Skin Surgeons Edinburgh 0131 376 2744
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Consultant-Led · Edinburgh

Expert Skin Cancer Treatment in Edinburgh

Private skin cancer clinic · Edinburgh

Consultant-led skin cancer care at Waterfront Private Hospital.

Worried about a suspicious mole or skin lesion? Our consultant-led service offers expert skin cancer assessment and treatment, with prompt access and personalised care. Dr Kazem Nassar is on the GMC Specialist Register and treats common skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

No GP referral is required, although we frequently receive referrals from dermatology colleagues and GPs. Patients travel to us from Edinburgh and across Scotland. Removed tissue is sent for histological analysis as standard.

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Consultant assessing a patient's skin lesion at Skin Surgeons Edinburgh
When to seek assessment

When should I be concerned?

You should seek a professional opinion if a mole or patch of skin is changing in shape, size or colour, or if it begins to itch, bleed, or doesn't heal. Early assessment is key — particularly for melanoma and other higher-risk lesions.

Read our guides to the three most common types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma.

Patient reviews on Google

What patients say.

About this service

About Skin Cancer Treatment

Plastic surgeons are often involved in treating skin cancers in areas where cosmetic outcome is important, or when more complex reconstruction is required. We offer surgical removal of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.

Our goal is to completely excise the tumour while preserving both function and appearance. We are well-prepared to handle any required reconstruction, including skin grafts or local flaps. Removed tissue is sent for histological analysis as standard, to confirm the diagnosis and check for complete removal.

Further reading on specific types of skin cancer and what to look out for: BCC — British Association of Dermatologists, SCC — British Association of Dermatologists, and Melanoma — Melanoma Focus.

Consultant performing a dermatological skin procedure at Waterfront Private Hospital
The dermatological surgical suite at Waterfront Private Hospital, Edinburgh
Your journey

Treatment Journey

01
Make an enquiry Tell us about the lesion using our online form. No GP referral required. We'll reply with guide pricing within one working day.
02
Book appointment We'll arrange your consultation at Waterfront Private Hospital, Edinburgh — prompt assessment, usually within days of your enquiry.
03
Consultation and treatment A consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register assesses the lesion and recommends treatment. Consultation and treatment may be combined where clinically appropriate.
04
Aftercare and follow-up Written instructions and dressing provided. A follow-up appointment checks healing and reviews your histology results; ongoing skin surveillance is advised where appropriate.
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On the day

What to Expect

Most skin cancer removals are day procedures under local anaesthetic.

01
Anaesthetic: Local The area is numbed — the procedure should be painless.
02
Duration: 20–60 Minutes Depending on the removal method and any reconstruction.
03
Recovery: 0–4 Weeks Most return to light activities within 24–48 hours; full recovery depends on any reconstruction.

The procedure. Local anaesthetic is injected around the site. The lesion is removed together with a margin of healthy tissue, and the wound closed with sutures. Where required, reconstruction — including skin grafts or local flaps — is carried out to preserve function and appearance. Removed tissue is sent for histological analysis as standard.

Healing & risks

Recovery, Risks & Scarring

Most people can return to work and light daily activities within 24–48 hours, depending on the procedure and site of surgery. A follow-up appointment checks healing and reviews your histology results.

Some scarring is expected with any skin surgery; we use refined surgical techniques to minimise visible scarring, especially in facial or cosmetically sensitive areas. There is a small chance of recurrence depending on the cancer type and margins — follow-up and regular skin checks are recommended, especially if you have a history of skin cancer.

See our patient information page for full aftercare guidance, and the BAPRAS patient guide to skin cancer surgery and reconstruction.

Treatment methods

Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to the individual — prioritising your safety first, and cosmetic outcome alongside it. The most appropriate approach depends on the type, size, and location of the lesion. Your exact price is always confirmed before treatment begins.

Non-surgical: topical treatment. Medical creams and gels designed to target and eliminate cancer cells. These non-invasive treatments are suited to cancers located on the surface of the skin and are known for their minimal side effects.

