Basal Cell Carcinoma Removal

Basal cell carcinoma is treated with surgical removal of the cancer and surrounding skin to ensure full excision. The specimen will be sent to the lab in order to confirm the diagnosis and the completeness of the removal.
Prices from £575 + Histology

Operation Time:

30-60 Minutes

Return to work:

0-5 Days

Anaesthesia

Local

Discomfort

Minimal
Treatment

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma Removal Surgery?

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in the UK, accounting for over 80% of cases. This non-melanoma cancer arises from basal cells in the deepest layer of the skin’s epidermis, often due to prolonged UV exposure from sunlight or sunbeds.

BCC grows slowly but can cause significant skin damage if left untreated, earning it the nickname “rodent ulcer.” Key risk factors include fair skin, frequent sunburns, sunbed use, age over 50, a family or personal history of skin cancer, weakened immunity, and chronic skin issues.

BCC usually appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp, neck, and shoulders. It may look like a shiny pink bump, a flat scaly patch, a non-healing sore, or a scar-like spot, and often goes unnoticed because it’s painless and slow-growing.
Before and After BCC Removal Surgery

Diagnosis is confirmed with a skin biopsy. While BCC rarely spreads, it can cause serious local tissue damage if untreated. At the Minor Surgery Clinic, we specialise in surgical excision to completely remove the tumour, providing a safe and effective treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications. We also advise regular skin checks, use of sunscreen, and protective clothing—especially for those at higher risk. Our expert team offers personalised care and thorough follow-up for every patient diagnosed with BCC.

At the Minor Surgery Clinic we advise regular skin checks, use of sunscreen, and protective clothing—especially for those at higher risk. Our expert team offers personalised care and thorough follow-up for every patient diagnosed with BCC.

Before and After BCC Removal Surgery Pictures

What is the process?

At the Minor Surgery Clinic, surgical excision is a trusted and effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), particularly for small, well-defined tumors in low-risk areas like the trunk, arms, or legs. The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area; this may cause a brief sting but typically lasts for several hours. The surgeon then cleans the site with antiseptic and uses a sterile drape. The lesion and surrounding margins—the healthy skin around the cancer that needs removal—are carefully marked with a surgical pen. Using a scalpel, the BCC is excised in an elliptical shape to help with closure, however if direct closure is not possible then the defect will need to be reconstructed using a skin graft or a local flap. The removed tissue is sent for histological analysis to ensure all cancer cells have been removed. Finally, the wound is closed with sutures, depending on its size and location, and covered with a dressing to protect the area and promote healing.

What are the risks?

Regardless of how minor a surgical procedure is, there is a potential for complications. It is important that you understand these before proceeding with surgery.
  • Scarring
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Pain or Discomfort
  • Swelling and Bruising
  • Delayed Healing
  • Numbness or Tingling
  • Wound Dehiscence
  • Unsatisfactory Cosmetic Result
  • Recurrence
  • Allergic Reaction

What is the aftercare process?

Discharge: You will be allowed home shortly after the surgery.

Recovery Overview: Recovery from basal cell carcinoma (BCC) removal is usually smooth, with mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness for a few days. Pain is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol.

Wound Healing: The wound generally heals within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on size and location. Non-dissolvable stitches are removed after 7 to 14 days, while dissolvable ones break down naturally.

Scarring: A scar will form, often red or raised at first, but usually fades over 18 to 24 months. Moisturising, avoiding sun, and using silicone gels or scar products can improve appearance.

Aftercare Instructions: Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24–48 hours. After that, clean gently, avoid heavy exercise or stretching, and don’t pick scabs or pull stitches.

Sun Protection: Shield the area from sun by using high-SPF sunscreen or covering it outdoors to prevent discoloration and damage.

Infection Prevention: Follow all aftercare steps to lower infection risk and promote healing.

Follow-up Care: Attend all follow-up visits to check healing and ensure full cancer removal. Further treatment may be needed if necessary.

When to Seek Help: Report increased redness, swelling, pus, fever, bleeding, or ongoing pain.

Long-term Outlook: BCC has an excellent prognosis, but regular skin checks and sun safety are important to prevent recurrence.

How much does Basal Cell Carcinoma Removal Cost?

The cost of BCC removal varies depending on the size and location of the affected area. The package price for BCC removal starts from £575 + Histology which includes the surgery and follow-up after surgery.
BCC Removal Surgery
From £575 + Histology

What is the process?

At the Minor Surgery Clinic, surgical excision is a trusted and effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), particularly for small, well-defined tumors in low-risk areas like the trunk, arms, or legs. The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area; this may cause a brief sting but typically lasts for several hours. The surgeon then cleans the site with antiseptic and uses a sterile drape. The lesion and surrounding margins—the healthy skin around the cancer that needs removal—are carefully marked with a surgical pen. Using a scalpel, the BCC is excised in an elliptical shape to help with closure, however if direct closure is not possible then the defect will need to be reconstructed using a skin graft or a local flap. The removed tissue is sent for histological analysis to ensure all cancer cells have been removed. Finally, the wound is closed with sutures, depending on its size and location, and covered with a dressing to protect the area and promote healing.

