Surgery
Skin tag, cyst and benign lesion removal
Surgical removal of cysts, lipomas, skin tags and other benign skin lesions, carried out by a specialist surgeon and sent for laboratory analysis.
What we treat
What conditions do we treat?
We remove a range of benign skin lesions. All are harmless in themselves, but many are uncomfortable, catch on clothing, or are simply unwelcome.
Cysts
A sac beneath the skin filled with fluid or keratin, forming a smooth, rounded lump. Usually harmless, but they can become tender, inflamed or infected, and they tend to return unless the sac wall is removed in full.
Lipomas
A soft, movable lump made up of fat cells sitting just under the skin. Benign and slow-growing, but can be uncomfortable where they press on surrounding tissue or catch on clothing.
Skin tags
Small, soft growths of skin, most often in folds such as the neck, underarms, eyelids or groin. Harmless, but they frequently catch on clothing, jewellery or a razor.
Seborrhoeic keratoses
Raised, waxy or crusted patches, usually brown, which become more common with age. Benign, though they can resemble more serious lesions, which is one reason removal and analysis can be reassuring.
Dermatofibromas
Small, firm nodules within the skin, often on the legs, which can follow a minor injury such as an insect bite. Harmless but sometimes itchy or tender.
Cherry angiomas
Small, bright red spots made up of tiny blood vessels. Benign and very common from middle age onwards.
Warts
Rough, raised growths caused by a viral infection of the skin. They can be persistent and may spread to surrounding skin.
If a lesion is changing, bleeding or does not heal, it should be assessed rather than simply removed.
Routing
Which appointment do you need?
A procedure can only be booked once we know what the lesion is. If you are not sure, book a Single Mole Check or a consultation: we will examine and image it, tell you what it is, and advise you on whether and how it should be removed.
If your lesion has already been identified and you would like it removed, book your procedure.
Suitability
Who is this service for?
Adults who would like a benign skin lesion removed, whether for comfort, appearance or because it keeps catching. We treat adults only, and do not carry out procedures on anyone under the age of eighteen.
You do not need a GP referral.
Fees
How much does removal cost?
| Procedure | What it involves | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Direct closure, under 2cm — limbs or torso | Lesion removed and the wound closed directly with sutures. | £550 |
| Direct closure, over 2cm — limbs or torso | For larger lesions, excision followed by direct closure. | £750 |
| Head and neck direct closure | Removal and direct closure on the face, scalp or neck. | £750 |
| Reconstruction with flap or graft | Repair using nearby skin or a skin graft where more tissue is removed. | £1,620 |
| Histopathology — per lesion analysed | Laboratory testing of a removed lesion, with a formal report. | £175 |
Booking
Not sure what it is?
Book a consultation and your surgeon will examine the lesion, tell you what it is and explain the options. If you would rather ask a question first, get in touch.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. If you are not sure what your lesion is, book a consultation and we will examine it and advise you.
I am not sure what my lesion is — which appointment should I book?
Book a Single Mole Check. We will examine it, tell you what it is and advise you on whether removal is appropriate.
Will the lesion come back?
Excision removes the lesion in full, which makes recurrence much less likely than with methods that treat only the surface. Cysts in particular tend to return unless the sac wall is removed completely.
Does it hurt?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic first. You will feel the injection and some pressure during the procedure, but not pain.
How many lesions can be removed at once?
Up to two in a single appointment. Each is charged separately.
Is the lesion sent for testing?
Yes. Everything we remove is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and your result is usually available within one week.
What aftercare will you need?
You will return to a dressing clinic a week after your procedure, so the wound can be checked and the dressing changed. This is included in the cost. Full aftercare guidance — wound care, activity, bleeding and when to contact us — is on our Aftercare and Recovery page.
Is removal covered by medical insurance?
Removal of a benign lesion for comfort or appearance is not covered by medical insurance.