What is a seborrhoeic keratosis?

Seborrhoeic keratoses are very common wart-like spots that appear as we age. They can be scaly, pigmented, and often look 'stuck on' to the skin. While harmless, they may become itchy, inflamed, or cosmetically bothersome.

Is seborrhoeic keratosis removal painful?

No. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic using skin-numbing injections, similar to those used at a dentist. Most patients tolerate it well.

How is a seborrhoeic keratosis removed?

The lesion is shaved off at the base under local anaesthetic, leaving a graze-like wound that heals naturally. The area may appear pink or purple initially and typically fades over time.

Will the lesion come back after removal?

Seborrhoeic keratoses typically do not recur in the same spot once removed.

Can multiple seborrhoeic keratoses be treated at once?

Yes. Our specialists can assess and treat several seborrhoeic keratoses in a single visit, depending on time and location.

Do I need a GP referral to book?

No referral is required. You can book directly with Glasgow Skin Specialists for consultation and treatment.

What happens after the procedure?

You’ll receive aftercare guidance and be offered a free follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing and take post-operative photographs. Most patients resume normal activities immediately.

Expert Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal in Glasgow

Seborrhoeic keratoses are very common wart-like skin growths that appear with age. While they are harmless and non-cancerous, they can become itchy, inflamed, or cosmetically bothersome. At Glasgow Skin Specialists, we offer expert-led seborrhoeic keratosis removal in Glasgow, providing safe, effective, and HIS-compliant care for patients seeking relief from unwanted skin lesions.

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What Are Seborrhoeic Keratoses?

Seborrhoeic keratoses are very common wart-like spots that appear as we age. They can be very numerous in a single patient. They appear as scaly-like spots, that can seem ‘stuck on’ to the skin. Some are the same colour as your skin, and others may be brown or tan (pigmented). They are harmless and carry no risk to your health, but can be itchy, chafe against clothing, and in some cases become red and inflamed. Occasionally, seborrhoeic keratoses can be difficult to tell apart from some forms of skin cancer, but seborrhoeic keratoses are not pre-cancerous lesions.

Seborrhoeic Keratosis Removal: What to Expect?

1 / Consultation

When you attend for your consultation, you will be seen by a specialist dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who will take a short medical history from you and some photographs of the lesion for your medical records. They will discuss with you your options for treatment, which will usually be a straightforward seborrhoeic keratosis removal operation under local anaesthetic. Following this discussion, if you are happy to proceed, you will be offered a further appointment to return for your surgery. In some cases, if you have a small number of seborrhoeic keratoses to be removed, you may be offered treatment at the time of your consultation, although this will be time dependent.

2 / Surgical Procedure

The seborrhoeic keratosis removal operation is carried out under local anaesthetic. These are skin-numbing injections, similar to that used at a dentist. Once the skin is numbed, a seborrhoeic keratosis can be shaved off at the base, leaving a graze-like wound that heals over naturally in a week or two. You will be left with a pinky-purple patch of skin, that will usually fade away over a few months, although in some cases you may develop a small scar. Seborrhoeic keratosis removal will take about 20-30 minutes, but obviously depends on the number you want to be removed.

3 / Postoperative Care

Following your surgery, you will be given some aftercare information and offered a follow-up appointment free of charge, to ensure your wounds have healed satisfactorily and to take some post-operative photographs.

Why Choose Glasgow Skin Specialists?

Trusted NHS-Trained Specialists

All procedures are led by experienced surgeons who combine hospital-grade expertise with private care efficiency.

Rapid Access to Treatment

Avoid long waiting lists with our fast-tracked service, offering timely consultations and treatment.

Safe and Professional Environment:

Every procedure is performed by skilled specialists in a trusted clinical setting, prioritising safety and optimal results.

Tailored Approach for Optimal Outcomes

We focus on both medical success and cosmetic considerations, ensuring the best possible results.

Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Dangerous?

Basal Cell Carcinoma is very rarely life-threatening. It grows slowly and almost never spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can grow deeper into the skin and surrounding tissue, causing damage - especially on the face. That's why early diagnosis and treatment are important.
What does BCC look like?

BCCs can appear in different ways, but common signs include: - A shiny pearly bump (sometimes with visible blood vessels). - A sore that keeps bleeding, crusting, or not healing. - A flat, scar-like patch - A red, scaly area that might itch.
Can BCCs spread to other parts of the body?

BCC very rarely spreads (metastasises) beyond the skin. However, it can become locally invasive - meaning it grows wider and deeper if left untreated, especially in delicate areas like the nose, ears or eyelids.
What happens if I ignore it?

If left alone, a BCC will usually continue to grow. It can cause disfigurement or damage to nearby tissue, especially if on the face. Treatment is usually simpler and more effective when started early.
Will BCC surgery leave a scar?

Most BCC treatments do leave a small scar, but we take great care to minimise scarring and place incisions discreetly where possible. The scar often fades over time.
Does BCC treatment hurt?

All BCC operations are conducted under local anaesthetic. This feels slightly stingy but is not overly painful.

Book Your Consultation Today

Take the first step towards smoother, irritation-free skin with our expert Seborrhoeic Keratosis removal services. Contact Glasgow Skin Specialists today to schedule your consultation and receive personalised care for your skin concerns.