Christmas & New Year Opening Hours 2017-8

Opening Hours

Before Christmas

  • Monday 18th December – 10am-5pm
  • Tuesday 19th December – 10am-8pm
  • Wednesday 20th December – 10am-8pm
  • Thursday 21st December – 10am-8pm
  • Friday 22nd December – 10am-6pm
  • Saturday 23rd December – CLOSED
  • Sunday 24th December – CLOSED

Christmas to New Year

  • Monday 25th December – CLOSED
  • Tuesday 26th December – CLOSED
  • Wednesday 27th December – OPEN 9.30am – 8pm
  • Thursday 28th December – OPEN as normal 10am-8pm
  • Friday 30th December – OPEN as normal 10am-6pm
  • Saturday 31st December – OPEN as normal 9-5pm

New Year

  • Monday 1st January 2018 – CLOSED
  • Tuesday 2nd January 2018 – OPEN – Normal Clinic Hours resume from 10am

Take Advantage of the Holiday

Many of us have a few days off between Christmas and New Year and it can be a bit of a lull after the frenzy of the big day.

This can actually be a great time to have treatment for skin lesions or blemishes such as moles, cysts, skin tags or warts.

6 Advantages of Christmas/New Year Skin Treatment

  1. No need to arrange time off work/other commitments
  2. Arrive more relaxed
  3. No rush back to work
  4. Heal in comfort and privacy
  5. No worries about concealing the initial wound
  6. The sun is less strong

At London Mole Removal Centre, most moles and cysts can be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, so there is no need to book a subsequent appointment unless the lesion is very large or numerous. Procedures are carried out using a local anaesthetic and the latest surgical or laser techniques for minimal scarring.

Book an Appointment

London Mole Removal Centre  do have some appointments available between Christmas and New Year at their private skin treatment centres, so contact us now to book.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

SPF? UVA? UVB? Sunscreen Terminology Confusing

Survey Results

A survey published in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Dermatology (JAMA Dermatology) in 2015 showed that many people are still confused by SPF, UVA and UVB information on sunscreen.

The study explored understanding of sunscreen labelling among 114 USA citizens over a 3 month period.

Key findings were that only 43% understood the definition of SPF value and only 55.3% knew how much sunscreen was required to achieve protection.

Dr. Roopal Kundu, associate professor in dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a dermatologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, was lead author of the study. He comments:

“We need to do a better job of educating people about sun protection and make it easier for them to understand labels,” said

More encouragingly, 81.6% of participants understood that sun avoidance is superior to sun protection in skin cancer prevention – so staying out of the sun and/or covering up is understood to be better than sun exposure even when sunscreen is worn.

Dr Kundu says:

“Just because you buy SPF 100 doesn’t mean you are 100% protected.

“Staying out of the sun is the only way to guarantee 100% protection.”

The study highlighted confusion about labelling and understanding terminology associated with protection against skin cancer, sunburn and premature ageing.

Dr Kundu concluded:

“A lot of people seem unsure about the definition of SPF, too.

“Only 43 percent understood that if you apply SPF 30 sunscreen to skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, you can stay outside 30 times longer without getting a sunburn.”

Sources:

Skin Cancer Protection and Detection

As the survey highlighted, avoiding the sun and avoiding sunburn are extremely important factors in reducing the risk of skin cancer.

However, while sun protection is better understood nowadays, melanoma or worrying skin lesions could relate to damage years earlier. That’s why it is important to be vigilant for changing moles and odd skin lesions.

Melanomas caught at the earliest stage can be treated very easily with mole removal surgery. Early treatment has excellent outcomes, but as melanoma progresses and spreads, the chances of a positive outcome decline.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Melanoma Skin Cancer Detection Device Wins Award

James Dyson Award

A device designed to spot melanoma skin cancer has been awarded the prestigious James Dyson Award 2017.

The handheld device is called ‘SKan’ and uses heat detection to allow doctors to identify melanoma accurately and relatively cheaply at a cost of under $1,000 (£760) – a price which is potentially within the reach of patients as well as health professionals.

SKan was invented by four engineering undergraduates at McMaster University in Canada. The device heats the skin and then assesses the length of time it takes for cells suspected of being cancerous to return to normal temperature after they are cooled. Cancerous cells have a faster metabolic rate and give off more heat, so assessing the cooling time is an indicator of melanoma.

The makers say that this solution could save lives by identifying cancer before biopsy results, enabling earlier treatment.

It provides another alternative for professionals who currently rely on visual assessment of worrying skin lesions or more advanced methods like high-resolution thermal imaging cameras which are time consuming or expensive.

James Dyson congratulated the team, saying:

“By using widely available and inexpensive components, the sKan allows for melanoma skin cancer detection to be readily accessible to the many. It’s a very clever device.”

The winning team were awarded £30,000, which they plan to invest in further development of the product. They said:

“We are truly humbled and excited to be given this remarkable opportunity.”

