Benign Lesion Removal
Looking for safe and effective benign lesion removal? We offer expert care to restore your skin's health.
Things to consider before removing a benign lesion
We'll first need to consult with you and discuss the benign lesion before suggesting removal options. Most lesions are harmless, but we may suggest removal if it is:
- •causing you pain
- •catching
- •bleeding
- •getting infected
- •discharging
- •we think it could potentially become harmful in the future
Most removal procedures will leave a mark or scar in the area. We will always try to minimise this, but it is usually not possible to have it completely scar-free.
We will explain the pros and cons of each option and suggest to you the best one for your situation alongside potential alternatives.
How do we remove benign lesions?
There are several treatment options in which we remove benign lesions including excisions, cryotherapy, and creams. We will always discuss each of these options with you beforehand, including pros and cons of each, and suggest the best way forward.
Here is some information on each removal process:
Excision biopsy
This is the most common way to remove a benign lesion and is best for cases where we need to take a sample and test the skin. We will remove the whole lesion using surgical equipment having numbed the skin with a local anaesthetic.
This procedure will likely leave a small scar as we will need to cut out skin around the edge of the lesion.
Cryotherapy
Certain lesions can be frozen and will fall off on their own several weeks later. This is a good option for smaller abnormalities like skin tags or seborrhoeic warts.
For cryotherapy, we will apply liquid nitrogen to the lesion, which later becomes red and swollen. Occasionally a blister will form. The area then dries out over a few days and will heal underneath. The lesion should then fall off on its own accord.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery is a form of heat treatment best used for skin tag or keratoses removal. We may use electrocautery in conjunction with other removal options as this helps us to stop bleeding.
Creams
Ointments, gels, and creams can also be a removal option for benign lesions. By applying product over several weeks, you can expect to see the lesion decrease in size until it has disappeared completely. Most creams and ointments work well against warts and actinic keratoses.
Post-procedure care for benign lesion removal
Proper aftercare is important after having a lesion removed as it can reduce discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery. Ensure to follow these steps after undergoing a lesion removal:
Keep the area clean and dry. You often can wash wounds as normal unless we have covered them with a shower proof dressing. After washing you can pat the area dry.
Manage discomfort. Pain relief can help to manage any discomfort the removal causes. Simple painkillers like paracetamol or Ibuprofen obtained over the counter can assist with this.
Keep your eye on any abnormalities. It is normal to experience redness, swelling, and an itching sensation. However, if day 3 or 4 post procedure it becomes increasingly red or painful, or if the area becomes infected, you should contact a medical professional.
Avoid direct sun exposure. Keep the area out of direct sunlight, especially for prolonged periods of time. Your bandage should keep the area covered if you do need to go outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
A benign lesion constitutes any non-cancerous lump, bump or abnormality on the skin, such as a wart, cyst or skin tag.
No, benign lesions are non-cancerous. Most benign lesions do not have the potential to become cancerous but there are always rare exceptions.
Most physical procedures that take place in a treatment room that require cautery will use local anaesthetic, meaning there will be minimal pain involved. The local anaesthetic can sting for a few seconds like a bee sting. Cryotherapy does not require any anaesthetic but can feel 'burning' at the time, despite being very cold. You may experience slight pain and discomfort after any procedure but this is expected and can usually be managed with either no pain relief or simple over the counter painkillers.
Yes, removing a lesion does come with several risks, including: bleeding, slight pain, infection, scarring, and a small chance of the growth coming back. However, in many cases, the risks of leaving the lesion alone will outweigh these. This is why many medical professionals will advise to have the lesion removed despite the small risks that come with it.