Concierge minor surgery · UK
Skin lesion excision - proper diagnosis, one visit.
Excisional biopsy and definitive removal of moles, cysts, lipomas and pre-malignant lesions. Consultant plastic and dermatology surgeons - with histology on every specimen and a scar plan afterwards.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Consultant plastic or dermatology surgeons
Every excision is by a GMC specialist - not a nurse-only clinic.
- 02
Histology on every specimen
Every excised lesion goes to a specialist skin pathology laboratory. No exceptions - that is how missed melanomas are prevented.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private skin lesion excision costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our vetted UK partners. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.
In short
A single mole excision with histology in a consultant clinic: £380–£750, home the same visit.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single mole excision with histology (trunk/limb) | £380–£750 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
| Single facial mole excision with histology | £650–£1,250 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Multiple lesion excision (up to 3, same visit) | £950–£1,900 | 45–90 min | Same visit |
| Epidermoid or pilar cyst excision | £450–£950 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Lipoma excision (small) | £550–£1,200 | 30–60 min | Same visit |
| Punch biopsy | £280–£450 | 10–15 min | Same visit |
| Consultation only | £220–£380 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by size, site, closure complexity and whether more than one lesion is removed at the same visit. Facial and hand work sits at the higher end; multiple lesions on the back offered at a package rate.
The problem
Every excised lesion goes to histology - no exceptions.
Skin lesion removal is where cosmetic clinics under-deliver - burnt or shaved without a specimen, and a rare melanoma missed. We do it properly.
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Histology every time
Even the most classically benign-looking mole is sent for pathology. The one that looks fine is occasionally the one that is not.
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The right technique for the lesion
Shave for a raised seborrhoeic keratosis. Elliptical excision for a pigmented lesion. Punch for a small lesion where diagnosis matters more than cosmesis.
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Scars are planned
Orientation with Langer's lines, layered closure, dissolvable sutures where possible, and a scar plan in the discharge letter.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.
One team from first message through the procedure, results and follow-up.
- 01
Before
You send photographs
Close-up and mid-range photographs of the lesion, with a ruler if possible, and any prior biopsy results.
- 02
Before
We recommend the right technique
Within one working day: excision, punch biopsy, shave (rarely), curettage or observation - with an indicative quote.
- 03
Before
Consultation and consent
Marked plan, closure drawn out, scar expectations set.
- 04
On the day
Anaesthetic and excision
Local anaesthetic. 15–45 minutes for most lesions.
- 05
On the day
Closure and dressing
Layered closure with dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures. Dressing and written aftercare.
- 06
After
Suture removal and histology
Sutures out at 5–14 days depending on site. Histology in 7–10 days with a written explanation of the report.
- 07
After
Scar review
Six-week scar review with silicone gel and sunblock advice. Longer-term review only where indicated.
When it helps
When excision is the right choice.
The lesions where excision - rather than curettage, cryotherapy, cautery or observation - is the correct answer.
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Suspicious or changing mole
Where diagnosis matters - always elliptical excisional biopsy, not shave or curettage.
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Cosmetically unwanted mole
Well-understood cosmetic removal - with histology, and expectations about scar.
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Epidermoid or pilar cyst
Recurrent inflamed cysts need full-capsule excision - otherwise they recur.
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Lipoma
Subcutaneous fatty lump - excision with capsule to avoid recurrence.
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Pre-malignant lesions
Actinic keratoses too raised or thick for field treatment; keratoacanthomas requiring diagnosis.
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Dermatofibroma, pyogenic granuloma
Benign but often need excision for diagnosis or symptom control.
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Recurrent skin lesion
Any lesion previously treated non-excisionally and coming back - send for histology this time.
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Red flag: pigmented lesion for cosmetic removal
Never remove a pigmented lesion without full excisional biopsy and histology. Curettage or laser risks missing a melanoma.
Options
Technique - matched to lesion, depth and site.
What each technique involves and where it belongs - from a punch biopsy to a full elliptical excision with layered closure.
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Elliptical excision
Lens-shaped incision oriented along Langer's lines, closed side-to-side. The default for pigmented lesions and larger cysts.
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Punch biopsy
Circular 3–8 mm biopsy of representative tissue. Used for diagnosis of rashes and small lesions.
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Shave excision
Superficial removal parallel to skin surface. Only for clearly benign raised lesions (some seborrhoeic keratoses, skin tags). Never for pigmented atypical lesions.
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Cyst enucleation
Removal of the whole cyst with intact capsule - reduces recurrence.
