Seborrhoeic keratosis removal at CoLaz clinics

A seborrhoeic keratosis, often shortened to SK, is a benign waxy or warty raised growth that becomes much more common from middle age onward, which is why dermatologists sometimes describe them as 'barnacles of ageing'. They can be flesh-coloured, light brown, dark brown or almost black, and they often have a stuck-on appearance as though they could be peeled away. They are entirely benign, do not turn into anything more serious and are not contagious.

We use advanced electrolysis as the precision method. A fine needle delivers a thermolysis current into the SK that lifts the raised tissue in a controlled pattern over the surface of the lesion. The surrounding skin is left untouched, and a small scab forms within twenty-four hours and sloughs off naturally over the following days. Sessions typically take thirty to forty-five minutes depending on lesion size, and a topical numbing cream is applied first.

Tap the Send a photo on WhatsApp button at the top of this page. Choose your nearest CoLaz clinic that offers the treatment (Reading). WhatsApp opens with a pre-filled message; attach a clear, well-lit close-up of the lesion and send. We may ask one or two follow-up questions (how long it has been there, whether it has changed in colour or size, whether it bleeds) so we can quote you accurately.

If the photo shows a pigmented lesion that has changed in colour, size or shape, has more than one colour, has uneven edges, itches, bleeds or crusts, or is new in adulthood, the clinician will decline to quote and refer you back to your GP. Pigmented lesions need a careful ABCDE assessment because some skin cancers can look similar to a seborrhoeic keratosis to the untrained eye. Changing pigmented lesions should never be cosmetically removed without dermatology assessment.

Most seborrhoeic keratoses clear in one session. Very thick, very dark or very large SKs sometimes need a second top-up session six to eight weeks later, once the first treatment has fully healed. We confirm the likely number of sessions in your photo quote reply and only book a second session if the first leaves residual tissue at follow-up.

A flat pink, pale or temporarily darker mark is normal at the treated site for several weeks while the skin remodels, and it usually fades by three to six months. A small permanent pale or pink mark is possible, especially on larger or thicker SKs. We discuss the realistic cosmetic outcome with you before you decide whether to proceed. Patients with a personal or family history of keloid scarring should mention this so the plan can be adjusted.

Keep the area clean, dry and covered for the first forty-eight hours, apply the antiseptic balm we provide twice daily for ten to fourteen days, and let the small scab fall away naturally rather than picking it. Picking is the single biggest cause of a longer healing time or a more visible mark. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds, swimming pools and intense exercise for forty-eight hours. Apply SPF 50 daily for at least eight weeks once the area has healed.

SK removal is priced per lesion, and the price depends on the size, thickness and number of lesions being treated. A single small SK is at the lower end of the range; two to three SKs treated in the same appointment scale up; thicker or unusually large lesions are quoted higher. Pricing is confirmed per photo quote, in writing, before any treatment is booked. Send a photo on WhatsApp and we reply with a firm price for your specific case within one working day.