Melanoma Treatment

In the meantime, anyone with concerns about a worrying mole or suspicious skin lesion is recommended to seek an opinion from their GP.

Melanoma is increasingly common in the UK and can be fatal if diagnosed too late.

Melanomas caught at the earliest stage can be treated very easily with mole removal surgery. Early treatment has excellent outcomes, but as melanoma progresses and spreads, the chances of a positive outcome decline.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

New Medicine Licensed for mMCC Skin Cancer

Bavencio for metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merck and Pfizer

Bavencio is the first medicine to be licensed in the UK for the treatment of a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer.

Bavencio, a fully human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, can now be used in the treatment of Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma (mMCC). Until now, the only real treatment option for mMCC has been chemotherapy, which is especially unpleasant for the predominantly elderly patients who suffer from the disease.

The drug was approved in Europe in September 2017 following data from a study of 88 patients with metastatic MCC whose disease had progressed after at least one chemotherapy treatmentwas approved in Europe in September .

Professor Ruth Plummer, consultant medical oncologist at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The licensing of avelumuab in this disease is an advance for patients as it is well tolerated, and active. Patients with mMCC are often elderly and find our standard chemotherapy hard going, needing dose reductions or breaks from treatment.”

Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma

mMCC is a rare disease, with around 50 new cases a year in the UK, but numbers are rising, due to the ageing population and/or increased UV exposure.

Catherine Bouvier, chief executive of the NET Patient Foundation, welcomed the news:

“We’re really encouraged by the news that avelumab is now licensed for use in the UK.  Although rare, mMCC is an aggressive cancer with potentially worse outcomes than other types of skin cancer such as melanoma. An effective, well-tolerated treatment option will be welcomed with open arms by patients with mMCC and their families, so we hope that all stakeholders will work in a collaborative way to ensure that patients in the UK now have access to it as quickly as possible.”

NHS Availability

NICE has started an appraisal of Bavencio to determine whether the treatment is cost effective enough for NHS use.  Their decision is expected by April 2018.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

mMCC is rare, but other forms of skin cancer are also on the increase.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ London Mole Removal Centre urges the public to be vigilant for any unusual skin lesions, as early diagnosis means the best course of treatment.

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained and highly experienced in the field
  • Latest laser and skin surgery mole removal techniques
  • No waiting lists
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Yahoo Style: Winter Sun Cream Advice

SPF cream during the winter:

Should we be wearing it?

An article on Yahoo Style looks into the facts about sunscreen in winter.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ founder and Medical Director, Dr Ross Perry, was invited to give expert advice on the often-overlooked issue of sunscreen in winter.

As the article explains:

“…while the daily shaves and the diets can be put to one side, one thing you shouldn’t drop from your routine is sun protection. Yep, you still need to slap on the sun cream – even in the deepest depths of winter.”

Importance of wearing sunscreen in winter

Sunscreen should be worn year round on exposed skin, even on cloudy days, as it protects against UVA rays, which can lead to skin ageing and cancer.

Dr Ross Perry, GP and medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, explains:

“Winter sun can be misleading. We don’t feel the heat and are less likely to burn, yet the rays can still penetrate the skin.”

How long you’re spending outside

Even short trips outdoors expose the skin to the sun. Dr Perry tells Yahoo:

“Sunscreen should be worn for any time at all spent outside, even in winter.

“Sun damage can build up a cumulative effect.”

Suitable sunscreen for winter

Dr Ross explains:

“If you get on with a sunscreen, then there’s no reason not to wear the same one year round. Choose a high protection with a minimum SPF 30 every day, all year.

“In winter you’re less likely to need ingredients to stop it sweating off or washing off in the sea, so it can be nice to choose one which sits well under makeup.”

Read in full at https://uk.style.yahoo.com/spf-cream-winter-wearing-135221500.html

Private Mole Checks & Removal

If in doubt about any skin lesions, it is important to get them checked as early as possible.

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

The Sun: DIY Mole Removal Infection Reveals Tumour

An article in The Sun tells how Faye Ryder’s DIY mole removal became infected, revealing a serious tumour.

DIY mole removal is never to be recommended under any circumstances. It carries a risk of infections as well as the fact that removed lesions are not tested.

However, this story also underlines the seriousness of skin lesions.

When Faye first visited the GP about a mole on her cheek, she was told that the NHS do not offer mole removal for cosmetic reasons. It was at this point that Faye decided to take action herself to get rid of the blemish. Having watched youtube tutorials, her treatment involved applying tea tree oil in the expectation that it would dry up the mole which would then fall off.

Actually the mole became larger and itchier and Faye eventually returned to the NHS, where it was diagnosed as a cancerous tumour which was found to be spreading beneath her nose. Skin was removed, leaving a scar running from beneath her eye to above her lips.

Faye explains:

“My mum was always careful with sunscreen and I’ve only been abroad once so I never suspected that I could have cancer, let alone that it was dormant in my face.

