We treat a wide range of skin lesions at our clinic and one of the types we see most often is the skin tag. In this article we look more at why we remove skin tags, and the different methods that our Doctors and Surgeons use. [Read more…] about How are Skin Tags removed?
Q&A with Dr Andrew Smith: How Safe is the Sun?
As we approach the summer months, our patients often ask us how safe it is to spend time in the Sun. In this article, Dr Andrew Smith answers some of your most common questions and tells us what our doctors and surgeons look for when assessing sun-damaged skin. [Read more…] about Q&A with Dr Andrew Smith: How Safe is the Sun?
VIDEOS: Meet Our Surgical Team
Meet our Doctors and Surgeons. [Read more…] about VIDEOS: Meet Our Surgical Team
VIDEOS: What is a Seborrhoeic Keratosis?
Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal is one of the procedures we most frequently carry out at our clinics. To find out more about them and how they are removed, we joined our Medical Director Mr David Watt in the Minor Ops Suite at our Leeds-Bradford clinic. Read on, or scroll to watch videos of the procedure and our patient’s feedback after her treatment. [Read more…] about VIDEOS: What is a Seborrhoeic Keratosis?
Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2019
We’re delighted to have received the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2019 for consistently excellent service feedback from our patients. [Read more…] about Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2019
VIDEO: David’s Mole Removal Story
Mole, Skin Tag or Cyst? How do I know?
Without doubt, the most common question we’re asked is – what is this thing on my skin? In this article we’ll show you some examples of four different types of lesion so that you can have a head start the next time you discuss your skin with your doctor. [Read more…] about Mole, Skin Tag or Cyst? How do I know?
Laser Mole Removal – Dr Andrew Smith answers the most frequently asked questions…
Updated March 2019 with new before and after photos.
Dr Andrew Smith is a GP specialising in Skin Surgery and works for the NHS in Bingley, West Yorkshire.
He is highly experienced in the use of medical grade lasers for mole removal and has worked at our Leeds-Bradford Clinic in Guiseley for six years.
We took some time with him to discuss the questions we are most frequently asked about about Laser Mole Removal.
How long does the procedure take?
From start to finish, a Laser Mole Removal appointment takes about 30 minutes. Mostly this involves discussion about the procedure and the aftercare. The actual laser treatment only takes approximately 5 minutes for each mole. [Read more…] about Laser Mole Removal – Dr Andrew Smith answers the most frequently asked questions…
Laser rhinophyma treatment transforms the appearance of patients…
Patients suffering from a painful and facially disfiguring condition called rhinophyma can have their appearance transformed with a simple laser procedure. Mr Jay Wiper (Consultant Plastic Surgeon) carries out this procedure from our award-winning Guiseley clinic at a cost of £1400. [Read more…] about Laser rhinophyma treatment transforms the appearance of patients…
Have you ever seen a laser in action removing a skin lesion?
At Skin Surgery Clinic, we specialise in the removal of Moles, Seborrhoeic Keratoses and other skin lesions by class 4 medical grade laser. Watch our short video below for an insight into this effective procedure, which is used for it’s cosmetic results. Patients are rarely left with a scar and the procedure is quick and far less invasive than traditional surgical removal methods.
[Read more…] about Have you ever seen a laser in action removing a skin lesion?
Revolutionary Earfold prominent ear correction arrives at Skin Surgery Clinic
Over the past six months we’ve begun offering a highly effective new type of prominent ear correction at Skin Surgery Clinic in Harrogate and Guiseley. Offering immediate results and short recovery times, EarFold can offer patients precise and dramatic alterations to their ears without any of the downsides of traditional surgical procedures…
What is prominent ear correction?
Many children and adults have prominent ears. They often refer to them as bat ears, and find they affect their self confidence. [Read more…] about Revolutionary Earfold prominent ear correction arrives at Skin Surgery Clinic
The growth of private minor surgery in Harrogate
As some patients may be aware, Skin Surgery Clinic is operated by the same group that runs the registered medical clinic Good Skin Days in Guiseley. Skin Surgery Clinic specialises in minor skin surgery and dermatology and has been running from the Guiseley clinic for the last four years. A Consultant-led service, the team consists of three Consultant Plastic Surgeons, two Consultant Dermatologists and three GPs as well as a large team of supporting Surgical Nurses. [Read more…] about The growth of private minor surgery in Harrogate
CPD evening in central Harrogate
We will be hosting a CPD accredited educational event on Tuesday the 27th September 2016 at our newly opened clinic in the centre of Harrogate entitled “Dermatology & Lasers at the Skin Surgery Clinic”. GPs practicing in the Harrogate area will be invited to attend this event.
