Skin Cancer Surgery in Bristol

Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the most common types of skin carcinomas. They start in the top layer of skin (the epidermis) and are often related to sun exposure. Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. The type of surgery you have depends on the size of the cancer and where it is on your body. Small skin cancers can usually be removed with a wide excision under local anaesthetic however if you have a larger skin cancer, this may require you to have a general anaesthetic where the area of removed cancer is reconstructed and replaced with a skin graft or a skin flap.

Skin cancers are usually removed with a wide excision, rather than a simple excision which would be typical for a mole, cyst, wart or skin tag removal. This means the skin cancer is cut out together with some of the healthy skin around it. The healthy skin is called a margin and the reason for taking a margin is to remove any cancer cells that have spread into the surrounding tissue.

Any lesion removed, whether it has been confirmed by a biopsy to be a skin cancer or it is a suspected skin cancer, will be sent away to the laboratory for histological analysis. This can sometimes take a few weeks to come back and the results will be relayed to you by Mr Sherif Wilson MB, ChB, MS, FRCS (Plastic Surgery). Depending on the result, there may or may not be any follow up treatment needed.

Skin graft

A skin graft is a layer of skin taken from another part of the body and placed over the area where the skin cancer was removed. The place where the skin is taken from is known as the donor site. The place where it is moved to is called the grafted area. The amount of skin that is taken depends on the size of the area to be covered.

The donor site

Skin is usually taken from the thigh, buttock or upper arm however, it can also be taken from the neck, behind your ear or inner arm. The donor site will be dressed to prevent any infection. The donor site can often feel more uncomfortable than the grafted area, but things usually settle within 1-2 weeks.

The grafted area

The grafted area is usually secured with stitches. It will have a dressing over it, which will be left in place while the graft heals. The skin graft will connect with the blood supply in the area. This usually takes around a week. The area will look red and swollen to begin with, but eventually it will heal, and the redness will fade. The grafted area will be quite fragile, and it is important not to put pressure on it or rub or brush against it.

Both the grafted and donor areas will develop scars. These should gradually become less noticeable. There will also be some difference between how the grafted skin and the skin surrounding it looks however this will lessen over time.

Skin flap

A skin flap is a slightly thicker layer of skin, which is taken from an area very close to the wound where the cancer has been removed. Skin flap surgery is very specialised. The flap is cut away but left partly connected so it still has a blood supply. It is moved over the wound and stitched in place.

Assessment for this surgery

Before you go ahead, it’s important you understand your options, what procedure you will be having and how the procedure works. Recovery time from basal and squamous cell cancer surgery varies, depending on the size of the tumour, whether lymph nodes were removed, and whether you undergo reconstruction so it is important you understand the recovery period. Mr Wilson will be more than happy to meet with you as many times as you need to ensure you are comfortable and happy before the procedure takes place.

Going home after surgery

Depending if you have had your procedure in the minor operations room or main theatres will determine your follow up plan. You will be able to go home on the same day regardless of where you had the procedure. Mr Wilson will follow you up regularly to ensure all is healing well. If the lesion has been sent off for analysis the results usually take up to 4 weeks to be returned and these will be shared with you and your GP and any further treatment will be recommended.

How much does this surgery cost?

Depending on the type of procedure you require, the cost of this surgery can vary. Minor procedures start from £700.00. Following an initial consultation with Mr Wilson, a bespoke quote will be provided, specific to each patient.

Testimonials

Sherif invites his clients to leave a review about the service he provided on Google (Bristol and Gloucester), as well as Doctify, RealSelf and I Want Great Care.

Please visit the Testimonials page for the very latest, or click on the links directly below this contact form.

Enquire about skin cancer surgery with Mr Wilson

Mr Sherif Wilson MB, ChB, MS, FRCS (Plast)

