Small skin lesions and lumps and bumps under the skin can be easily addressed, often as an office based or outpatient procedure. The undiagnosed skin lesion brings anxiety, embarrassment, and a niggling disquiet. This can all be addressed by simple consultation, leading to a simple ‘walk-in’ procedure, with an easy recovery. The resulting scar, if at all, should be less intrusive than the mole it replaces.
Most skin lesions are benign (not harmful) and do not pose a risk to health, but their removal is more to do with inconvenience or for cosmetic reasons.
Other skin lesions can be an indication of more serious health concerns and should not be ignored.
The difficulty lies in judging what is normal and purely cosmetic and what is considered a threat and requires further investigation.
At the Jonathan Britto Clinic we have the experience and knowledge to diagnose, treat and monitor a range of skin lesions and moles.
In a distinguished career as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Mr Jonathan Britto understands both the medical and cosmetic importance of safe removal of skin lesions- balanced with the need for a cosmetic outcome.
A plastic surgery text book illustrates many variations of skin lesions, lumps, bumps and moles. Some may require non-surgical procedures to safely remove them whilst others require more complex surgery, up to and including reconstructive procedures.
Having the necessary treatment modalities to be able to manage the many conditions is important and here at the Jonathan Britto Clinic we have the capabilities to treat a wide range of skin lesions with surgical and non-surgical options.
We have the facilities for laboratory testing for suspect lesions giving our patients the peace of mind that they are being correctly diagnosed and treated.
Our philosophy is ‘when in doubt, get it checked out’ it really could save your life.
Whether it be for health concerns or cosmetic reasons, the removal of unsightly skin lesions can cause anxiety for many of us.
Relieve the anxiety by having a conversation with Jonathan for an expert opinion. A small surgical procedure under local anaesthesia in the outpatient setting is less upsetting than a dental procedure. The rapid turnaround for the diagnostic result will give you the reassurance of a confirmed diagnosis and a treatment completed. The scars; soft, supple, and stable, and flat of contour, soft of consistency, and natural of colour will have far less impact than the removed skin lesion.
The Jonathan Britto Clinic treats a range of skin lesions, and lumps and bumps just under the skin, with surgical and non- surgical techniques. Here are just a few of the skin lesions treated in the Jonathan Britto Clinic.
Lipoma– Lipoma’s are non-cancerous, benign lumps found on the face and body which are a result of an accumulation of fat cells under the skin. They range from small inconspicuous bumps to very large tumour like growths that can be visibly seen through clothing.
Although Lipomas do not pose a health risk, they can be painful and unsightly drawing unwanted attention. Typically, we treat Lipoma’s with a stab incision and remove the fat often by a small liposuction cannula that has accumulated under the skin. Where there is loose skin after removing the fat collect the “surgical net” technique of skin tightening under the same local anaesthetic provides effective scarless skin ‘take up’.
Moles Removal–Moles come in all shapes and sizes. They are identified as coloured spots on the skin. They can be raised or flat to the skin and some may be associated with hair growth. We can be born with moles (congenital naevi) or develop them over the years. Many of us can be predisposed to having moles and they can be found almost anywhere on the face and body. Most moles are benign and require no medical attention and as such would not be treated by the NHS. The importance of getting moles checked on a regular basis cannot be emphasised enough. If there is the slightest risk that a mole could represent a greater risk to health in the form of skin cancer, then a simple biopsy can be performed to either discount it or confirm the early diagnosis – with the potential to prevent a later health problem.
Sebaceous cysts – Sebaceous cysts are benign lumps under within the skin which can grow slowly over the years to become much larger raised lumps. Found on the face, scalp, and body they can cause discomfort as well as embarrassment. On the scalp they can be visible for those with short hair and catch on combs and brushes which can be painful.
Sebaceous cysts are an accumulation of sebum, the oil that is produced to lubricate the skin, trapped within and under the skin. The glands in the skin continue to fill and eventually the lesion can be felt as a smooth raised bump. If left, they can become very large, causing pain and pressure. Removal is best completed with surgical techniques for complete removal to prevent later recurrence – as this offers the best chance of permanent results.