The event will be introduced by our Medical Director Mr David Watt (Consultant Plastic Surgeon) and will feature a presentation by Graham Bissett (Clinical Training Consultant). Graham has over twenty years of experience in the use of dermatological lasers and specialises in the clinical training of Doctors.
GPs will be able to see a live demonstration of a Class 4 Medical Grade Laser ablating a Mole and a Seborrhoeic Keratosis.
Introducing our new clinic in the heart of Harrogate.
We are delighted to announce the opening of the second Skin Surgery Clinic, located in the centre of Harrogate. A beautifully renovated Victorian building, it now has a state of the art Minor Ops Suite, a private consultation room and further treatment rooms.
Our multi award-winning clinic in Guiseley has treated hundreds of patients who have travelled from the Harrogate area since it opened in 2009. This new location is intended to serve patients in the North Yorkshire area more effectively, with the same highly experienced team of Consultants and Doctors.
The new clinic is adjacent to Harrogate railway station and near a number of public car parks. [Read more…] about Introducing our new clinic in the heart of Harrogate.
WATCH THE VIDEO: Dramatic Results from Eyelid Surgery
“I am going to be 50 next year and I just want to look as good as I can for my age. After serious consideration, I took the decision to have an eyelid lift. Watch this video and find out more about my experience.”
Tracey addressed signs of ageing and tiredness by opting for an Eyelid Surgery. The procedure is called an Upper Blepharoplasty and is carried out by our Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr David Watt. A blepharoplasty removes folds of loose skin and fatty deposits within them, to produce a less-tired and more youthful appearance.
*Please note that this video contains footage of real life surgery. [Read more…] about WATCH THE VIDEO: Dramatic Results from Eyelid Surgery
When it comes to skin cancer, don’t wait and worry – seek professional advice
We recently treated a patient who had developed a skin lesion that turned out to be an SCC (squamous cell carcinoma). On visiting the clinic to express his concerns, the patient was immediately seen by one of our trained nurses.
The case was referred to our Consultant Plastic Surgeon Andrew Williams and a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment quickly followed. [Read more…] about When it comes to skin cancer, don’t wait and worry – seek professional advice
Can earlobe reconstruction help improve people’s career chances?
by Chris Gill
People often come to us for help when damage to their ears, caused by piercings, is affecting their career path. It may not affect your ability to do a job but it seems that some employers are still reluctant to employ people with stretched ears.
[Read more…] about Can earlobe reconstruction help improve people’s career chances?
Eyelid Surgery – Update with photos
Our GP & Patient Liaison Manager Sharon Cordingley recently had Eyelid Surgery. Read the update on her story here…
I decided to have this surgery because I felt slightly unhappy about how my eyes were ageing. My eyelids were drooping and there was a fair amount of excess skin. You may have read about my experiences of the surgery itself, how the healing process felt and how I looked two weeks after the procedure, but if you haven’t, you can read all about it in my previous blog post.
I thought it was time to share an update, as lots of people have been asking, so here goes! [Read more…] about Eyelid Surgery – Update with photos
Eyelid Surgery: A patient’s story…
Our GP & Patient Liaison Manager Sharon Cordingley writes about her experience of eyelid surgery in this insightful diary series…
In recent years, I had noticed that my upper eyelids were becoming more prominent. It began to droop over my eyelashes and I felt that it was really ageing my face. I had been considering this surgery for a while and decided that now was the time. I was asked to share my experience, so here are my diary entries which will give you a good idea of how I found the treatment, how painful it was and how I feel about the result after two weeks of healing. Happy reading! [Read more…] about Eyelid Surgery: A patient’s story…
Earlobe Reconstruction grows in popularity
In just a few months the Skin Surgery Clinic has become one of the UK’s leading clinics for earlobe reconstruction and repair. Today we have a look at the earlobe procedures we offer at the Clinic and why people are travelling from far and wide to have them here in Leeds.
