Cysts present as lumps under the skin. They are small sacs of tissue, filled with an oily substance that lie close to the skin’s surface. Cysts often present like a small pea just beneath the skin. Common locations for cysts are the neck, face and trunk. Most cysts are harmless and grow slowly and painlessly. They can occasionally become inflamed, swollen, tender or infected.
Typical reasons for cysts to develop are blocked glands or hair follicles. The blockage results in a process that creates a sac that fills with dead skin cells and/or keratin.
It is important to not manipulate or squeeze cysts. They may be unsightly and can usually be removed safely by surgical excision.
Lipomas are benign fatty lumps and are made up of a collection of mature fat cells. They usually grow between the skin and muscle. Most lipomas are harmless however some may contain blood vessels, called angiolipomas, which are commonly painful. Some lipomas can grow and press on nerves resulting in discomfort and pain.
There is no clear reason why lipomas develop. Genetic factors are likely involved as they often run in families. Ageing is also a factor as they most frequently occur over the age of forty. Lipomas can appear on any part of the body however they are most frequently found on the back, arms, neck and legs. They can be unsightly or painful and depending on location, can usually be removed by surgical excision.
Which treatment option is best for the removal of my skin blemish / lesion?
Send a picture of the skin blemish to office@artemisclinic.co.uk, indicating where on the body it is if it is not obvious. Following a specialist review, we will reply with a provisional diagnosis, the most appropriate method of removal and the cost. Factors influencing how it is to be removed are age, the size, location and type of blemish.
There are a number of reasons why someone may wish to remove a cyst or lipoma, including for cosmetic reasons, because it is growing, causing irritation or is painful.
If you have had a consultation with the doctor and it has been decided to proceed with treatment, you may be advised to book in for a removal session. This session includes treatment information and consent, the procedure, post operative instructions, dressings and any post treatment reviews that may be required.
Excision involves removing the lesion and a small margin of the surrounding skin using a scalpel or surgical scissors. A very small incision is required and local anaesthetic used which respectively minimise scarring and discomfort.
Once removed, the wound is sealed. Any stitches used will be removed about seven days following surgery. Treatment usually takes between 30 – 45mins.
Histology / Biopsy – Following removal, the excised tissue is placed in a specimen jar and sent via courier for testing at a histology laboratory. Histology costs £185 and is a medical requirement for most lesion removals (not skin tags). If there are a number of lesions to be removed, this does not increase the cost of histology.
The cost of surgical excision is £350, however this may vary depending on the number of lesions to be removed, the size of the lesions and their location.
Which treatment to use for removal of moles, skin tags and skin blemishes?
Send a picture of the skin blemish to office@artemisclinic.co.uk, indicating where on the body it is if it is not obvious. Following a specialist review, we will reply with a provisional diagnosis, the most appropriate method of removal and the cost. Factors influencing how it to be removed are age, the size, location and type of blemish.
We offer a range of treatments for for Skin Blemish Removal including Cryosugery, Surgical and Shave Excision.
Blemish removal with the CryoPen is a highly effective and safe treatment that freezes and destroys benign skin lesions. It uses liquified nitrous oxide to destroy the tissues by freezing the fluid in the cells which in turn forms into ice shards that rupture the cell membrane. Following this process, the cells of the lesion are destroyed.
The benefits of cryotherapy using the CryoPen are no anaesthetic is required, there is minimal scarring and there is no limitation on daily activities following treatment. The pen like structure allows for targeted treatments, ensuring no surrounding healthy tissue is affected during the treatment process.
Surgical excision involves removing the blemish and a small margin of the surrounding skin using a scalpel or surgical scissors. Local anaesthetic is injected before the procedure to ensure it is a comfortable process. The excised tissue is then placed in a specimen jar and sent via courier for testing at a histology laboratory.
Shave excision is the most common form of removal for moles and blemishes that protrude from the surface of the skin. Before the procedure, a local anaesthetic is administered to ensure the process is comfortable. A surgical razor is used to gently shave the blemish off and plane it down to the level of the surrounding skin. Shave excisions are quick, comfortable, heal within 7 – 10 days and do not require stitches.
Histology (biopsy) is a medical requirement for most lesion removals (not skin tags). The specimen samples are sent off site to a laboratory and the price of this is £199. If there are a number of lesions to be removed, this does not increase the cost of histology as seven specimens from one individual can be included in one sample.
The initial consultation fee is redeemable against the cost of treatment if treatment takes place on the day, or is booked within four weeks of the initial consultation.
We encourage clients to email a photo of the lesion to be removed in advance of booking a consultation. This will let you know if we can assist with the concern, give a provisional diagnosis and a price guide in advance of booking a consultation. To send in photos is optional and a consultation may be booked without sending any in.
There is no additional cost for post-operative reviews if required.
Skin Lesion Removals | ||
Initial consultation – GP Mole / Skin Check (redeemable against the cost of removal) | £75 | |
Surgical Excision of cysts, lipoma, moles | one lesion | £350 |
Shave excision of moles, skin lesions and warts | one lesion | £295 |
Histology / Biopsy | £195 |
Histology (biopsy) is medically required for all cyst, lipoma and mole removals. Any lesion samples that are removed are sent to a specialist laboratory, ensuring any worrying or potentially harmful lesions are analysed quickly for peace of mind.
To book an consultation over the phone or for information regarding our services, call 020 8777 1500 or email office@artemisclinic.co.uk
We are located above Lakewood Pharmacy in West Wickham High Street, close to Marks and Spencer, near Beckenham and Bromley.
Late cancellation policy: There is no late cancellation fee if you change or cancel your appointment more than 24 hours in advance. Under this time, any cancellations or non-attendances will be charged and deposits will be used. Deposits are non-transferrable between clients.
Dr Jiten Kalyan DMED, MRCS, MRCGP has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. He has a background in surgery, having rotated through various surgical roles in general, vascular and plastic surgery prior to transitioning to general practice.
He qualified as a General Practitioner having trained in the North East London Training scheme where he rotated through diabetes and endocrinology, general medicine, paediatrics, ear nose and throat surgery and care of older people. This gives a broad depth of clinical knowledge enabling a holistic view to your healthcare.
During his surgical training, he was involved in clinical research where he supervised a clinical trial with published outcomes. Dr Kalyan has also collaborated on several other published research projects. He has been involved in the teaching of medical students as well as presenting at conferences both locally and internationally.
He also has an interest in minor surgery, joint injections, skin (moles), and aesthetics.
Cysts and Lipomas
Moles and Warts
Dermatofibroma
Xanthelasma (eyelid lumps)
Thrilled with the overall experience. Thank you.
T.E.The whole team at Artemis are amazing. Very professional, friendly, modern and great help. Can totally recommend.
J.D.Very impressed with the clinic look and feel. Easy going relaxed atmosphere. Treatment is easy and effective, visible results and I was sceptic before. I wasn’t sure if this would show results as prominently as this and I’m quite surprised. I would happily return here for all cosmetic needs. I think it’s a lovely, professional place.”
BeckyI cannot praise the treatment I have received at The Artemis Clinic enough. I am much more active now and pain is reduced immensely. Everyone at Artemis is so caring and positive. It has made a big difference to my life.”
G CrosbieWhat a wonderful clinic. I am relatively new to the clinic but recommended to a number of friends because the treatment and service is second to none.”
A Cowell