Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal in Glasgow
Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal
in Glasgow
Private removal of seborrhoeic keratoses by experienced GPs at a practice with over 20 years of minor surgery expertise. Surgical excision under local anaesthetic, with histological analysis included as standard.
Consultation fee deducted from treatment cost if you proceed. Pricing confirmed at assessment depending on number and size of lesions.
What is a Seborrhoeic Keratosis?
A seborrhoeic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that appears as a rough, warty, or waxy patch on the skin surface. They typically have a distinctive 'stuck-on' appearance and can range in colour from pale tan through to dark brown or near-black. They may be flat or raised, smooth or crusted, and can vary considerably in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres.
Seborrhoeic keratoses are not contagious, not infectious, and do not become cancerous. They are among the most common skin growths seen in adults over the age of 40, and it is not unusual to develop multiple lesions over time. They most frequently appear on the face, chest, back, shoulders, and scalp, though they can occur almost anywhere on the body.
While they are harmless, many people choose to have them removed because they are cosmetically bothersome, become irritated by clothing or jewellery, bleed when caught, or simply become unsightly with age. Despite their benign nature, their pigmented, irregular appearance can cause understandable concern — and it is always appropriate to have any new or changing skin lesion assessed by a doctor.
Often mistaken for a mole. Because seborrhoeic keratoses are pigmented, they are very commonly assumed to be moles. Look closely: an SK has a rough, waxy, 'stuck-on' surface texture, whereas a mole tends to be smoother and lies flush with or just above the skin. Raised, stalked seborrhoeic keratoses are also sometimes confused with skin tags. Your consultation includes a close dermatoscopic examination so we can confirm exactly what the lesion is before discussing treatment.
Important: Although seborrhoeic keratoses are benign, other conditions — including certain skin cancers — can look similar. Please have any rapidly changing, bleeding, or ulcerated lesion assessed by your own GP before booking private removal.
Why do seborrhoeic keratoses develop?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but seborrhoeic keratoses are strongly associated with age — they become more common and more numerous as people get older. They tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Sun exposure and hormonal changes may also play a role. They are not caused by viruses or bacteria and cannot be passed from person to person.
The Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal Procedure
Your consultation and procedure may take place on the same day or on separate appointments — your GP will advise what is most appropriate for your situation.
Consultation & Clinical Assessment
Your GP examines each lesion carefully, confirms the diagnosis, and discusses removal. The procedure is explained fully so you can make a properly informed decision. If there is any uncertainty about the nature of a lesion — or if it displays features that warrant closer scrutiny before removal — your GP will advise accordingly. Not every pigmented or rough skin lesion is a seborrhoeic keratosis.
Removal — Surgical Excision under Local Anaesthetic
A small injection of local anaesthetic is given to numb the area completely. Your GP then removes the lesion using a scalpel or curette, excising it cleanly from the skin surface. The wound is small and is dressed before you leave. If sutures are required they are placed at the time of removal. The procedure is comfortable, immediate, and produces a clean result in a single session.
Histological Analysis
All excised tissue is sent to an accredited laboratory for histological analysis. This confirms the benign nature of the lesion and ensures that nothing unexpected is missed — providing an additional layer of clinical reassurance that goes beyond the visual diagnosis alone.
Aftercare
Seborrhoeic keratosis removal requires very little aftercare. Excision sites are small and heal well — usually within one to two weeks. You will leave with clear written aftercare instructions. If sutures have been placed, these can be removed at Waverley Park or at your own GP surgery — whichever is more convenient. You can return to normal daily activities immediately after the procedure.
How many lesions can be treated at once?
Multiple seborrhoeic keratoses can generally be treated at a single appointment, making it practical to address several lesions in one visit. The number suitable for one session depends on their size, location, and distribution across the body — your GP will advise at consultation. There is no strict limit, and we aim to treat as many as is safely and comfortably achievable in one appointment. A discount is available when multiple lesions are treated together.
Why is histology important?
Although seborrhoeic keratoses are almost always benign, certain other skin conditions — including pigmented basal cell carcinoma and superficial melanoma — can occasionally mimic their appearance. Sending excised tissue to the laboratory provides important clinical reassurance and ensures that nothing is missed. Histological analysis is included as standard at Waverley Park at no additional cost.
Who is Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal Suitable For?
Removal at Waverley Park is suitable for adults with one or more seborrhoeic keratoses who are in good general health. You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Have one or more seborrhoeic keratoses that are cosmetically bothersome or catching on clothing
- Experience irritation, bleeding, or inflammation from a lesion
- Have multiple lesions you would like treated efficiently at a single appointment
- Have had your lesions reviewed by your own GP or are confident they are benign
- Want a clinically safe removal carried out by an experienced GP in a proper clinical setting, with histological analysis included
Your procedure is carried out by a qualified GP
Every procedure at Waverley Park is performed by one of our experienced GPs, at a practice with over 20 years of minor surgery expertise gained across NHS and private settings. All procedures are medically led, giving you the reassurance of proper clinical care throughout.
