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Basal cell carcinoma treatment in Edinburgh

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, and it is almost always cured by removing it with a clear margin. Your consultant assesses the lesion, removes it and, where the site needs it, reconstructs it in the same operation.

Your consultants
Clinician examining a small spot beside the nose
Hospital stay
Day case for the great majority of cases
First appointment
Typically 1-2 weeks
Guide price
From £1,495

Contents

When to seek a basal cell carcinoma assessment

Patients commonly book a basal cell carcinoma assessment when they have noticed one of the following.

  • A pearly or translucent nodule that has appeared on sun-exposed skin.
  • A sore or scab on the face, ears, or scalp that has not healed within a few weeks.
  • A red, scaly patch that recurs in the same place despite emollients.
  • A slowly enlarging patch of skin that looks different from the surrounding area.
  • A history of significant sun exposure, repeated sunburns, or previous skin cancer.
  • A new lesion in a patient who is immunosuppressed.

Most skin lesions assessed by a consultant are benign. Where a basal cell carcinoma is suspected, the assessment is the first step on a clear pathway to definitive treatment.

How basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed and treated at Waterfront

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in the UK, typically appearing on sun-exposed skin as a pearly nodule, a non-healing sore, or a slowly enlarging scaly patch. Diagnosis is made by consultant assessment supported by dermoscopy; where the diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy is taken first.

Excision is performed under local anaesthetic in most cases, with reconstruction planned in the same procedure for cosmetically sensitive sites such as the face or ears. Histology confirms complete excision. Complex or high-risk cases are discussed at the regional MDT and, where appropriate, referred for Mohs micrographic surgery.

A basal cell carcinoma on the side of the nose

What to expect from basal cell carcinoma treatment

The great majority of basal cell carcinomas are managed in a single procedure: surgical excision with planned margins, and reconstruction in the same sitting where needed. Histology after surgery confirms whether the excision is complete.

Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasises. The principal goals of treatment are complete local excision and a final scar that is appropriate to the site. Outcomes after complete excision are very good, with low recurrence rates for the majority of lesions.

Where reconstruction is needed, the technique is selected by the consultant during the consultation, based on the site, size, and shape of the expected defect. The consultant performing the excision plans and carries out the reconstruction, so the surgical plan is coherent.

What basal cell carcinoma surgery can and can’t do

Removing a basal cell carcinoma with a clear margin cures it in the great majority of cases. It cannot make the scar disappear or stop new ones forming, and we would rather you knew that now.

It can

  • Remove the cancer with a planned margin of healthy skin in one visit, usually under local anaesthetic.
  • Confirm under the microscope that the whole lesion has been removed, with a written histology report.
  • Reconstruct the area in the same operation, with a flap or graft where the site needs it.
  • Give you a clear plan for what, if anything, needs to happen next.

It can’t

  • Guarantee the margins are clear. In about 2 to 3 in 100 excisions the histology shows cancer at or close to the edge, and a further excision or discussion at the regional skin cancer meeting is then needed.
  • Rule out the cancer coming back. Recurrence after a complete excision is uncommon, but higher for larger, ill-defined or infiltrative tumours and for some sites on the face.
  • Stop new basal cell carcinomas appearing. About 1 in 3 people develop another within five years, usually somewhere else on sun-damaged skin.
  • Be done without a scar. The scar is longer than the lesion, and its final look depends on where it is and how the wound was closed.
  • Replace Mohs surgery where that is the better option. Some high-risk tumours on the face are best treated by Mohs micrographic surgery, which we do not offer. Your consultant will say so and arrange referral.

Your consultant will tell you at your consultation which of these apply to you.

What does basal cell carcinoma treatment cost?

Pricing depends on the size and site of the lesion and on whether reconstruction is needed.

The full price for your individual case is confirmed in writing after consultation, before the procedure is booked.

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Questions before you book?

Ask anything about basal cell carcinoma treatment, its recovery, risks or cost, any time and in plain language. If you would like, our team can contact you afterwards.