Outstanding medical team
We were delighted in August to welcome Andrew Williams, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, to join our medical team here at the Clinic. Mr Williams is a Cambridge-educated surgeon with fifteen years of experience specialising in cosmetic procedures and skin cancer treatment.
Mr Williams had recently published a case study in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery on his method for returning earlobes stretched by flesh tunnel and plug arrangements to a standard shape and size, and we were excited that he chose our clinic to offer this procedure in to the general public. Our medical director Mr David Watt also performs earlobe reconstruction operations now too.
We’ve had immediate interest from men and women from all over the North of England, and the patients have been very happy with the results.
BEFORE – 06/11/14
AFTER – 14/11/14 – One week post-op“Staff all excellent – comforting and friendly. Clinic was clean and welcoming.One week in, the ear is looking great – healed much better than expected in the short space of time, with little associated pain. You won’t be able to tell in a few more weeks!”
Daryl Mackie
Stretched Earlobe Reconstruction
Daryl Mackie
Stretched Earlobe Reconstruction
Mr Mackie had both his earlobes reconstructed by Andrew Williams and was delighted by the appearance of them even just one week after surgery.
Industry leading facilities
Increasing number of patients are already booking in to have their earlobes repaired in 2015 – even coming from abroad on the strength of our reputation and testimonials of people we’ve previously treated.
Part of that reputation comes from our recently upgraded Minor Operations Suite (MOPS). The operating room in the Suite has air filtration and surgical lighting systems of a standard usually found in private hospitals. The preparation and recovery rooms offer patients privacy and comfort while they prepare for and relax after their procedures.
The Care Quality Commission classes the Skin Surgery Clinic as a “day case hospital”, which isn’t something that can be achieved by a high street beauty salon or tattoo studio. We’re proud of our medical facilities and the standards of expertise and care our staff provide.
Coming next year
We’re planning to introduce a video of the earlobe reconstruction procedure, much as with our extremely popular laser mole removal service. We’ll also be putting up more genuine reviews from patients who’ve had stretched or split earlobes repairs here at our clinic in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
If you’re considering having flesh tunnels removed, or any other repairs to your earlobes, we’re always happy to advise you on how to proceed. You can complete an online consultation where our medical team will assess your earlobes prior to booking you in for a procedure, or you can call us on 01943 882011.
Surgical Lighting Upgraded
The operating room in our Minor Ops Suite has been fitted with an industry-leading new overhead surgical light as we continue to upgrade our facilities here at the Clinic.
The new light, a Brandon Medical Astramax HD-LED, was approved for installation by our Medical Director David Watt to provide even better conditions in our Minor Ops Suite for our team to operate on skin cancers and perform earlobe reconstructions. It has several features which our doctors are already benefiting from:
- significantly higher light intensity – brighter lighting and fewer shadows while operating
- full spectrum colour accuracy – a very balanced and full white light spectrum allows all colours to be seen clearly, making it easier to identify small variations in skin and tissue colour
- adjustable red balance – different quantities of red light in the beam help to compensate for the human eye’s difficulty in distinguishing between similar shades of red
It’s also very energy efficient, meaning that unlike with some traditional lighting systems, patients won’t experience a heating effect whilst under the light.
The installation of this new surgical light represents another significant investment as we ensure the highest standard of private clinic facilities for our medical team and, most importantly, our patients.
For more information about any of our treatments, call 01943 882011 or email info@skinsurgeryclinic.co.uk.
Big increase in surgery to mend ‘flesh tunnel’ earlobes
According to a recent report in the Guardian newspaper, patients are paying around £1,800 to rebuild earlobes that have been damaged by flesh tunnels, stretching or gauging. Luckily, there are more affordable options available. [Read more…] about Big increase in surgery to mend ‘flesh tunnel’ earlobes
Are you worried about a mole?