Skin tags – Skin tags are small growths of skin (epithelial polyp) usually connected with a thin ‘stalk’. They are benign, pose no risk to health and are not contagious however, they can be annoying and unsightly. Because they usually appear on areas of skin where there has been some friction, they can catch on clothing, often appearing in the armpits, neck, groin and upper body. They are easily treated with no visible signs of removal with non-surgical methods.
Warts – Warts are small growths of tissue that are raised from the surrounding skin and usually rough in texture. Typically, warts are caused by the HPV (human papillomavirus) family of viruses which makes them contagious – but do not pose a risk to health.
There are many varieties of warts, and it is recommended that they are removed to prevent their spread. Removal can involve a simple non-surgical cauterising technique, but deeper-rooted warts may require surgical removal to ensure there is no reoccurrence
We understand that skin lesions can be both embarrassing and a worrying health concern.
Mr Britto will examine the area and complete a full assessment. He may be able to quickly allay any fears and offer simple solutions for the removal. Alternatively, he may recommend further diagnostic laboratory testing to correctly identify the underlying pathology.
The consultation is usually a 2-3 step ‘analysis phase’ at either our London or Essex clinics. Alternatively we can arrange a video consultation from the comfort of your own home.
1. Discretionary free-of-charge video-call
Jonathan will enjoy introducing himself to you in a free video-call to discuss your request. It would be very useful if you could send us some selfie photographs (to medsec@jonathanbritto.com; held securely as part of your medical record), which will help inform the conversation.
2. Face-to-face consultation
If you would like to receive a detailed written analysis, with a quote for treatment, Jonathan will meet you in clinic for a face-to-face appointment. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member for support. The medical history and physical analysis in the privacy of the consulting room is an essential part of making the treatment plan.
After this meeting you will receive a detailed plan and a written quote, together with a suite of information about our ’twilight’ surgeries, relevant comments from prior patients, and some insights about the psychology and holistic care that is part of our commitment to you.
3. Face-to-face or remote catch up…
Jonathan recommends that you open a “procedure diary” on your phone, into which you can drop any questions that occur to you throughout the day, and after receiving the clinic letter and information from your face-to-face consultation.
This third conversation is to answer any questions you have, and to allow Jonathan to ask you about any reflections he has had to refine your care.
…. Step 4…..
In truth, our door is always open, and Jonathan will be very happy to see you face-to-face or remotely if you have further questions about your requested procedure.
Consultation fees: £295 is charged prior to Step 2
Data Security:
Please be aware we use a data security software to encrypt any correspondence that we send you which includes your personal data. These emails may fall into your junk folder, so following your consultations please keep a regular check on this folder.
If you wish to receive un-encryped, ‘open’ email to your inbox – please can be requested via an online, ‘one click’ consent form.
No change.
This will depend on the type of lesion, size and depth in the skin. Most benign lesions leave no visible signs once removed. Bigger skin lesions may leave smalll fine scars, and this would be discussed at the consultation. The aim is for the scar to be less obvious than the lesion it removes.
A major consideration for those considering with skin lesion removal is the pain aspect.
For small skin lesions topical anesthetic cream or local anesthetic in the treatment area is sufficient to allow painless removal and swift recovery meaning patients can go back to work and their social lives almost immediately. These are treated as ‘office’ procedures with no need for the hospital facility.
For larger surgical removal of skin lesions, injected local anaesthetic (as a dentist with use), or twilight anesthetic may be used. These would be completed in a surgical facility as a day case.
The ‘twilight technique’ is a valuable development, honed by Jonathan Britto and his team of anaesthetists. The ‘twilight’ experience delivers comfort, confidence, and the ability to be fully recovered, minutes after the dressings are placed in theatre.
The cost of mole removal is divided into surgical fee, which includes a schedule of follow-up for one year (in practise unlimited), the anaesthetic fee (if relevant), and the facility fees (hospital or clinic, to include the histology fee as necessary). A full explanation of terms and conditions, including fees for secondary surgery or return to theatre is provided during the ‘analysis phase’.
At the Jonathan Britto Clinic we have the experience and knowledge to diagnose, treat and monitor a range of skin lesions and moles. We have the facilities for laboratory testing for suspect lesions giving our patients the peace of mind that they are being correctly diagnosed and treated.