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Patients often ask

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Quick answers

How much does private basal cell carcinoma treatment cost?
A consultation with a consultant is £200. Surgical excision is from £1,495, and excision with reconstruction from £2,195. Final pricing depends on the size and site of the lesion and is set after consultation.
Who will treat my basal cell carcinoma?
Either Mr Ben Aldridge or Mr Kazem Nassar, depending on your preference and availability. Mr Aldridge is the UK’s only consultant dual-qualified in dermatology and plastic surgery, with a PhD in skin lesion diagnostics, co-author of national skin cancer guidelines, and chair of the South East Scotland Melanoma Multidisciplinary Team. Mr Nassar is a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over a decade of experience. Both perform BCC excision and reconstruction.
How quickly can I be seen?
Most patients are seen within 1 to 2 weeks of enquiry. Surgery is usually scheduled within two weeks of the first consultation. Histology is communicated within two weeks of surgery.
Will I need a biopsy before surgery?
Not always. For well-defined lesions where the clinical and dermoscopic appearance is consistent with BCC, excisional biopsy is usually the most efficient route — it removes the lesion and confirms the diagnosis at the same time. Where the diagnosis is less certain, a small diagnostic biopsy is taken first.
What anaesthetic is used?
Local anaesthetic for most cases. Sedation or general anaesthesia is offered for larger lesions, anxious patients, or more complex reconstructions.
What does the surgery involve?
The lesion is removed with a defined clear margin of healthy tissue. The wound is closed directly, with a local flap, or with a skin graft, depending on the site and size. Reconstruction is planned to place the scar in the most favourable position for the area.
What happens if the margins are not clear?
If histology shows tumour at the margin, a second procedure to clear the margin is recommended. Your consultant explains the histology report with you in person and books the further surgery if needed.
Do you offer Mohs micrographic surgery at Waterfront?
Mohs micrographic surgery is not performed at Waterfront. It is a specialist procedure most often used for BCCs in cosmetically or anatomically sensitive sites, particularly on the face. Where Mohs is the most appropriate treatment for your lesion, your consultant explains this at consultation and arranges referral to a Mohs centre via the NHS pathway.
What is the South East Scotland skin cancer MDT?
The Multidisciplinary Team brings together dermatologists, plastic surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and pathologists to plan treatment for complex skin cancers. Larger, recurrent, or anatomically challenging BCCs are discussed at this meeting where appropriate. Both Mr Aldridge and Mr Nassar sit on this MDT.
What is the recurrence risk?
Local recurrence after a fully excised low-risk BCC is uncommon. The risk is higher for larger lesions, lesions in high-risk facial sites, recurrent disease, and certain pathological subtypes such as infiltrative or morphoeic BCC. Your consultant reviews your specific risk profile after histology.
How often will I be followed up?
Follow-up is tailored to the features of your lesion. A single low-risk BCC fully excised may not require long-term follow-up beyond skin self-examination advice. Higher-risk lesions and patients with multiple BCCs are seen more often.
I’ve had several skin cancers — does that change my care?
Yes. Patients with multiple lesions, field change, or long-term sun damage benefit from a structured surveillance plan. Your consultant tailors this with you, and arranges any onward NHS pathway for genetic referral or systemic treatment where indicated.
How is treatment paid for?
Waterfront Private Hospital is self-pay. The guide price covers consultation, surgery, histopathology, and routine follow-up. Final pricing is confirmed in writing after clinical assessment.

Our basal cell carcinoma consultants

Basal cell carcinoma at Waterfront is treated by Mr Ben Aldridge — the UK’s only consultant dual-qualified in dermatology and plastic surgery, with a PhD in skin lesion diagnostics, co-author of national skin cancer guidelines, and chair of the South East Scotland Melanoma Multidisciplinary Team — and by Mr Kazem Nassar, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Both consultants are on the GMC Specialist Register and sit on the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT. Both perform the full spectrum of basal cell carcinoma surgery, including reconstruction.

You meet your consultant at your first appointment. The same consultant plans your treatment, carries it out and sees you afterwards.

Mr Ben Aldridge

Consultant plastic and dermatological surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)Dual trained in dermatology

Mr Kazem Nassar

Consultant plastic surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)

Skin Checks

As a patient who has had several Basal Cell Carcinomas over the past few years and Dr Ben Aldridge treating me for my previous BCC I think it is a fabulous service that I can make a 6 monthly appointment for him to do a thorough skin check. Personally to me if anything does look suspicious it can be dealt with immediately and it alleviates any anxieties I have on whether something is suspicious on my skin or not.