Don’t leave it too long to get it checked out. Melanoma is relatively rare, but is becoming more common. There are currently almost 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK and it is one of the most common cancers in people aged 15-34. More than 2,000 people die every year in the UK due to melanoma.
THE ABCDE CHECK
A IS FOR ASYMMETRY
Are both halves of the mole the same size & shape? A melanoma is often asymmetrical.
B IS FOR BORDER
Is the border of the mole even? Melanomas tend to have an uneven or crusty border.
C IS FOR COLOUR
Is the mole uniform in colour? A melanoma will often contain a variety of colours.
D IS FOR DIAMETER
What size is the mole? A melanoma is often larger than a pencil eraser, but can be smaller
E IS FOR EVOLVING
Has the mole changed? Get a mole checked if it has changed shape, colour, has become itchy, bleeds or has a scab.
Do I need a referral from my GP to have a mole privately removed?
A question that we are often asked at the clinic:
The simple answer is no, a GP referral is not necessary. Many of our patients do come to us with a referral from their GP, but it is not a requirement. We are medically registered to be able to treat you if you self-refer to us.
“There is an increasing prevalence of skin cancers in the UK, so non-suspicious (benign) moles are very rarely removed on the NHS. To get a benign mole removed, you would almost always need to do so privately and will be charged a fee.” (Source: NHS UK)
At the Skin Surgery Clinic, consultations and procedures are always carried out by a GP or a Consultant. There will be no difference in the level of care that you will receive and the information that you will be given about your mole, whether you go to your own GP or come and see us, except perhaps that our Doctors have a special interest in skin concerns and see a greater number of moles in their daily practice.
There will be no change to your future eligibility of free NHS services if you choose to seek private treatment for mole removal.
[Read more…] about Do I need a referral from my GP to have a mole privately removed?
See The Treatment – Watch a Skin Tag Being Removed
“If I’d known it was that easy…”
This is something we hear our patients say all the time after their treatments. [Read more…] about See The Treatment – Watch a Skin Tag Being Removed
What is a skin tag?
If you’re interested in treatment, please visit our Skin Tag Removal page.
These strange looking skin growths are very common and are benign (harmless), occurring equally in both males and females. They are small and soft in appearance and can be either flesh-coloured or brown, looking much like tiny pockets of hanging skin; in fact, they often project from the surrounding skin from a tiny narrow stalk (they are pedunculated.)
Skin tags are composed of a core of fibres and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells and a covering or epidermis.
Skin tags are typically only a few mm in diameter (2 – 5mm), but some can grow as large as 5cm, about the size of a fig.
The medical name for skin tags (or skin tabs as they are sometimes known) is acrochordons.
GP Educational Evening, 25th March 2014
This Tuesday, we hosted an exclusive educational event for GPs and Doctors at our Skin Surgery Clinic, (at Good Skin Days in Guiseley, Leeds.)
The event was well attended and speakers included Professor Andrew Wright; Consultant Dermatologist from Bradford Hospitals Trust and an esteemed member of our medical board at Good Skin Days. Professor Wright led a talk on benign skin lesions, the NICE guidelines for the treatment and referral of skin lesions and finished with an insight into the topical treatment of benign and pre-cancerous skin lesions.
Our Medical Director, Mr David Watt, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Bradford Royal Infirmary, continued with an interesting talk on skin lesions; how to decide whether they are benign or suspicious for malignancy and also in the surgical pitfalls in the treatment of skin lesions.
Live laser treatments of benign skin lesions were carried out by Dr Rachael Kay, GPWSI in Dermatology and Dr Andy Smith, GP.
Have you met our expert medical team?
One of the things that makes the Skin Surgery Clinic Leeds special is our team of medical experts. This week, meet Professor Andrew Wright, Consultant Dermatologist and Director at the Skin Surgery Clinic.
Have you met our expert medical team?
One of the things that makes Good Skin Days special is our team of medical experts. This week, meet Mr David Watt. Specialist Consultant and Medical Director of the Skin Surgery Clinic.
Mole Removal: The ABCDE Mole Check
Malignant melanoma incidence rates in the UK have quadrupled in the last thirty years. Take a look at the ABCDE method of checking your moles and make an appointment with your GP if any of your moles are worrying you.