Surgical: excision. The cancerous growth is surgically removed along with a small portion of the surrounding healthy tissue. An effective strategy for thoroughly treating various skin cancers.

Surgical: electrosurgery. Physical removal of cancerous cells through scraping, combined with electrical currents to destroy any remaining cells. Particularly effective for small, superficial skin cancers while maintaining a good cosmetic outcome.

For type-specific options, read our guides: BCC treatment options, SCC treatment options, and melanoma treatment options.

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Aftercare dressing applied following a skin lesion removal at Skin Surgeons Edinburgh
Guide pricing

Skin Cancer Removal Pricing

Guide prices for private skin cancer treatment at Waterfront Private Hospital, Edinburgh. Final pricing depends on the complexity of your procedure and any reconstruction required. Your exact price is always confirmed before treatment begins. See our full pricing page.

Specialist Consultation

£200

  • Consultant Plastic Surgeon
  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Discuss options
  • Treatment on same day

Suspicious Mole Removal

from £950

  • Consultant Plastic Surgeon
  • Inclusive Aftercare
  • Additional moles £100 each
  • Pathology included

Proven Skin Cancer Removal

from £1495

  • Consultant Plastic Surgeon
  • Inclusive Aftercare
  • Additional skin cancer £500
  • Pathology included

Skin Cancer Removal & Reconstruction

from £2195+

  • Consultant Plastic Surgeon
  • Inclusive Aftercare
  • Additional recon £800
  • Pathology included
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Why choose us

Why Choose Skin Surgeons Edinburgh

Specialist Expertise

Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, with expertise in skin cancer, reconstruction and cosmetic excellence.

Premier Edinburgh Hospital

Care delivered at the Waterfront Private Hospital — Trustpilot 5-star-rated — with comfort, discretion and easy parking.

Quick Access to Treatment

No GP referral is required, although we frequently receive referrals from dermatology colleagues and GPs. Prompt specialist assessment — usually within days of enquiry.

★★★★★

"At the consultation it was confirmed that I most likely had a basal cell carcinoma on my chest… It was removed yesterday and I found it to be a totally painless experience. Kazem ensured the area was totally numb before proceeding and I was totally at ease throughout."

Ewan Martin — Verified Trustpilot review

★★★★★

"Mr Kazem Nassar greeted me. He was very professional and discussed all options of treatment to me. The treatment was completely painless and I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr Nassar and Waterfront Private Hospital."

Michael Scoular — Verified Trustpilot review

★★★★★

"Very thorough and informative discussion about a skin lesion on my face. Potential treatments and risks clearly explained allowing me to make an informed decision."

Alan — Verified Trustpilot review

★★★★★

"I was a little bit anxious about getting a lesion removed from my face, but I really needn't have been. Dr Nassar was excellent… The procedure was painless, and I couldn't believe how relaxed I felt throughout. Many thanks to Dr Nassar and the excellent staff at Waterfront hospital."

Grier Dodds — Verified Trustpilot review

Read all reviews on Trustpilot — Waterfront Private Hospital.

Dr Kazem Nassar, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Skin Surgeons Edinburgh
Your consultant

Dr Kazem Nassar
Consultant Plastic Surgeon.

Dr Kazem Nassar is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register with extensive experience in skin lesion excision, skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic closure. The same consultant assesses and treats — all procedures at Waterfront Private Hospital, Edinburgh EH5 1SD. Post-operative wound care and suture removal are carried out by the Waterfront nursing team; Dr Nassar sees patients for clinical follow-up where required.

Dr Kazem Nassar is the plastic surgery lead for the South East Scotland melanoma multidisciplinary team (MDT) and also sits on the South East Scotland non-melanoma skin cancer MDT, providing specialist surgical input into the assessment and management of melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer and complex skin cancer cases.

Credentials. MBChB, FRCS (Plast).

Membership. GMC Specialist Register · 10+ years' plastic surgery experience.

British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) member logo
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Frequently asked

Skin Cancer Removal FAQs

Skin cancer FAQ

01 What is skin cancer surgery?

Skin cancer surgery involves removing the affected area along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision. It is commonly used for types such as Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.