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Jen Moore

10:12 01 Jun 23

I recently underwent a surgical procedure at Spire Clinic on 21st March 2023, under the expert care of Mr Wilson, and I am delighted to share my overwhelmingly positive experience. From the moment I walked through the doors of the clinic until my complete recovery, the service I received was nothing short of exceptional.First and foremost, I must express my sincere gratitude to Mr Wilson. His professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach were evident from our very first meeting. He took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, addressing all my concerns and ensuring I had a complete understanding of what to expect. His calm and reassuring demeanor put me at ease, instilling confidence in his abilities as a surgeon.The facilities at Spire Clinic were outstanding. The clinic's clean and welcoming environment helped alleviate any pre-operative anxieties I had. The staff members were friendly, approachable, and always ready to assist me with any questions or requests. From the receptionists to the nurses and support staff, everyone demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism.Throughout my stay, the nursing team provided attentive care, ensuring my comfort and well-being at all times. They were highly knowledgeable, offering post-operative support and guidance that played a crucial role in my smooth recovery process. Their commitment to patient care was evident in their prompt response to any concerns or discomforts I experienced, making me feel valued and reassured.The post-operative follow-up care I received was exceptional. Mr Wilson regularly checked in on my progress and provided detailed explanations about the healing process. His willingness to address any post-surgery concerns, no matter how minor, further underscored his dedication to ensuring my complete recovery and satisfaction.The administrative staff at Spire Clinic also deserve commendation. They efficiently handled all aspects of my stay, including scheduling appointments, coordinating with my insurance provider, and addressing any billing inquiries. Their professionalism and attention to detail contributed to a seamless and hassle-free experience.In summary, my experience at Spire Clinic, under the care of Mr. Wilson, was exemplary. The clinic's commitment to excellence, paired with Mr. Wilson's expertise and compassionate care, made a significant impact on my overall satisfaction with the service I received. I would highly recommend Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson to anyone in need of surgical care, confident that they will provide the same exceptional level of service that I was fortunate enough to experience.Thank you, Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson, for your unwavering commitment to patient well-being and for exceeding my expectations at every step of my journey!!

Millie Taylor

09:06 17 May 23

There are so many options when considering surgery, it can be a bit overwhelming as it's such a huge decision. Sherif was recommended to me by a friend of a friend, who talked very highly of him and his work. My first consultation with Sherif was informative and relaxed, there was no pressure to progress with the surgery and I felt I was in good hands. I was given time and space to make my decision, and felt comfortable asking any further questions. The surgery itself went smoothly, I felt safe and well looked after. My recovery went better than I'd imagined and I was comfortably back at work within 2 weeks. I'm now 11 weeks post op and I'm loving the results - it really is life changing, and I'm so glad I did it, and chose Sherif to do it. Huge thanks to him and his team.

lauren priestley

21:56 01 Aug 22

At my first consultation with Mr Wilson he made me feel comfortable and after explaining how specific I wanted my surgery to look, he took so much time explaining the procedure and answered all my questions and advised me on what my best option was.I am so pleased with the results.Him and all his lovely team were highly professional, helpful and very supportive during my surgery and during my post surgery follow up appointments.I cannot express enough how talented Mr Wilson is and I would highly recommend him.

Charmaine Griffin

11:16 28 Jul 22

The service received from Mr Wilson and his secretary has been amazing. Kim has always been prompt and professional with all of our contact. At the initial consultation with Mr Wilson, he made me comfortable and at ease. Mr Wilson has always been so kind and considerate and made sure that he explained the options available to me and what each option would include. Mr Wilson was clear about what the results of each option would likely provide and the risks involved. On the day of my surgery Mr Wilson came to see me prior to the surgery to check that I was happy. The results of the surgery were better than I could ever have imagined. I got a small infection a couple of weeks after surgery and Mr Wilson got me in to see him the same day, provided me with antibiotics and it cleared up right away. I'm now 7 weeks post surgery and feeling right back to normal.

Ashleigh Goodwin

22:12 04 May 22

Wow, I honestly don’t even know where to start. I guess a MASSIVE thank you to Mr Wilson, he has quite frankly changed my life. From the moment I met him I knew that he was the surgeon for me, he listened to what I wanted, was very understanding and caring, he was honest with the outcome and explained everything perfectly. I knew that I had to have him as my surgeon for my Breast Reduction, the minute I left the consultation I booked my surgery, I only had 7 weeks to wait, I was beyond excited. About a week before the surgery I came to see Mr Wilson again just to settle my nerves, and he did just that. My surgery went incredibly well, I felt amazing and just so excited to see the results, I had no complications whatsoever and pain was minimal, the heeling process was so so smooth too. One year on and I am still on cloud nine, the scars are basically non existent and my new breasts are PERFECT. I’m not over exaggerating when I say Mr Wilson has changed my life, he really has done just that, and I will be forever grateful. Will recommend Mr Wilson over and over again to anyone wanting ANY surgery with him. He is incredible!

RealSelf Patient Reviews of Sherif Wilson, FRCS (Plast)