Skin Lesion Removal and Skin Surgery in London
Miss Hunter offers selected skin surgery where this is appropriate within her plastic surgery practice — including assessment and removal of suitable skin lesions, biopsies, scar revision, and reconstruction with skin grafts or local flaps.
Take this away with you — view this information as a printable fact sheet or download the PDF, to read at home or share with your family. It supports, but does not replace, your consultation with Miss Hunter.
Selected skin surgery
As a plastic surgeon, Miss Hunter pays particular attention to careful closure and scar outcome when removing skin lesions, and can reconstruct more complex defects using grafts or local flaps where needed.
Miss Hunter carried out her MD research degree in the early detection of skin cancer at the University of Cambridge, and she regularly assesses patients with lesions of concern and removes moles.
Where a lesion may need to be checked for skin cancer, removal can include sending tissue for analysis, with onward discussion in a multidisciplinary setting if appropriate. Miss Hunter advises on the right approach after assessing you.
Procedures Miss Hunter offers
The right procedure depends on the nature and size of the lesion. Removing a lesion usually involves taking a sample of skin to be examined. Smaller lesions can often be dealt with under local anaesthetic, while larger or more complex lesions may need a general anaesthetic and reconstruction with a skin graft or local flap. Miss Hunter advises on the most appropriate approach for you after assessing you.
- Excision biopsy — the whole lesion is removed, together with a surrounding margin of normal skin, and the wound is closed with stitches.
- Punch biopsy — a small circle of skin, usually about the size of a lentil, is removed and closed with a stitch.
- Local flaps — tissue is freed and moved from an adjacent area to cover the defect left after removal. This may be carried out under local or general anaesthetic, depending on the size and location of the area treated.
- Skin grafts — healthy skin is taken from an unaffected area of the body and used to cover skin that has been lost or removed. The graft is held in place, for example with stitches, clips or a dressing, and is protected while it heals and connects with the surrounding blood supply. Miss Hunter explains the likely healing time for your individual graft.
- Scar revision — surgery to improve or reduce the appearance of a scar; it can also help to restore function and correct skin changes caused by an injury, wound, poor healing or previous surgery. Scar revision can improve a scar but cannot remove it entirely.
Making an enquiry
Please contact Hunter Plastic Surgery directly about a skin concern, and Sophie will advise on the appropriate route for your enquiry.
Common questions about skin surgery
I have a mole or lesion I am worried about — what should I do?
Contact the practice and Sophie will advise on the right next step. If a lesion needs checking, removal can include sending tissue for analysis. Anything urgent or suspicious should also be raised with your GP.
Can you improve an old scar?
Scar revision can sometimes improve the appearance of a scar, though it cannot remove it entirely. Miss Hunter assesses the scar and explains what is realistic.
What scar care may be recommended?
Scar management is tailored to how your scar is healing. Once the wound has healed sufficiently, initial care may include moisturising and massage. If a scar needs more specific treatment, Miss Hunter may recommend silicone gel or silicone sheets. Raised or active scars may sometimes benefit from steroid injections, which Miss Hunter can also provide where appropriate. You will be advised when to begin each treatment rather than starting it without guidance.
How do I know if I am suitable?
Suitability is assessed by Miss Hunter at consultation, taking account of your aims, medical background, anatomy and what is realistically possible. Sophie can tell you whether an enquiry is the kind of work Miss Hunter takes on before you book.
Will I see before-and-after photographs?
Yes — during consultation. Relevant examples from Miss Hunter’s own patient library are reviewed with you privately. They are not published online, for confidentiality.
What does recovery involve?
Recovery varies between patients and procedures. General guidance is given here and in your patient information sheet, and individual advice on work, driving, the gym, lifting and travel is given by Miss Hunter around your consultation and surgery.
Who do I contact afterwards?
Sophie coordinates queries before and after surgery and escalates to Miss Hunter directly where clinical input is needed.
Make an enquiry
Speak with Sophie Freud
Sophie, our Practice Manager, is the first person you’ll speak to. She coordinates enquiries, appointments, fees and practical arrangements, and stays a familiar point of contact before and after surgery.
