Benign Skin Lesion Removal in Edinburgh
Benign skin lesions — moles, cysts, lipomas, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses — are common, and usually treated only when they cause discomfort, catch, or are cosmetically bothersome. At Waterfront, removal is performed by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register.
Every lesion is assessed first — examination and dermoscopy where indicated — to confirm it is benign and plan the right method. Most removals are outpatient procedures under local anaesthetic, with histology on excisions. Guide prices from £395; full price list below.
Contents
Benign skin lesion removal at a glance
- Consultants — Mr Ben Aldridge or Mr Kazem Nassar, both on the GMC Specialist Register.
- Lesions removed — moles, sebaceous cysts, lipomas, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, dermatofibromas, and other benign skin growths.
- Anaesthetic — local anaesthetic for most procedures; general anaesthesia for larger lipomas or multiple lesions in one session.
- Hospital stay — outpatient day case.
- Recovery — typically 0 to 1 week off work, depending on the site and method.
- Histology — included on every excisional procedure.
- Guide prices — from £395 (skin tag) to £2,500 (large cyst or lipoma). Full price list below.
- Time from booking to consultation — typically within 1 to 2 weeks.
- GP referral — not required.
What benign skin lesions are
A benign skin lesion is any non-cancerous growth, mark, or lump in or on the skin. They are common, are not dangerous in themselves, and most are present for years before a patient decides to have one removed. People typically come in because a lesion has changed in appearance, has become uncomfortable, catches on clothing or jewellery, or simply because they no longer want it there.
The most common benign lesions removed at Waterfront are:
- Moles (naevi) — pigmented spots, flat or raised, present from childhood or developing in adulthood.
- Sebaceous cysts — firm, round lumps under the skin, often on the face, neck, scalp, or torso. Can become tender or infected.
- Lipomas — soft, fatty lumps under the skin, slow-growing, painless and mobile.
- Skin tags (acrochordons) — small soft growths, often in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Seborrheic keratoses — raised, waxy or warty patches, common with age. See the dedicated page for detail.
- Dermatofibromas — firm, small, pigmented nodules, often on the legs.
Any pigmented or changing lesion is assessed with dermoscopy before removal, to confirm that the diagnosis is benign. Where dermoscopy or clinical appearance raises any concern about skin cancer, your consultant will recommend an excisional biopsy under the skin cancer pathway rather than a cosmetic removal. See the mole and skin cancer check page if your primary reason for booking is concern about a changing mole.
How removal is performed
The method is chosen at consultation, based on the type of lesion, its size, and its site.
Surgical excision — the lesion is removed in full with a small margin of surrounding tissue, and the wound closed with sutures. Used for moles, cysts, lipomas, and any lesion where histology is required. The excised material is sent for histology in every case.
Shave excision — a horizontal removal of a raised lesion at the level of the surrounding skin. Used for raised moles and similar lesions where a flush result is preferred and the lesion is clinically benign. Material is sent for histology.
Cryotherapy — freezing with liquid nitrogen, used for some skin tags, smaller seborrheic keratoses, and similar superficial benign lesions. Does not produce material for histology, so is only used where the clinical diagnosis is certain.
Curettage and cautery — scraping the lesion off and sealing the base with electrocautery. Used for some seborrheic keratoses and similar superficial lesions.
Most procedures are performed under local anaesthetic in a single outpatient visit. Larger lipomas, multiple lesions in one session, or removals in anatomically challenging sites may be planned under general anaesthesia. Reconstruction is occasionally needed where a lesion is large or in a cosmetically sensitive site; this is planned in the same procedure by the same consultant.
When to seek assessment
Patients commonly book a benign lesion removal when they have noticed:
- A lump or lesion that catches on clothing, hair, or jewellery
- A lesion that has become tender, painful, or has become infected
- A lesion that has grown larger over time
- A lesion that is cosmetically bothersome
- A skin growth they would prefer to have checked and removed in a single appointment
Any lesion that has changed in size, shape, colour, or behaviour, or that bleeds, itches, or crusts repeatedly, is assessed under the skin cancer pathway rather than as a cosmetic removal.
Risks and considerations
The risks of benign lesion removal are explained in detail at consultation and include:
- Scarring — every excision leaves a scar. Placement and closure are planned to minimise its appearance.
- Bleeding and bruising — usually minor and self-limiting.
- Infection — uncommon; managed with antibiotics where needed.
- Altered sensation — temporary numbness around the wound is common and usually resolves over several weeks to months.
- Recurrence — uncommon after complete surgical excision; possible after methods that do not remove the lesion in full (cryotherapy or curettage).
- Pigmentation change — the area treated may heal lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, particularly in sun-exposed sites.
Histology is performed on every excisional procedure, providing confirmation of the diagnosis even where the lesion is clinically and dermoscopically clearly benign.
Aftercare
Wound care advice is provided in writing at the procedure. The Waterfront nursing team is available for the first week for any wound-related concerns. Stitches, where used, are removed at 7 to 14 days, depending on the site. Your consultant remains accessible after the appointment — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.
Histology results are normally available within approximately two weeks. The result is communicated by the consultant who performed the procedure.
What benign skin lesion removal costs
Pricing is set by the type of lesion, the method of removal, and the size of the procedure. Guide prices at Waterfront Private Hospital:
- Consultation — £200
- Skin tag removal — from £395
- Shave excision of a benign lesion (including histology) — from £595
- Removal of a small cyst or lipoma (under 2cm) — from £695
- Excision of a benign skin lesion (including histology) — from £795
- Removal of a medium cyst or lipoma — from £895
- Removal of a large cyst or lipoma (over 5cm) — £1,195 to £2,500
- Scar revision (local anaesthetic) — from £1,200
- Scar revision (general anaesthetic) — from £4,500
Each price covers the consultant’s fee, the hospital and theatre fees at Waterfront, histology (where applicable), and routine post-operative reviews. Final pricing is confirmed in writing after consultation, based on the size, site, and method required.
Waterfront Private Hospital is self-pay.
Your consultants
Benign skin lesion removal at Waterfront is performed by Mr Ben Aldridge — the UK’s only consultant dual-qualified in dermatology and plastic surgery, with a PhD in skin lesion diagnostics — and by Mr Kazem Nassar, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Both are on the GMC Specialist Register. The consultant who assesses you at the consultation is the consultant who performs the removal and reviews you afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Who performs benign skin lesion removal at Waterfront?
Do I need a GP referral?
How quickly can I be seen?
What lesions can be removed?
Is the lesion sent for histology?
Can a benign lesion be removed in the same appointment as my consultation?
What if my consultant is concerned the lesion may not be benign?
Will the procedure leave a scar?
What anaesthetic is used?
How long does the procedure take?
What is recovery like?
Are multiple lesions removed in one appointment?
How is treatment paid for?
First class service
I would highly recommend the Waterfront Hospital. All members of staff I encountered were professional, kind and reassuring. I saw Dr Ben Aldridge and underwent a minor surgical procedure. From start to finish, the service was delivered to an extremely high standard. Many thanks.
A. Weddell
Nov 2023
