WHAT TO EXPECT
What are actinic keratoses?
They are areas of sun damage found on sun exposed skin such as on the forehead, scalp, ears, lips, back of hands and forearms. They have the appearance of pink rough scaly patches, sometimes with crusting. There is a small chance of progression to skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (lesion becomes lumpy, tender or bleeds), therefore treatment is suggested.
What is the cause?
Long term cumulative sun exposure over the years?
What is the treatment?
An initial consultation is required for confirmation of the diagnosis, either by skin examination (commonly), or by a skin biopsy (If in doubt or if there are changes suggestive of a skin cancer); followed by a discussion of the treatment options.
Options offered in our clinic include:
i) creams – 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod or Ingenol mebutate gel can be prescribed for application at home for durations varying between 2 days and 6 weeks. They act by causing some inflammation such as redness, soreness, and crusting, which eventually settled after treatment.
ii) cryotherapy – it involves freezing with liquid nitrogen. It can be performed in the clinic, and may require a few repeat sessions. Treatment can be slightly painful, followed by swelling, redness, blister and scab formation, and eventual clearance. There is a small risk of pigmentary changes and scarring.
iii) curettage and cautery – this is surgically scraping off the lesion under local anaesthesia, which can leave a scar. It is recommended if the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by testing the sample or if the lesion is crusty and may not be amenable to creams.
WHY CHOOSE
MY COSMETIC CLINIC
- Expert surgeons, see our before and after results here.
- Dedicated care with your expert surgeon and nursing team, and a 24 hour help line.
- Peace of mind with our personal three-year aftercare programs.
- We have state of the art hospital facilities.
- We assure our medical team will discuss and plan any treatments with you in detail
MEET OUR SURGEONS
Our clinicians, doctor and surgeons see and counsel you on multiple occasions prior to your surgery or treatment. They will also check on your following your surgery or treatment in follow-up consultations to ensure we achieve optimum results.
Our clinicians, doctor and surgeons see and counsel you on multiple occasions prior to your surgery or treatment. They will also check on your following your surgery or treatment in follow-up consultations to ensure we achieve optimum results. We take photos throughout your journey with us as part of your medical records, with your consent, to ensure we are able to show you the satisfactory outcome and to show the difference in appearance. We provide the same high level of professional care o all of our patients.
THE CONSULTATION
We will go through your medical history and address any concerns and questions that you may have and discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment options with you.
Sun protection (keeping covered, staying under the shade when the sun is intense, regular application of SPF30+ and UVA 5 star sunscreens); and avoidance of artificial sources such as sun beds or tanning cabinets.
FAQs
Ready to begin your journey?
Book a consultation and discuss your treatment options with one of our leading UK specialists.
Talk to an expert 0203 3256555