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Minimal-incision lipoma removal
Small stab incision through which the lipoma is delivered - better cosmetic result for small, superficial lipomas.
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Layered closure
Dermal dissolvable and skin non-dissolvable sutures - reduces tension across the scar.
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Same-visit multiple excisions
Where several lesions need attention - package rate and single healing period.
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Onward referral
For lesions best served by Mohs, oculoplastic or ENT - we say so before booking a standard excision.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of consultants, we picked them.
Consultants across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinician in our network.
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GMC-registered plastic or dermatology surgeons
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Specialist skin pathology laboratory for every specimen
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Onward Mohs and reconstructive pathways for cancer diagnosed on histology
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Photographic follow-up and scar management built in
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
Minor lesion excision is very safe under local anaesthetic. The variables are the scar, the histology and - for pigmented lesions - never sending a lesion for cosmetic removal without diagnosis.
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Bleeding
Small bleeds are common; troublesome haematomas under 2%. Blood thinners reviewed.
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Infection
Under 2% with clean technique. Signs: spreading redness, pain, discharge, fever.
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Scar quality
Every excision leaves a scar. Facial scars usually heal well; trunk and shoulder scars can widen or hypertrophy.
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Recurrence
Benign cysts and lipomas recur under 5% if fully enucleated. Cosmetic mole removal with shave has higher recurrence than excision.
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Positive margins
Where an unsuspected cancer is found on histology, we arrange definitive treatment - often Mohs or wider excision.
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Numbness
Small patches of altered sensation at the site are normal for months.
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Keloid risk
Some patients (skin types IV–VI, chest and shoulders) are prone to keloid scarring. We discuss it before consenting.
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No blind removal of pigmented lesions
Pigmented lesions must not be removed by shave, curettage or laser without histology - melanoma can be missed.
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Red flags after excision
Fever, spreading redness, a rapidly growing lump at the scar or sudden bleeding needs same-day review.
Reading your notes
Your notes in four parts. Read the last one first.
The letter you receive from the consultant keeps to the same shape.
- 01 Lesion
Type, site, size
Clinical description and dimensions.
- 02 Technique
Excision method and closure
Elliptical, punch or shave; suture technique; margin taken.
- 03 Histology
Pathology and margins
Diagnosis, subtype, and whether margins are clear.
- 04 Impression
Follow-up and any further action
Read this first: any need for wider excision, surveillance advice, scar care, and long-term risk.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Excision of clinically indicated lesions is usually covered; cosmetic mole removal is not. Histology charges are usually included. We check cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about lesion excision.
Quick answers on scars, histology, cost, and which lesions need excision versus other treatments.
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Will my mole be sent for histology?
Yes - always. Every excised lesion goes to a specialist skin pathology laboratory. It is how a rare melanoma in what looks like a benign mole is caught. Cosmetic clinics that skip histology are the reason melanomas are still missed at removal.
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Will there be a scar?
Yes - every excision leaves one. On the face, scars usually settle to a fine line. On the chest, shoulders and back scars can widen or become raised. Silicone gel and sunblock are the two things that most improve final scar quality.
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Can I have a mole shaved off cosmetically?
For clearly benign, flesh-coloured raised lesions (skin tags, some seborrhoeic keratoses) - yes, but the specimen still goes to histology. For pigmented moles, no - shave removes only the top layer and can hide a melanoma. Elliptical excision is required.
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How long is the healing time?
Sutures out at 5–7 days on the face, 10–14 days on trunk and limbs. The wound is watertight after 24 hours. Full scar maturation takes 6–12 months.
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Will the lesion come back?
Cysts and lipomas fully enucleated recur under 5%. Cosmetic mole removal by shave recurs more often. Skin cancers cleared with adequate margin recur at rates that depend on the tumour - under 5% for BCC after standard excision.
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How much does private skin lesion excision cost in the UK?
Roughly £380–£750 for a single mole on the trunk or limb, £650–£1,250 on the face, £950–£1,900 for up to three lesions in one visit, £450–£950 for a cyst, £550–£1,200 for a small lipoma. Punch biopsy is £280–£450 and consultation is £220–£380.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Removing benign skin lesion
Non-excisional benign lesion removal.
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Curettage and cautery of lesions
Curettage for selected lesions.
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Skin cancer - facial skin removal
Excision for confirmed cancer.
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Skin cancer - Mohs surgery
Margin-controlled excision.
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Skin health
Consultant dermatology overview.
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All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
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