Mole Mapping

Mole mapping is a detailed skin assessment using baseline total-body photography and dermoscopic imaging to record and monitor moles over time. It is particularly useful for patients with multiple moles, atypical lesions, or a personal or family history of skin cancer, as it helps detect subtle changes early. This process requires significant clinical expertise and considerable appointment time to assess each lesion properly and identify subtle patterns of change. While only histology (pathology testing of a biopsy sample) can provide a definitive diagnosis, expert clinical examination with dermoscopy is the next best option for early detection and ongoing monitoring.

Skin Biospy & Skin Cancer (BCC, SCC)

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best outcome. The two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). BCC is usually slow-growing and may appear as a pearly lump, persistent scab, or non-healing sore, most often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, nose, ears, scalp, and neck. SCC can grow more quickly and may present as a firm red lump, crusted lesion, or ulcerated wound, and in some cases can spread if left untreated. Accurate diagnosis is essential, which is why a biopsy is often required to confirm the type of lesion and guide the safest management plan. This may involve a punch biopsy, where a small circular sample is taken under local anaesthetic to provide a clear diagnosis while minimising disruption to the surrounding skin—often used for larger or uncertain lesions. In some cases, an excision biopsy is recommended, where the entire lesion is removed and sent for laboratory analysis, offering both diagnosis and treatment in one procedure when appropriate. Management may then include full surgical excision and reconstruction depending on the results, and at our clinic all skin cancer biopsies and surgeries are carefully planned and managed by an experienced Maxillofacial Surgeon, ensuring expert precision and the best functional and cosmetic outcome, particularly for facial skin cancers.

Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags are small benign growths that hang from the skin. They are very common and completely harmless. However, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons, or if they are located in an area that causes irritation (for example around the neck, under bra straps, or where jewellery rubs).

This is a simple and quick procedure. For larger skin tags we use a small amount of local anaesthetic to keep the treatment comfortable. For larger areas of multiple small tags, we may use a topical numbing cream.

Skin tags have their own blood supply, which can make them slightly more difficult to remove using traditional methods. At Clinic M, we remove skin tags using our advanced CO2 LASER. This is extremely effective, precise, and fast. The treatment leaves no scar, just a small red mark that fades as healing takes place.

The CO2 LASER is highly accurate and can treat down to 0.5mm precision. It creates a sterile, very small wound which typically heals within 5–7 days.

Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma (Cholesterol Deposits on the Eyelids)

Xanthelasma are yellowish cholesterol deposits under the skin, most commonly seen as soft, raised patches on the upper or lower eyelids (often near the inner corners). They’re harmless and painless, but many people choose removal for cosmetic reasons.

Xanthelasma can appear for no obvious reason, but they’re sometimes linked to genetics or high cholesterol. For this reason, we may recommend a cholesterol (lipid) blood test, as raised cholesterol can be associated with heart health risk.

CO₂ Laser Xanthelasma Removal

One of the most popular treatments is CO₂ laser xanthelasma removal, which gently ablates (removes) the deposit. Protective eye shields are placed to keep the eye safe, and the procedure is typically quick (around 10–15 minutes). We’ll provide aftercare ointment and guidance to support smooth healing.

Results are usually excellent, but xanthelasma can reoccur, and there’s a small risk of temporary pigment change or mild scarring. If high cholesterol is a factor, results can be supported by lifestyle changes that help manage cholesterol levels.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrhoeic keratoses are very common, harmless “stuck-on” skin growths that can look like a new mole or wart and may thicken or darken over time. Treatment isn’t medically necessary, but many people choose removal if the lesion is catching on clothing, becoming irritated, or for cosmetic reasons. In clinic we can remove these quickly and safely using cryotherapy (freezing), gentle shave/curettage, or cautery/laser depending on the size, site, and number of lesions; for efficient removal—especially when treating multiple lesions—CO₂ laser ablation is often our preferred option, offering precise treatment with minimal bleeding and typically rapid healing. If a lesion looks atypical or the diagnosis is uncertain, we may recommend a biopsy instead of immediate removal.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

At Clinic M, we specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia, a common benign skin condition that appears as small raised bumps, often with a central indentation and a pale yellow or flesh-coloured surface. These lesions develop when sebaceous (oil) glands enlarge, often influenced by factors such as sun exposure, ageing, and changes in the skin’s natural barrier. While sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless, it can be persistent and may be mistaken for other skin concerns, making accurate diagnosis important. We focus on patient education and offer advanced treatment options, including CO2 laser ablation, which is widely regarded as one of the most effective methods for removing excess tissue and improving overall skin texture.

