Same day procedures

We are pleased to offer same-day consultations and minor skin procedures in some instances for certain conditions.

We will be able to advise you if your skin condition might be eligible for same-day treatment at our Clinic.

Some types of the following skin concerns may be suitable for a same-day procedure:

Booking a same-day procedure

Please let us know if you are interested in a same-day procedure. We will ask you for photographs of the condition and be able to advise if a same-day consultation and procedure is possible.

It is important to understand that not every mole, cyst or wart is automatically eligible for same-day procedures at our clinic. We assess each request very carefully.

If a same-day procedure would not be suitable for you, then you will be invited to book a specialist skin surgery consultation, where we can discuss and plan your procedure which can then be carried out at some time in the future. In some instances, a procedure may not be suitable.

If based on your photos, a same-day consultation and procedure is provisionally suitable, then we will be able to offer you an appointment.

You may be offered a package price for a procedure and consultation.

For other concerns, you will be offered a skin surgery consultation and procedure price separately. It may be possible to have a skin surgery consultation remotely. All our fees are published here.

What happens at a same-day procedure?

When you attend, you will have a consultation in which the lesion will be examined to ensure it is suitable for a same-day procedure. Your doctor will review your medical history and discuss the risks and benefits of a procedure at the consultation. You will then be asked to sign a consent form, and a procedure will be carried out if it is appropriate and safe.

While photographs are helpful, a decision to operate can only be made once you have been seen and consulted.

In some instances, your doctor will advise you to have histological testing, which will incur an additional cost. You may not have histology included in your quote. The cost for histology is  £225.

Same-day procedures are only undertaken where it is deemed safe and appropriate.

If a procedure is not appropriate for you, or you require a different procedure, or you decide not to proceed with a same-day procedure, then a consultation fee applies for the visit.

What is histological testing?

Histological testing or Histology is when any tissue is sent to the laboratory for analysis. The tissue is processed in a special way and then looked at down the microscope by a specialist consultant who can advise on the diagnosis of a lesion. Histology is required in any instance where the diagnosis is uncertain or the lesion appears to be suspicious.

You may be provided a quote without histology as common complaints such as skin tags do not require this if there are no suspicious features. However, there are circumstances where the doctor will require you to have histological analysis of a skin lesion if there are any areas of suspicion, and this will incur an additional charge unless it has already been included in the price quoted to you.

Circumstances in which a same-day procedure appointment is not offered

A same-day procedure is not offered if it is felt by our medical team that:

  • the lesion might be something different
  • the type of treatment might not be suitable
  • The lesion is in a highly cosmetically sensitive area, such as on the face, and a careful discussion is required about these risks – also giving you time to consider the options as a cooling off period.
  • the risks, for example, from scarring, might outweigh the benefits
  • The lesion is complex, and you will require a careful discussion of options, including no treatment
  • The lesion has been treated before either at our Clinic or elsewhere

In these instances, we will be able to offer you a specialist skin surgery consultation if you would like to explore treatment options further.

Circumstances in which a same-day procedure is not carried out

It is disappointing if you have planned a same-day procedure and it does not take place. However, your safety is our primary concern. A same day procedure may not be carried out if:

  • The diagnosis made during the consultation is different to the diagnosis that is made on the photos and information you have submitted to us
  • Your doctors advises you that the risks outweigh the benefits
  • The lesion has changed since the assessment was made
  • You need more time to consider the risks and benefits of a procedure
  • The procedure is not right for your concerns
  • You have a risk of keloid scarring
  • You are on a blood thinning medication
  • You do not wish to include histology in your procedure where this has been medically advised to you
  • You are unable to rest or carry out any other post-operative instructions

If a procedure is not appropriate for you, or you decide not to proceed with a same day procedure, then a consultation fee applies for that visit.

Circumstances in which a same-day procedure fee is amended

The fee estimate provided to you is based on the photos you have provided and assumptions made from the information you have given. You should be aware that the price is subject to change once you have been assessed at your consultation. For example, if the size of the lesion, type of procedure or complexity of the procedure is different, or if histological testing is required, then the additoinal fee difference for this will be applied.

What we discuss at a same-day consultation

It is really important to have a full understanding of the benefits and risks of any procedure. This allows you to make an informed choice on whether you would like to proceed. Examples of benefits and risks that are discussed are:

Benefits

  • The likelihood of complete removal or cure from the procedure or whether you may need more than one procedure
  • The likelihood of any symptoms resolving

Risks

It is always important to be aware of any risks of a procedure and take these into account when making the decision to have surgery. The doctor will be able to go through any risks that may apply to you. Some examples include:

  • Scar formation – a surgical procedure will usually leave some form of scar, and at the consultation, it is possible to discuss the likely length and orientation of any scars
  • Discomfort – there can be discomfort after some procedures
  • Bleeding – there is a risk of bleeding from a wound, especially in the first 48 hours. The risk of bleeding may be increased for some people who may need to take extra precautions.
  • Infection – there is a risk of infection following any surgical procedure in the first week. The risk of infection is increased with certain risk factors such as diabetes and immunosuppression.
  • Delayed healing – some people may suffer from slow healing.
  • Keloid and raised scars – some people are prone to elevated scars which may need additional separate treatment.

What is included in a same-day consultation and procedure package?

The following are included:

  • Consultation
  • Procedure
  • Aftercare advice and support during working hours
  • Dressing and spare dressings for you to use at home
  • A wound check can be carried out if required
  • Prescription for any antibiotics in case these are required (you would pay the pharmacy for the medications)
  • Removal of sutures if sutures have been used – you should make sure you are available between 5 and 14 days following the procedure for this

The following are not included:

  • Treatment of keloid or adverse scarring
  • Treatment of recurrences
  • Follow-up consultations if required for discussion of histology results (such as after a skin biopsy or mole biopsy) and to discuss further treatment and management.

Recovery time and aftercare

The time for recovery varies depending on the procedure you have, as does the aftercare. Here are some general points:

  • Skin tags, milia and sebaceous gland hyperplasia – expect a small scab in the area for about five days. The areas are covered with Vaseline before you leave, and you will be asked to do the same until the scabs have settled. Avoid exercise and physically demanding work for a day or two.
  • Scrapes, shaves and cosmetic mole removals. Expect a scab for about 7-10 days. Wounds are dressed if they are on areas prone to getting caught; otherwise, they can be left open and covered with Vaseline. Once the scabs separate, the wound will look pink for a few weeks before settling. Avoid exercise and physically demanding work for three or four days.
  • Excision with stitches – these take about seven days to heal on the face and 10-14 days to heal elsewhere. The wound is usually covered with a dressing for the first few days. Avoid exercise and physically demanding work for 5-7 days for facial work and up to 14 days for procedures on the body.