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Excision requiring stitches
This procedure involves cutting around the mole to remove it completely then stitching the opening together. After the wound heals, there will be a scar along the line of the wound which gradually fades from pink to white.
Cost
£300
This price is for one lesion. Each additional lesion will cost an additional £100. The price includes an appointment for removal of the stiches at a later date.
For most moles and for some other lesions, it will be necessary to send the lesion for histology (testing). This is to check for any abnormal cells and costs £150 for the first lesion, and £75 for each additional lesion. At your minor surgery assessment appointment, the doctor will advise if this will be required.
What can this treat?
- Mole removal
- Cyst removal
- Some other skin lesions can be treated with this procedure - the doctor will advise
How should I prepare for my appointment?
No special preparation is required.
What should I expect during the treatment?
The doctor will numb the area with an anaesthetic injection. You are likely to feel the injection and then some stinging, but there should be no other pain. The doctor will cut around the lesion to remove it, then neatly stitch the opening. Sometimes, before stitching, the doctor will use electrodesiccation to apply a high-frequency electric current which heats the area to seal the blood vessels and reduce the bleeding. The wound will then be dressed.
What happens after the treatment?
Once the anaesthetic wears off, you may feel a minor throbbing. If necessary, you can take mild pain relief such as paracetamol.
You should keep the wound dry for the first 3 days, and keep the dressing on for 5-7 days.
The stitches will require removal after 5-14 days. You will be advised by the doctor when to return for removal of the stiches.
Thereafter, the wound will gradually heal to a thin linear scar which will fade from pink to white. Gentle massage can help the healing and reduce the chance of scarring.
You should protect the wound from the sun.
Who can have this treatment?
These procedures are well tolerated by adults. It is generally not advisable for children to have moles or cysts removed in the practice.
Are there any side effects?
Unexpected side effects are rare. Bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding structures, incomplete excision and recurrence of the skin lesion or cyst can occur. A scar will form at the site of the operation.