Benign Skin Lesions: Safe, Expert Removal in Hampshire

Noticing a new lump, mole, or patch on your skin can be worrying. The good news is that most skin lesions are benign (non-cancerous) and can be safely treated or removed for comfort, reassurance, or cosmetic reasons.

At Hampshire ENT clinics, our consultants offer expert assessment and removal of benign skin lesions for patients across Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Salisbury.

🩺 What Are Benign Skin Lesions?

Benign skin lesions are harmless growths that arise from the skin or underlying tissue. They can appear anywhere on the face, scalp, or neck. Common examples include:

  • Sebaceous cysts – smooth, round lumps under the skin, often on the scalp or behind the ears

  • Lipomas – soft fatty lumps under the skin

  • Skin tags – small, soft growths on the neck, eyelids, or underarms

  • Seborrhoeic keratoses – β€œwarty” brown or crusty patches common with age

  • Moles and pigmented lesions – most are harmless but should always be checked if changing

While benign, these lesions can be uncomfortable, prone to infection, or cosmetically bothersome, particularly when visible on the face or neck.

πŸ” Assessment and Diagnosis

Every lesion is assessed by a consultant ENT or facial plastic surgeon to confirm that it is benign. If there’s any uncertainty, we may arrange:

  • Ultrasound or imaging (if deeper)

  • Histological testing (biopsy) after removal

Your safety and peace of mind always come first.

βœ‚οΈ Treatment and Removal Options

At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we offer minor surgical options:

  • Simple excision under local anaesthetic (a quick, in-clinic procedure)

  • Excision with flap closure a slightly longer procedure again under local anaesthetic

All procedures are performed in sterile, modern facilities with minimal discomfort and small, discreet scars.

πŸ’« Why Choose Hampshire ENT Clinics

  • Consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeons with expertise in delicate facial skin surgery

  • Treatment offered in throughout Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Salisbury

  • Options for both medical necessity and cosmetic removal

  • Rapid appointments and personalised care

We often perform these procedures under local anaesthetic during a short clinic visit, allowing you to return to normal activities the next day.

πŸ“ž Book a Consultation

If you’ve noticed a new skin lump, cyst, or mole, or you’d like to discuss removal, our consultants can assess and advise on the safest and most effective treatment.

πŸ‘‰ Contact Hampshire ENT or Adnova Clinic today to book your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Benign Skin Lesions

What is a benign skin lesion?
A benign skin lesion is a non-cancerous growth arising from the skin or underlying tissue. These lesions are very common and include cysts, lipomas, skin tags, moles, and age-related skin growths.

Are most skin lumps and lesions harmless?
Yes. The majority of skin lesions are benign. However, any new, changing, or symptomatic lesion should be assessed to confirm the diagnosis and provide reassurance.

What types of benign skin lesions do you commonly see?
Common benign lesions include:

  • Sebaceous (epidermoid) cysts – smooth, round lumps under the skin

  • Lipomas – soft, fatty lumps

  • Skin tags – small, soft growths often on the neck or eyelids

  • Seborrhoeic keratoses – warty or crusty brown lesions

  • Moles and pigmented lesions – usually harmless but should be checked if changing

These often occur on the face, scalp, neck, and behind the ears.

How do you check that a lesion is benign?
A consultant ENT or facial plastic surgeon will assess the lesion clinically. If there is any uncertainty, further investigation such as ultrasound or histological analysis (biopsy) after removal may be arranged.

When should a skin lesion be checked urgently?
You should seek assessment if a lesion:

  • Is rapidly growing

  • Changes colour, shape, or size

  • Becomes painful, inflamed, or infected

  • Bleeds unexpectedly

  • Has irregular borders or pigmentation

These features do not necessarily mean cancer, but they do warrant prompt review.

Do all benign skin lesions need to be removed?
No. Many benign lesions can be safely left alone. Removal may be recommended if the lesion is:

  • Painful or repeatedly infected

  • Catching on clothing or shaving

  • Causing cosmetic concern

  • Uncertain in diagnosis

How are benign skin lesions removed?
Most lesions are removed using minor surgery under local anaesthetic, usually as a short outpatient procedure. Techniques include simple excision or excision with careful closure to minimise scarring.

Is removal painful?
Local anaesthetic is used, so the procedure itself is usually comfortable. Mild soreness afterwards is common and settles quickly.

Will there be a scar?
Any skin procedure leaves a scar, but surgeons aim to keep scars as small and discreet as possible, particularly on the face and neck. Scars usually fade significantly over time.

Is histology performed after removal?
If appropriate, the removed tissue is sent for histological examination to confirm the diagnosis. This provides reassurance and ensures safety.

How long is recovery after removal?
Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next day. Wound care advice is provided, and stitches (if used) are usually removed or dissolve within 1–2 weeks.

Can lesions be removed for cosmetic reasons?
Yes. Benign lesions can be removed for cosmetic or comfort reasons, provided assessment confirms they are suitable for minor surgery.

Where can I be assessed and treated?
Consultant-led assessment and removal of benign skin lesions are available at Hampshire ENT Clinics, caring for patients across Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.

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