02 What types of skin cancer treatment do you offer in Edinburgh?

We offer surgical excision, shave removal, and reconstruction if required. Treatments are consultant-led and performed in a private hospital setting, with tailored care for each patient.

03 When should I seek an assessment for a skin lesion?

You should seek a professional opinion if a mole or patch of skin is changing in shape, size or colour, or if it begins to itch, bleed, or doesn't heal. Early assessment is key.

04 How quickly are skin cancers treated on the NHS?

The NHS prioritises treating skin cancers as early as possible, particularly melanomas and higher-risk lesions. In some areas, lower-risk types such as Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs) may involve longer wait times due to clinical urgency guidelines.

05 Is private treatment for skin cancer an option?

Yes, some patients choose to explore private treatment for reasons such as location, flexibility, or shorter waiting times. We offer consultant-led assessments and care, working alongside NHS pathways where appropriate.

06 Is the removed tissue tested after surgery?

Yes. Skin lesions removed during treatment are typically sent for histological analysis (lab testing) to confirm the diagnosis and check for complete removal.

07 Is skin cancer treatment painful?

No. Treatments are performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you should not feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort afterwards is normal and short-lived.

08 How long does the procedure take?

Most procedures take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion. You can usually return home the same day.

09 Will there be scarring after skin cancer removal?

Some scarring is expected with any skin surgery. We use refined surgical techniques to minimise visible scarring, especially for facial or cosmetically sensitive areas.

10 Can skin cancer return after treatment?

There is a small chance of recurrence depending on the cancer type and margins. Follow-up and regular skin checks are recommended, especially if you have a history of skin cancer.

11 Will I need follow-up care?

Yes. We usually recommend a follow-up appointment to check healing and review lab results. Ongoing skin surveillance may also be advised in certain cases.

12 Can I go back to normal activities after surgery?

Most people can return to work and light daily activities within 24–48 hours. We provide full aftercare guidance based on your procedure and site of surgery.

Get in touch

Make an enquiry.

Phone, email, or use the form — we respond within one working day. No GP referral required.

0131 376 2744
Hospital
Waterfront Private Hospital
1 Waterfront Park
Edinburgh EH5 1SD
Hours
Mon–Fri · 08:00–17:00
Access
Step-free entry · Free patient parking
Getting here

Find Us in Edinburgh

Waterfront Private Hospital, 1 Waterfront Park, Edinburgh EH5 1SD. Free patient parking on site. Open one section below for the journey that suits you.

01 Driving & satnav — Satnav postcode EH5 1SD · 5 min from Crewe Toll roundabout

From Waterfront Broadway, turn left at the traffic lights onto Waterfront Park. Pass the hospital on your left, then take the first left — the car park is immediately on your left. Walk through the car park, exit via the metal gate and follow the path round to the hospital entrance.

02 Parking — Free patient parking on site · 3-hr free at Morrisons next door

Free parking is available in the private car park at the rear of the hospital. There is also free 3-hour parking at the Morrisons supermarket a few minutes' walk away. Step-free access to reception.

03 Bus — Lothian routes 8, 9, 16, 19, 22, 24, 38, X37

The hospital is served by Lothian Buses routes 8, 9, 16, 19, 22, 24, 38 and X37, with stops on Waterfront Avenue and Waterfront Broadway a short walk from reception.

04 Train — Nearest mainline: Haymarket (~15 min by car or taxi)

The nearest major rail station is Haymarket, approximately 15 minutes away by car or taxi. From Haymarket you can connect to the hospital by bus or by tram and short transfer.

05 Tram — Edinburgh Trams · alight Ocean Terminal, then short transfer

The Edinburgh Trams route to Newhaven includes a stop at Ocean Terminal, a short bus or taxi ride from the hospital.

06 From the city centre — 20–25 min by bus from Waverley · St Andrew Square · Bus Station

Approximately 20–25 minutes by bus from central Edinburgh, including Waverley Station, St Andrew Square and the Edinburgh Bus Station.

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