What are the risks?

Regardless of how minor a surgical procedure is, there is a potential for complications. It is important that you understand these before proceeding with surgery.
  • Scarring
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Pain or Discomfort
  • Swelling and Bruising
  • Delayed Healing
  • Numbness or Tingling
  • Wound Dehiscence
  • Unsatisfactory Cosmetic Result
  • Recurrence
  • Allergic Reaction

What is the aftercare process?

Discharge: You will be allowed home shortly after the surgery.

Recovery Overview: Recovery from basal cell carcinoma (BCC) removal is usually smooth, with mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness for a few days. Pain is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol.

Wound Healing: The wound generally heals within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on size and location. Non-dissolvable stitches are removed after 7 to 14 days, while dissolvable ones break down naturally.

Scarring: A scar will form, often red or raised at first, but usually fades over 18 to 24 months. Moisturising, avoiding sun, and using silicone gels or scar products can improve appearance.

Aftercare Instructions: Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24–48 hours. After that, clean gently, avoid heavy exercise or stretching, and don’t pick scabs or pull stitches.

Sun Protection: Shield the area from sun by using high-SPF sunscreen or covering it outdoors to prevent discoloration and damage.

Infection Prevention: Follow all aftercare steps to lower infection risk and promote healing.

Follow-up Care: Attend all follow-up visits to check healing and ensure full cancer removal. Further treatment may be needed if necessary.

When to Seek Help: Report increased redness, swelling, pus, fever, bleeding, or ongoing pain.

Long-term Outlook: BCC has an excellent prognosis, but regular skin checks and sun safety are important to prevent recurrence.

How much does Basal Cell Carcinoma Removal Cost?

The cost of BCC removal varies depending on the size and location of the affected area. The package price for BCC removal starts from £575 + Histology which includes the surgery and follow-up after surgery.
BCC Removal Surgery
From £575 + Histology

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about basal cell carcinoma removal surgery
What is basal cell carcinoma (BCC) removal surgery?
BCC removal surgery, also known as surgical excision, involves cutting out the cancerous lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue. This is done to ensure complete removal of the cancer and to reduce the risk of it returning.
Is surgery the only treatment for BCC?
Surgical excision is the most common and effective treatment, especially for BCCs in high-risk or sensitive areas. However, other options like cryotherapy, topical treatments, or Mohs micrographic surgery may be considered depending on the size, location, and type of BCC.
Can BCC come back after surgery?
If the cancer is completely removed, recurrence is unlikely. However, having one BCC increases your risk of developing another, so ongoing skin surveillance and sun protection are essential.
How can I reduce the risk of developing more BCCs?
Protect your skin from UV exposure by wearing sunscreen daily, avoiding tanning beds, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Regular skin checks and early treatment of suspicious lesions also help in prevention and early detection.
Does the procedure hurt?
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area. You may feel some pressure or tugging during the surgery but no pain. Some mild discomfort can occur after the anaesthetic wears off, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol.
Will I have a scar after the surgery?
Yes, a scar is expected after BCC excision. The size and appearance of the scar depend on the size of the lesion, the technique used, and individual healing. Over time, the scar often fades and becomes less noticeable. Scar care products such as silicone gels or sheets can help improve its appearance.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

"Many thanks for the good job you have done. I also appreciated the relaxed manner which put me at ease."

Mrs P. Chapman
Patient

"I had three moles removed from my back by Dr Ouali , it was a good painless experience and I’m happy with the result as the scars faded away nicely."

H.S.
Patient

"I had a small amount of Vaser liposuction under my chin. Quick, painless surgery. I’m very happy and will be going back for additional procedures."

Anonymous
Patient
UK-Trained Experts

Our Lead Surgeon

Dr. Braham Ouali, MD, SCSD, is a UK-trained, award-winning surgeon with more than twenty years of experience. Since qualifying as a medical doctor in 1999, he completed a decade of NHS plastic surgery training in the United Kingdom and earned a Professional Diploma in Skin Cancer Surgery from Bond University in Melbourne, Australia. As a member of both the British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Ouali has developed the expertise necessary to perform advanced procedures with precision and care.

Having personally conducted tens of thousands of surgeries, Dr. Ouali tailors each procedure to meet his patients’ individual needs and to achieve their complete satisfaction. He is particularly renowned for his work in skin surgery and body contouring, including eyelid surgery, rhinophyma treatment, earlobe reconstruction, and liposuction of the abdomen, arms, legs, and gynecomastia. His skill set also encompasses areola reduction, breast mini lift, and the removal of skin lesions—such as moles, cysts, lipomas, keloids, and skin cancers—with a special focus on facial reconstruction.

Known for his compassionate approach and meticulous technique, Dr. Ouali consistently receives “very good” feedback from both patients and colleagues. He is honoured to welcome patients to Minor Surgery Clinic, providing each individual with the highest standard of care in a warm and professional environment.

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