Lipoma Removal

Lipomas are common, benign (non-cancerous) fatty lumps that develop under the skin and typically feel soft, smooth, and mobile. Diagnosis is usually made through clinical examination, and in some cases an ultrasound scan may be recommended to confirm the nature and depth of the lesion. Removal is not medically necessary unless the lipoma is growing, uncomfortable, restricting movement, or cosmetically unwanted. Surgical excision is the most effective treatment, performed under local anaesthetic, allowing complete removal and the option to send the tissue for histology if required.

Cyst Removal

Cysts are common, benign lumps that form beneath the skin, often due to blocked pores or hair follicles, and may feel firm, smooth, and slowly enlarging. They can remain stable for years but may become inflamed, painful, or infected, especially if repeatedly irritated. Diagnosis is usually clinical, and removal is often chosen for discomfort, recurrent inflammation, cosmetic reasons, or rapid growth. The most effective treatment is complete surgical excision under local anaesthetic, removing both the cyst contents and its capsule to reduce the risk of recurrence, with the option to send the tissue for histology where appropriate.

Wart and Verruca Management

Warts and verrucas are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and can be persistent, painful, and resistant to treatment, particularly on the soles of the feet. While options such as salicylic acid, cryotherapy, needling, and immunotherapy can be effective, they often require multiple sessions and may fail in long-standing or deeper lesions. CO₂ laser ablation is one of the most effective and efficient treatment options and is carried out under local anaesthetic, as it precisely vaporises the wart tissue layer by layer, targeting both the thickened keratin and the deeper infected tissue where the virus is embedded. This controlled destruction allows rapid removal, is particularly useful for resistant or mosaic verrucas, and typically achieves faster clearance compared to topical or freezing methods, with the added benefit of being highly accurate and suitable for difficult-to-treat lesions.

Nail Fungal Treatment

Laser treatment for fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) using Nd:YAG laser is a non-invasive option designed to target fungal organisms within the nail bed by delivering controlled heat through the nail plate. It is particularly useful for patients who cannot tolerate oral antifungal medication or prefer to avoid systemic treatment. Nd:YAG laser therapy can help reduce fungal load, improve nail clarity and thickness over time, and is often used alongside topical antifungal treatment for improved outcomes. Multiple sessions are usually required, as nails grow slowly and long-standing infections can be resistant, but it offers a safe and effective treatment option with minimal downtime.

Co2 LASER Ablation

CO₂ laser ablation is an advanced resurfacing procedure that uses a carbon dioxide laser (10,600 nm wavelength) to precisely vaporise targeted layers of skin, removing damaged tissue while stimulating a powerful healing response. It is considered the gold standard for skin resurfacing because it delivers unmatched accuracy and control over depth, allowing clinicians to treat fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scarring, sun damage and textural irregularities with exceptional precision. The CO₂ laser also creates controlled thermal stimulation in the dermis, triggering collagen contraction and long-term neocollagenesis, which leads to significant tightening and structural skin improvement rather than superficial results alone. Its ability to deliver predictable, measurable tissue ablation with consistent clinical outcomes makes it one of the most effective and scientifically established technologies in aesthetic and dermatological practice.

If you have any concerns about your skin—whether it’s a changing mole, persistent irritation, scarring, pigmentation, or a lesion you’re unsure about—seeking a professional dermatological assessment is always the right thing to do. Early review can provide reassurance, clarity, and the opportunity for prompt treatment where needed. Contact Clinic M today to arrange an expert consultation and take the next step towards confident, clinically-led skin care.