Moles, Warts & Minor Skin Procedures

Systematic full-body examination of the skin for atypical, changing, or suspicious lesions — using dermoscopy where indicated. Recommended annually for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, significant cumulative sun exposure, or a history of previous skin lesions requiring removal.

Surgical excision of atypical, symptomatic, or cosmetically concerning moles under local anaesthetic. The wound is closed with sutures. Excised tissue is sent for histopathological analysis as standard practice — results are discussed at a follow-up appointment. Most patients can return to normal activity the same day.

Shave excision for raised, benign-appearing lesions — seborrhoeic keratoses, intradermal naevi, dermatofibromas — where full excision is not required. Quick procedure under local anaesthetic with minimal scarring in most cases. Tissue is still sent for histology if there is any diagnostic uncertainty.

Punch or incisional biopsy for inflammatory conditions or lesions requiring histological diagnosis before a treatment decision can be made. Used when the clinical diagnosis is uncertain or when the treatment approach differs significantly depending on the diagnosis. Local anaesthetic throughout.

Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for common warts (verruca vulgaris), plantar warts (verruca plantaris), and flat warts (verruca plana). Salicylic acid used adjunctively between sessions. Multiple treatments are often needed — typically 2–4 sessions for common warts, more for thick plantar warts. Periungual warts are more complex and duration of treatment discussed individually.

Removal by snip excision or electrocautery under local anaesthetic. Multiple tags can be treated in a single session. Common locations include the neck, armpits, and under the breasts. Quick recovery — most patients return to work immediately.

For acutely inflamed or infected cysts, incision and drainage is performed to relieve the pressure and infection. For non-infected cysts, planned surgical excision — including removal of the entire cyst wall — reduces the risk of recurrence. The clinical stage of the cyst determines which approach is appropriate.

Conservative management (packing, nail trimming guidance) for early or mild cases. For recurrent or more severe ingrown nails, partial nail avulsion is performed under local anaesthetic — removing the offending nail edge. Nail phenolisation (chemical destruction of the nail matrix at the edge) can be added to prevent regrowth in recurrent cases.

Cryotherapy or manual extraction for molluscum in children and adults. Particularly appropriate when lesions are numerous, spreading rapidly, or causing distress. Secondary eczematous dermatitis around molluscum lesions is managed concurrently. Watchful waiting is also a valid option for self-limiting disease in immunocompetent children — discussed at consultation.

Clinical assessment of soft tissue lumps to confirm a benign lipoma versus other diagnoses requiring further investigation. Small, mobile, superficial lipomas can be excised under local anaesthetic in-clinic. Larger, rapidly growing, deep, or atypical lumps are referred for ultrasound or specialist assessment before any procedure is considered.