What if I am not sure what I have?
If you are unsure whether your lesion is a seborrhoeic keratosis, a consultation with one of our GPs is the right first step. Pigmented SKs are very often mistaken for moles, and stalked raised SKs can be confused with skin tags. All of these are removed by similar single-appointment procedures at Waverley Park — your consultation will confirm which you have and the correct approach. We will never remove a lesion that warrants further assessment before treatment.
We cannot treat lesions that are rapidly growing, ulcerated, or displaying features suspicious for skin cancer. If you have any concern about a changing lesion, please see your own GP first.
Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal Cost in Glasgow
All costs are confirmed at your consultation. You will never be surprised by an unexpected charge.
Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal — Price Guide
Histological analysis included as standard
Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does seborrhoeic keratosis removal cost in Glasgow?
Seborrhoeic keratosis removal at Waverley Park starts from £350 for a single lesion. A discount is available when multiple lesions are treated at the same appointment. An initial consultation costs £50, which is deducted from your treatment fee if you go ahead. All pricing is confirmed at consultation depending on the number and size of your lesions.
Does seborrhoeic keratosis removal hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so the removal itself is painless. You may feel a brief sting when the anaesthetic is injected, but the excision is entirely comfortable. Most patients find it a very straightforward experience with minimal discomfort afterwards.
Can seborrhoeic keratosis be cancerous?
Seborrhoeic keratoses themselves are benign and do not become cancerous. However, because certain skin cancers — including pigmented basal cell carcinoma and superficial melanoma — can occasionally look similar, clinical assessment by a qualified GP before removal is essential. This is why all excised tissue at Waverley Park is routinely sent for histological analysis, regardless of how typical the lesion appears.
Is seborrhoeic keratosis removal safe?
Yes. Seborrhoeic keratoses are benign and the removal procedure is straightforward and low risk when performed by an experienced GP. As with any minor surgical procedure, there is a small possibility of infection, scarring, or wound complications, all of which are rare and readily managed. All excised tissue is sent for histological analysis to provide additional clinical reassurance.
Will seborrhoeic keratosis removal leave a scar?
Surgical removal leaves a small flat mark that typically fades to be barely noticeable within a few months. In the vast majority of cases, the cosmetic result is considerably better than the lesion itself — which is the whole point of having it removed. Scarring is minimised by the precise technique used and the healing process supported by clear aftercare guidance.
Can multiple seborrhoeic keratoses be removed at the same appointment?
Yes — multiple lesions can usually be treated at a single appointment, across the same or different body areas. This makes it efficient to deal with several lesions at once. The number that can be treated in one session depends on their size, number, and distribution, which your GP will assess and advise on at consultation. A multiple lesion discount applies when treating more than one at the same visit.
Do seborrhoeic keratoses grow back after removal?
A fully removed seborrhoeic keratosis will not regrow at the same site. However, if you are prone to developing them, new lesions can form elsewhere over time. This is related to individual genetics and the ageing process rather than the removal method. There is nothing that can be done to prevent new lesions from forming, but each treated lesion is permanently removed.
Do I need a GP referral to book?
No referral is needed. You can book a consultation directly with us. At that appointment, our GP will assess your lesions and confirm they are suitable for removal. If there is any clinical uncertainty about a lesion, we will advise you on the appropriate next steps — which may include referral for further investigation before proceeding.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr Richard Newman
MBChB, MRCGP — GP, Waverley Park Medical Practice
GMC No. 7474576
What Our Patients Say
"I went to the doctor to have a small growth on my back checked. After being reassured it was bleeding because it was catching on my clothing — annoying, not sinister — I was offered the opportunity to have it removed at the surgery. It was duly removed one week later in a painless procedure in a calm environment. Highly recommend."
"She was excellent and dealt with all my issues in one appointment with no need for any follow up. Lovely staff to welcome you in the door too. I will definitely go back for any future treatments if needed and thoroughly recommend Dr Fraser for her kindness too."
"Have had an excellent experience at WPMP over the past few months. I was referred in from my GP to Dr Newman's clinic to have some painful lumps and bumps removed from my scalp. Have received excellent care from everyone at the Practice and would highly recommend."
Meet the Team
Conveniently Located on the Southside of Glasgow
Southside Glasgow — Shawlands / Pollokshields area
Waverley Park Minor Surgery is an NHS GP practice offering private minor surgery on the Southside of Glasgow, serving patients across Shawlands, Pollokshields, Pollokshaws, Giffnock, Newlands, Cathcart, Battlefield and the wider Glasgow G41, G43, G44 and G45 postcodes. We are easily accessible from the M77 and M8 motorways. For patients travelling by public transport, we are a short distance from Shawlands train station and served by multiple First Bus routes along Pollokshaws Road.
Ready to have your seborrhoeic keratosis removed?
Book a £50 consultation with one of our experienced GPs. Your consultation fee is deducted from your treatment cost if you proceed.