You do not need a referral to book directly with us — you can self-refer by contacting us through our website or by phone. However, we do recommend speaking to your own GP first if you have any concerns about a skin lesion, as they can advise whether your condition may be eligible for treatment on the NHS. If you are self-referring privately, you can book with us at any time.

We remove benign (non-cancerous) lesions only. The treatment of cancerous lesions is covered by the NHS — your GP can refer you to your local Dermatology department for appropriate NHS care.

In cases where removed tissue is sent for histological analysis and the results indicate a cancerous or pre-cancerous lesion, we will notify you promptly and refer you back to your own GP to arrange appropriate follow-up through the correct pathway.

Please follow these guidelines on the day of your procedure:

• You may bring a friend or relative for support if you wish
• Do not shave the area around the procedure site beforehand
• Do not stop any medications without being specifically instructed to do so — in particular, do not stop blood-thinning medications (such as Warfarin, Apixaban, Clopidogrel, or Aspirin) unless your doctor has advised this
• You should be able to drive yourself to and from the appointment in most cases, unless you have been advised otherwise
• Eat and drink normally before your appointment — there is no requirement to fast

Most minor surgical procedures can be completed within 30 minutes from start to finish, including preparation, the procedure itself, and dressing of the wound. More complex cases — such as larger lesions or those in technically challenging locations — may take a little longer. Your GP will be able to give you a more accurate estimate at your consultation.

The procedure itself is carried out under local anaesthetic, which is administered by a small injection. You may feel a brief sting or slight discomfort when the anaesthetic is given, but within a minute or two the area will be completely numb and the procedure will be entirely painless.

Some mild soreness and tenderness is normal in the days following the procedure and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Minor surgery is generally very safe, but as with any surgical procedure there are some risks to be aware of:

• Infection — may cause redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge from the wound in the days following surgery. Treatable with antibiotics if required
• Bleeding — a small amount of bleeding is expected. Excessive bleeding is uncommon but can occur
• Scarring — all surgical procedures leave some degree of scarring. In some individuals, particularly those prone to keloid scarring, scars may be more raised or thickened
• Numbness or altered sensation — in rare cases, small nerves near the procedure site may be affected, resulting in temporary or permanent numbness in the area

Your GP will discuss any procedure-specific risks with you at your consultation before you proceed.

Yes — any surgical procedure that breaks the skin will leave some degree of scarring. The extent of scarring depends on several factors, including the size and location of the procedure, your age, your skin type, and how the wound heals.

Our GPs use careful technique and fine sutures to minimise scarring wherever possible. Most scars fade considerably over 6 to 12 months. We will provide you with clear aftercare instructions including scar management advice, such as gentle massage with bio-oil or similar products once the wound has fully healed.

In most cases, yes — you should be able to drive yourself home following your procedure. However, this depends on the location of the procedure and whether it affects your ability to drive safely. If you are at all unsure, please arrange for someone to collect you or bring a support person with you. Your GP will advise you at your appointment if there are any specific restrictions.

You will be given clear written aftercare instructions before you leave the clinic. You should expect:

• Some mild soreness, tenderness, or bruising around the procedure site — this is normal and usually settles within a few days
• A dressing over the wound that will need to be kept clean and dry
• A follow-up appointment to remove sutures, typically 7–14 days after the procedure depending on the site
• Histology results (where applicable) to be sent to your GP, who will contact you if any follow-up is required

Most patients return to light normal activities the same day. Your GP will advise on any specific restrictions.

As a general rule, you should keep the wound dry for at least 48 hours following your procedure. After this, you may shower carefully, but avoid soaking the wound in a bath or swimming pool until it is fully healed and sutures have been removed. Your aftercare instructions will include specific guidance for your procedure site.

Recovery times vary depending on the type and location of the procedure. Most patients with desk-based or sedentary jobs are able to return to work the same day or the following day. More physically demanding jobs or exercise may require a longer recovery period.

Your GP will provide specific guidance at your appointment. As a general guide, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until the wound has healed and sutures have been removed.

If you experience any of the following after your procedure, please contact us or your GP promptly:

• Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound
• Discharge or pus from the wound
• Bleeding that does not settle with firm, sustained pressure
• Fever or feeling generally unwell
• Significant or worsening pain not controlled by standard pain relief

For medical emergencies, please call 999 or attend your nearest A&E.