Removal of skin lesions in Bratislava

No, the entire procedure to remove growths, warts and atheromas is carried out under effective local anaesthesia, so the patient feels no pain. Before the procedure, the doctor applies a local anaesthetic around the lesion, and the patient will only feel a slight sting from the injection. The laser vaporisation, electrocautery or surgical excision itself is completely painless. Many patients are surprised at how simple and straightforward the whole process is. Differences between methods: laser elegantly vaporises small growths without bleeding (ideal for the face); electrocautery burns abnormal tissue with immediate haemostasis; cryotherapy freezes the lesion using liquid nitrogen (ideal for viral warts); surgical excision involves cutting with a scalpel and precise suturing (necessary for deep lipomas, atheromas and suspicious nodular lesions).

Most procedures take 15 to 30 minutes. The patient can return home immediately afterwards, without needing to be admitted to hospital. The rest depends on the type of lesion and the method chosen: with small growths removed by laser or electrocautery (fibromas, haemangiomas, warts), only a small scab forms, which falls off within 7–10 days without a visible scar. For larger subcutaneous lesions (lipomas, atheromas, cysts), surgical excision is performed with precise suturing along the natural skin lines; this usually leaves thin, cosmetically acceptable scars that fade considerably over time. The doctor aims to keep the visibility of the incision to a minimum.

Aftercare is simple and depends on the type of procedure. After laser or electrocautery removal: avoid scratching the scab, protect the area from the sun, and maintain basic hygiene. After surgical removal: the site is covered with dressings, and the stitches are removed after 7–14 days, depending on the location on the body. We then recommend further use of dressings to support calm healing. Throughout the whole process, it's important to protect the skin from sun exposure (SPF 50+) to prevent pigmentation. Scar healing takes place in stages: the first week involves inflammation and redness, weeks 2 to 3 bring gradual healing, and months 3 to 6 involve gradual fading. Thin scars can become almost invisible within 6–12 months.

The ideal time for planned removal is autumn and winter (September to April), when sunlight is less intense. Freshly healed scars should not be exposed to direct sunlight. However, if a growth is painful, inflamed, bleeding, or appears to be a suspicious nodule, removal is carried out immediately, without waiting for the ideal season, as your health always comes first. Patients can usually return to their normal routine almost straight away, although we recommend avoiding physical exertion for the first week after surgical procedures.

Answer: You cannot diagnose this yourself; a proper dermatoscopic assessment is needed. Warning signs that call for a dermatologist's review include a change in the colour, size or shape of a mole, itching, bleeding, inflammation or pain. If there is any suspicion of malignancy, the safest approach is surgical removal with histological examination of the tissue, which gives a definitive diagnosis and rules out cancer. If a growth is not painful and does not bother you, removal is not urgent. However, if it is a suspicious nodule, even if painless, it is advisable to have it removed and sent for histological examination, as this is the only way to reach a definitive diagnosis and exclude malignancy. Dr Lavreshyna will examine you, clearly explain the findings and advise whether the procedure is necessary.

No, to have a skin growth removed at our private Dermarevolta clinic in Bratislava, you do not need a referral or recommendation from your GP. We see patients directly and book a specific appointment time without unnecessary waiting. All you need to do is call us or book online through our website. As for recurrence, this depends on the type of lesion. Viral warts carry a higher risk of coming back, so a strong immune system is important. Fibromas, lipomas and sebaceous cysts removed surgically usually do not recur once fully excised. Seborrhoeic keratoses may appear on other parts of the body, but this is not a recurrence of the same lesion. During your examination, the doctor will clearly explain the individual risk of recurrence for your specific growth.