Skin lesions can be removed using plasma bt or the more traditional minor operation for larger moles or sebaceous cysts. Your medical history will be discussed prior to consenting for the procedure in our new patient consultation or updated for existing patients.

Dr Hemming is very experienced in the removal of moles and skin tags. Treatment is extremely safe and effective.

Local anaesthetic injections are used to numb the skin after which you may feel some touch and movement on the skin but it should not be painful.

As with all procedures we advise you follow the aftercare provided, these minimise any risks associated with treatment. We discuss your medical history and allergies prior to treatment.

There is no downtime following a minor surgical procedure. The area may ache for a few days while your body heals under the wound. If your procedure needed stitches we will book the suture removal appointment at the appropriate time (normally 7-10 days depending on area treated).

At Thames Skin clinic we precede all of our treatments with a full consultation. Your treatment will be carried out by Dr Anna Hemming, a highly experienced aesthetic doctor. Your medical history will be taken followed by an examination of your skin concerns. You can discuss whether Plasma treatment is suitable for you and address your expectations from treatment. When the treatment has been fully explained you will be required to sign a consent form and a photograph will be taken for your records.

Following cleansing, a local anaesthetic block will be given to the skin area.

Surgical minor operation will then commence. The lesion or mole will be removed and if suitable the lesion will be sent for pathological analysis.

Following treatment, an antiseptic cream or lotion will be applied, normally Clinicept+ along with a specialist serum containing growth factors to aid the healing of your skin.

Treatment areas include moles, sebhooreic warts, sebaceous cysts and skin tags on the body and face.

Side effects are minimal if any. Treatment site tenderness may occur. Your skin may be a little tender or bruised after your operation. The anaesthetic numbing block will last for a couple of hours. Keep the area dry and apply clinisept three times a day if this is suitable for the location of the wound.

Return for review and suture removal as discussed with Dr Hemming at your consultation.

You should not have a minor operation if you are pregnant or breast feeding as we have no research to prove it is safe for your foetus or child.

Care must be taken if diagnosed with neurological or bleeding disorders, currently suffering with a skin infection or allergy or taking particular medication. Your specialist will be able to advise you further.

Please discuss any current medication with the doctor, especially if you are taking aspirin on Ibuprofen. Medication may need to be stopped before treatment.

• There may be some tenderness, redness, swelling and bruising treatment site. This is normal and will subside, usually within a few days (or hours).
• If swelling or pain persists an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can be taken, cold compresses and antihistamines may also be used to help any swelling.
• If you are concerned, please contact the clinic as soon as possible.
• Use a cold pack to reduce swelling and /or redness.
• Do not massage or manipulate the treated area.
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid any further cosmetic procedures for until healed.
• Avoid wearing make-up over the area until healed
• Avoid applying plasters or occlusive dressings over the treated areas.
• Avoid extreme temperatures (hot and cold) for a minimum of 7 days after treatment (no saunas, steam rooms, sun beds or sun exposure).
• Avoid touching treatment area without first cleaning hands (can use Clinicsept+)
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Avoid Swimming for 48 hours
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment

If you have any concerns following your minor operation, please contact Thames Skin Clinic immediately.

Results

Your final results depend on your skin laxity in the treatment area, and the type of lesion that has been removed.