Dermatofibroma Removal
We offer safe, effective, plastic surgeon-led removal of benign skin lesions such as dermatofibromas.
A dermatofibroma is a firm, benign skin growth often found on the arms, legs or shoulders. These nodules are typically small (less than 1cm), slightly raised or domed and may appear brown, red or purple. They often feel like a small button under the skin and may dimple inwards when pinched.
Dermatofibromas are:
- More common in women
- Thought to arise from minor trauma (e.g. insect bites, ingrown hairs or shaving nicks)
- Typically harmless and non-cancerous
- Sometimes itchy, tender or cosmetically bothersome
Because they are embedded within the deeper layers of skin they do not resolve on their own and tend to persist for years unless removed surgically.
At Dr. Jenny Clinic, we treat dermatofibromas using either a shave excision or a full-thickness excision. As part of your consultation we will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment method to enable us to decide what is best for you.
Ellipse (Full-Thickness) Excision/ Punch Excision
- The lesion is fully cut out along with a small margin of surrounding tissue
- The skin is closed with sutures to help support optimal healing
- A linear or straight-line scar is left behind, which although starts off as red and firm, does fade and soften in appearance as the weeks and months go by
Shave excision/ Curettage
- The lesion is carefully shaved flush with the surrounding skin or we perform a tissue scoop (curettage) to remove the deeper portion of the lesion.
- No stitches are required: The wound heals over like a graze over a matter of days
Although shave/curette options allow for a less invasive procedure, because the dermatofibromas arise from the deeper layers of the skin, these techniques have a higher likelihood of leaving a significant part of the lesion behind.
Following your consultation, you will be consented for your procedure.
The lesion(s) to be removed is photographed for your medical records.
The area is then numbed using a numbing injection.
The operative area is then cleansed with an antiseptic solution and the surrounding area is covered with a sterile sheet or drape to ensure that infection risk is minimised.
The lesion is then surgically removed using the appropriate technique and depending on the procedure we may then go on to stitch and/or dress the area.
Most procedures take between 20-40 minutes and you can return to normal activities shortly afterwards.
All fully excised dermatofibromas are sent for histopathological testing as standard, which is included in your treatment cost.
Your aftercare advice is an important step to ensuring optimal healing.
- Keep the wound covered and dry for 2 days.
- It is normal to experience bruising, spotting or mild swelling in the first 2-3 days.
- For most wounds we recommend the application of simple Vaseline for 7-10 days post surgery.
- If we have used removable sutures to close the wound, we will arrange a post-operative review appointment to remove these for you.
- Avoid strenuous activity, swimming, or saunas for at least one week. Contact sports and heavy exercise may need to be delayed for 2 weeks.
- Between 2-4 weeks post surgery you can start massaging your scar twice a day to help it settle and mature as well as possible.
- Protect fresh scars from UV radiation by using high factor SPF to reduce risk inflammation, irritation and redness.
We will schedule a follow-up if required and you are always encouraged to contact us with any post-treatment concerns.
FAQs
Shave Excision/ Curettage – No Histology:
£450 for a single lesion
£150 for each additional lesion treated on the same day.
Suitable only for raised, long-standing, unchanged and asymptomatic lesions following clinical assessment
Excision (shave, full or punch) – With Histology:
£650 for a single lesion
£300 for each additional lesion treated on the same day
Removal with histology is required for any lesion that is new, changing, symptomatic or suspicious following clinical assessment
Please visit our full Price List for further information.
We understand that our patients can be very busy with their daily lives and therefore it is ideal for most to be able to combine their consultation and surgery during the same visit.
Therefore, although we do offer the option to proceed with surgery on the same day (known as a ‘See and Treat’ appointment), we will only do so if you are certain you would like to proceed and if it is safe to proceed on the same day.
If you would prefer to think through all the treatment options first and make provisions for potential downtime, restrictions in exercise etc, then it is best for us to carry out your consultation first, then plan a separate visit for your treatment.
As an ethical medical clinic, we never want you to feel pressured to undergo treatment on the same day, therefore rest assured that your consultation fee is fully redeemable against your treatment, even if you decide to delay your treatment by several weeks or months.
As we always advise patients in the clinic, never feel rushed to commit to an elective, non-emergency procedure and take all the time you need to make that decision.
This is indeed possible but it will all depend on the size and number of lesions due to be treated and also on the type of excision required.
This can be discussed during your consultation and treatment planning. Although it is tempting to treat multiple areas in one go, it is important that we proceed with caution and your safety in mind in order to minimise surgical risks.
“My approach is one of patient empowerment and education, open and honest communication and above all ensuring that patients feel at ease and informed through all stages of their treatment”
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Personalised care, clinical precision and profoundly natural results: Your journey to skin confidence starts here
Email: info@drjennyclinic.com
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