Linda Wallace
Nov 2025 Read on Trustpilot (opens in a new tab)

4.9TrustScoreout of 5

581 reviews

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Risks, and how often they happen

Every procedure carries risk. Here they are in three groups, with how often they happen where the evidence allows. Your consultant will go through them with you, and they are in your written consent.

Expected Almost everyone, and they settle

  • A scar, longer than the lesion, or in the shape of the flap or graft used to close the wound. It is red or pink at first and fades over 12 to 18 months.
  • Swelling and bruising around the wound for the first one to two weeks.
  • Discomfort for a day or two, eased by simple painkillers.
  • Numbness or altered sensation around the scar, which usually settles over weeks to months and occasionally persists.

Uncommon Some patients, and some need further treatment

  • Cancer at or close to the edge of the excision on histology, which usually means a further excision to clear the margin.
    About 2 to 3 in 100our consultants’ experience
  • Wound infection that needs a course of antibiotics.
    Under 1 in 50higher below the knee, in the groin and after a skin graft
  • Bleeding after surgery that needs pressure, a dressing change or a return to have the wound checked.
    Under 1 in 100about 1 in 20 after a skin graft, and higher on warfarin
  • Wound breakdown, or partial loss of a flap or graft, which heals with dressings but can leave a wider scar.
    Under 1 in 100more likely with a graft, or in smokers
  • A raised, thickened scar (hypertrophic or keloid), more likely on the chest, shoulders, upper back and earlobes and in darker skin. It can be treated but not always fully flattened.
    Uncommonno reliable figure

Rare but serious

  • The cancer coming back at the same site after a complete excision, usually within five years. It is treated again, sometimes with Mohs surgery.
    About 1 in 25over five years, after complete excision
  • Injury to a nerve beneath the skin on the face, in particular the nerve to the forehead and the nerves to the lower lip, which can cause lasting numbness or, rarely, weakness of a nearby muscle. Your consultant plans around the known danger zones.
    Rareno reliable figure
  • A serious reaction to the local anaesthetic.
    Very rare
  • A serious reaction to a general anaesthetic, where one is used for a larger reconstruction.
    Very raregeneral anaesthetic cases only

For the long term

  • Another basal cell carcinoma is likely over time. About 1 in 3 people develop a new one within five years. Check your skin monthly and ask for a review if a spot grows, bleeds or does not heal.
  • Follow-up is set by risk. A single low-risk tumour that is fully removed may need no scheduled follow-up beyond a wound check and a review once the scar has settled. Higher-risk tumours and people with several skin cancers are seen for longer.
  • If a margin was involved and you chose not to have more surgery, about 1 in 4 of those tumours regrow within five years, so a watch-and-wait plan needs regular checks.
  • Sun protection matters from now on. Shade between 11am and 3pm, a hat and clothing, and SPF 30 or higher with UVA protection on exposed skin.
Where these figures come from

Figures are drawn from UK national guidance and published studies, and your own risk may be higher or lower. More from the British Association of Dermatologists on basal cell carcinoma and from the NHS on non-melanoma skin cancer.

Aftercare and follow-up

After surgical excision at Waterfront, a nurse reviews the wound at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant reviews you at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.

Long-term follow-up after complete excision of a basal cell carcinoma is usually not required on a scheduled basis. Patients are advised to remain alert to new lesions developing elsewhere on the skin and to seek a review if any appear. Where a patient has multiple basal cell carcinomas, significant sun damage, or other risk factors, ongoing surveillance can be arranged.

  1. Day of surgeryHome within the hour. Most skin surgery is under local anaesthetic.
  2. Next dayBack to office work. Heavy, dirty or wet jobs need a few days.
  3. Days 7–14Stitches out at Waterfront.
  4. 3–4 weeksHistology results, where a sample is sent to the laboratory.
  5. 12 monthsNurse reviews, dressing clinics and the treatment of any complications are included.

Typical timings. Your consultant and nurse will tailor them to you.

A Waterfront nurse with a tablet talking with a patient

Written by

Mr Kazem Nassar, consultant plastic surgeon

Mr Kazem Nassar, MBChB, FRCS (Plast), GMC 7131999, is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Consultant with over 10 years of experience. He practices at St John’s Hospital and the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, specialising in melanoma, skin cancer treatments, breast surgery, and post-cancer reconstructive surgery.