lesions
- Commonly used for selected benign and pre-cancerous conditions
Advanced techniques
- Layered closure to support healing
- Flap or reconstructive techniques for larger or complex lesions
The choice of technique is determined by the type, size and location of the lesion, with attention to achieving a balanced clinical and cosmetic outcome.
Practical aspects of treatment
- Procedures are performed under local anaesthetic
- Treatments are carried out within the clinic setting
- Most procedures are completed within a single appointment
Following removal, tissue may be sent for histological analysis where indicated.
Aftercare
After treatment, patients are provided with appropriate wound care and follow-up advice.
Healing time varies depending on the type of procedure and location treated. Where necessary, follow-up review may be arranged to monitor progress and outcomes.
Skin surgery forms part of a broader dermatology service and may be combined with or preceded by:
- Skin lesion and mole assessment
- Skin cancer evaluation
- Non-surgical treatments such as topical therapies or photodynamic therapy
- Laser treatment for selected benign lesions
This allows treatment to remain individualised and clinically appropriate for each patient.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No — treatment depends on the diagnosis. Some lesions are better managed with non-surgical methods such as topical treatments or photodynamic therapy.
A biopsy is performed when needed to confirm the diagnosis or where there is any uncertainty about a lesion.
Where appropriate, removed tissue may be sent for histological examination to confirm diagnosis.
All surgical procedures result in some degree of scarring, but techniques are selected to support optimal healing and cosmetic outcome.
In some cases treatment can be performed at the same appointment, depending on the clinical assessment and complexity of the lesion.