DETECT. REMOVE. RESTORE.
Specialist surgical removal of skin cancer and expert reconstruction of the affected area — combining complete excision with a natural-looking result that blends with the surrounding skin.
ABOUT THIS PROCEDURE
Skin cancer surgery encompasses the surgical excision of malignant skin tumours and the immediate reconstruction of the area from which they are removed. The priority is always oncological: ensuring the cancer is fully removed with clear margins. But the quality of the reconstruction that follows is equally important — and it is where specialist surgical expertise makes a measurable difference to the patient’s long-term outcome.
The most common skin cancers treated surgically are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Each behaves differently, requires different margins, and may demand different reconstructive techniques. Reconstruction uses tissue from the surrounding area, local skin flaps, or skin grafts to close the wound in a way that minimises scarring and preserves the natural appearance of the affected area.
Surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia as a day case for smaller lesions, or under general anaesthesia where the lesion is larger, in a functionally important area, or where more complex reconstruction is required. In all cases, the aim is the same: remove the cancer completely, and restore the patient’s skin as naturally and discreetly as possible.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Most skin conditions are highly treatable when caught early. You should seek a surgical opinion promptly if you notice any of the following changes to a mole or skin lesion:
Asymmetry
One half of the mole or lesion does not match the other half in shape or colour.
Border Irregularity
Edges that are uneven, ragged, notched or blurred rather than smooth and well-defined.
Colour Variation
Multiple shades of brown, black, red, white or blue within a single lesion.
Diameter
Larger than 6mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser), or any lesion growing rapidly in size.
Evolution
Any change in size, shape, colour, or texture — or a new lesion that bleeds, crusts or does not heal.
If you notice any of these changes, do not wait. A prompt surgical assessment could make a meaningful difference to your outcome.
PROCEDURE AT A GLANCE
Parameters vary by lesion size, location and reconstruction required.
Procedure Time
Anaesthesia
Hospital Stay
First Follow-up
Return to Full Activity
The exact surgical approach — augmentation, reduction, lift or combination — is determined at consultation based on your individual anatomy and goals.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
Week 1
Most patients go home the same day. You are seen at your first follow-up within a week for wound assessment, dressing change and histology results review. Light work is usually possible from around one week post-procedure.
Weeks 2–4
Most patients return to moderately physical activity and work within 2–4 weeks. Any non-dissolvable sutures are removed at the appropriate stage. The reconstruction continues to heal and the wound begins to settle.
Month 1–3
Full physical activity can resume from around 4 weeks for most patients. The scar enters its maturation phase — redness reduces and the scar begins to soften and blend more naturally with the surrounding skin over the following months.
12–18 Months
Scars continue to improve for up to 18 months post-surgery. The final appearance is typically far less noticeable than patients initially fear. Scar revision or further refinement is available if needed once the scar has fully matured.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The primary outcome is complete removal of the cancer. Beyond that, patients consistently experience meaningful improvements in confidence and appearance:
WHY CHOOSE SURGICAL TREATMENT
Surgery remains the most reliable method for achieving complete removal of skin cancer with histologically confirmed clear margins — the only definitive confirmation that the cancer has been fully taken out.
Removal and reconstruction are planned and performed together. There is no need for a separate procedure to close the wound — the reconstruction is part of the surgical plan from the outset.
Many skin cancers can be fully excised and reconstructed under local anaesthetic as a day case — no overnight stay, no general anaesthetic, and a straightforward recovery from the outset.
The reconstruction is only the beginning. Post-operative scar management — including care advice, silicone therapy, and revision where needed — is part of the long-term plan to achieve the best possible cosmetic result.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
The three most common skin cancers each behave differently and require a tailored surgical approach.
MOST COMMON
The most common form of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells of the skin’s outer layer. BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body but can cause significant local destruction if left untreated. It typically appears as a pearlescent or translucent bump, often on sun-exposed areas of the face, head or neck. Surgical excision with clear margins is the primary treatment.
REQUIRES PROMPT TREATMENT
The second most common skin cancer, arising from squamous cells in the outer layers of the skin. SCC carries a higher risk of spreading to lymph nodes or other organs than BCC, particularly if treatment is delayed. It often presents as a firm, rough or scaly red patch, a wart-like growth, or an open sore. Prompt surgical excision with adequate margins is essential.
MOST SERIOUS
The most serious form of skin cancer, arising from melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells). Melanoma can spread rapidly to lymph nodes and internal organs if not caught and treated early. It typically presents as a changing or irregularly pigmented mole. Surgical excision with wide margins is the primary treatment, and sentinel lymph node biopsy may be required to assess spread.
ADVANCED SKIN CANCER REMOVAL
Mohs micrographic surgery is the most precise technique available for skin cancer excision. It removes the tumour one thin layer at a time, with each layer examined under the microscope in real time during the procedure. Only when every margin is confirmed histologically clear does the surgery stop — ensuring the entire tumour has been removed while sparing the maximum possible amount of healthy surrounding tissue.
This staged, margin-controlled approach gives Mohs the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment — up to 99% for primary basal cell carcinoma and 97% for primary squamous cell carcinoma. It is the technique of choice where tissue preservation is critical, margins are poorly defined, or where the cancer is in a high-risk location such as the face. Reconstruction of the surgical defect is planned and performed in the same visit.
When Mohs Is Most Appropriate
“
I was terrified about having a skin cancer on my face removed. The reconstruction was so well done that most people can’t even tell I had surgery. Prof. Hindocha was calm and reassuring throughout.
“
The whole process from diagnosis to discharge was handled with such professionalism. I had the cancer removed and the wound closed in the same appointment. A week later I was back at work.
“
I delayed seeing anyone for too long because I was afraid of what they might find. Prof. Hindocha was direct, kind, and got me sorted quickly. Honestly the best thing I could have done.
AFTER THE EXCISION
Once the cancer is removed, the wound must be closed in a way that heals well and produces the least noticeable scar. For small, straightforward excisions, direct closure — simply suturing the edges together — is sufficient. For larger or more complex wounds, particularly on the face or near important structures, more advanced techniques are used.
A local skin flap uses adjacent skin and tissue, repositioned to close the defect while respecting the natural appearance of the surrounding area. A skin graft takes a thin layer of skin from another site to cover a wound where local tissue is insufficient. The choice of technique is made at the time of surgery based on the size and position of the wound, the quality of surrounding tissue, and the patient’s priorities.
SHOULD YOU BE SEEN?
You should seek a surgical assessment if you have any of the following:
EXPLORE FURTHER
Other skin procedures available with Prof. Hindocha.
SKIN
Surgical and non-surgical options to reduce the visibility of scars and improve skin texture.
SKIN
Surgical and non-surgical options for tattoo removal and skin restoration.
ACT WITHOUT DELAY
Private appointments available quickly.
Skin cancer is highly treatable — but timing matters. If you have a changing or suspicious skin lesion and want a specialist surgical opinion, do not wait for an NHS referral if you have concerns. Private appointments with Prof. Hindocha can be arranged promptly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clear, direct answers to what patients ask most.