“It would have gone undetected and spread across my face if I hadn’t tried to get rid of the mole myself.

“It’s ironic that I hated the tiny mole on my face and now have a four-inch scar across it, but it’s a small price to pay considering how much worse it could have been.”

The story underlines the importance of having moles checked and taking early action.  The only real way to see if a mole is cancerous is through biopsy. There is a risk with visual examination that some moles may be misdiagnosed as cosmetic when in fact they are more dangerous. Therefore even after being told a mole is cosmetic, if it continues to cause concern, patients should listen to their instincts and revisit the GP or request a second opinion. Melanomas caught at the earliest stage can be treated very easily with mole removal surgery. For skin cancer, early treatment is the best chance of a good outcome. As melanoma progresses and spreads, the chances of a positive outcome decline.

Faye continues:

“I’m so lucky my family supported me through this ordeal and want to urge others to get their moles checked.”

Read in full and see photos at HOLY MOLEY – Mum’s horror after her DIY mole removal became infected and revealed a deadly tumour on her face… and now she has a four-inch scar on her cheek

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

71% Melanomas are NOT Existing Moles

A new study has shown that the majority of melanoma cases are not comprised of existing moles but new moles, freckles or marks.

Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that while suspicious moles are still 29% of cases, it is particularly important to check for new spots, blemishes or lesions.

In addition, the melanoma associated with new moles had less favourable prognosis than those on existing moles; making them more dangerous.

The findings were based on a meta-analysis of data from 38 studies, totalling 20,126 cases of melanoma.

Study author Caterina Longo, MD, PhD, a dermatologist at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, explained:

“These results could indicate that patients who monitor their existing moles for suspicious changes could detect melanoma in its early stages, when it’s most treatable.

“Because the disease is more likely to appear as a new growth, however, it’s important for everyone to familiarize themselves with all the moles on their skin and look for not only changes to those moles, but also any new spots that may appear.”

Melanomas caught at the earliest stage can be treated very easily with mole removal surgery. Early treatment has excellent outcomes, but as melanoma progresses and spreads, the chances of a positive outcome decline.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Melanoma UK Criticises Boots Mole Checks

Warnings from Melanoma UK

Melanoma UK, a charity dedicated to skin cancer, has criticised high street giant Boots’ new mole scanning service.

Boots launched their Mole Scanning Service in 50 stores due to the rise in melanoma in the UK. Incidence rates have increased by 119% since the early 90s and melanoma is the fastest growing form of skin cancer. Yet 40% of Brits don’t regularly check for worrying moles.

Boots’ mole checking service is intended to help patients to identify whether their moles were any cause for concern. After completion of a questionnaire, a detailed scan/photograph of the mole is taken using Boots’ SIAscope. The images are then sent onto ScreenCancer UK for analysis and 7 days later, the patient will receive an email report to advise whether it is a potential risk and recommend further actions.

Melanoma UK

Dermatologist Dr Christian Aldridge and medical advisor for Melanoma UK, said:

“The issue here is what happens if/when the nurse calls.

“They have only taken a detailed picture of your mole. If they think it’s suspicious they will tell you to see your GP. They cannot do anything else.

“They cannot recommend you see a dermatologist privately to have it removed. They will tell you to print off the report, show it your GP (who do not regularly read siascope reports) and to ask for referral/removal of mole. So, this is a private service, which then relies on the already heavily in-demand NHS to do its work for it.

“The Boots service is not providing an excision of mole service – it’s providing an opinion on a picture – essentially triaging the mole.”

Gill Nuttall, CEO of Melanoma UK, added:

“I’m really disappointed that a large organisation like Boots has found an opportunity to make a profit from this service.

“Perhaps the fear element will get the better of some people, but I’d have been far happier to see Boots offer their assistance for free and really try to make a difference to the alarming increase in the rates of melanoma.”

Boots Reply

Boots have responded to defend their service. A spokesperson said:

“…Our customers tell us that they really value this choice of being able to conveniently access healthcare services and so we have been offering private services alongside NHS Services to support our patients for a number of years. The service, which is provided by ScreenCancer UK at Boots stores, has already identified 1 in 10 moles* scanned needed a follow up.

“…Any customer who has any concerns about a mole or pigmented lesion can also visit their GP to assess whether it requires further investigation. In addition, we have always been committed to helping our customers protect their skin from the sun and remind customers to follow safe sun guidelines by minimising time in the sun, seeking shade and using suitable sun protection.”

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc).

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

New Website Launches

Welcome to the new, relaunched website for the London Mole Removal Centre.

The London Mole Removal Centre offers private treatment for removal of moles, skin tags, warts, cysts and other lesions by skilled doctors and surgeons.

No waiting lists and same day treatment.

There’s no need to put up with a blemish on the skin, these can be removed for cosmetic reasons very quickly and painlessly. We seek to minimise scarring and the appearance after treatment is usually much better than before, once the mole has been removed!

Watch this space for relevant news and updates.