CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The Dr Mole Clinic is proud to offer paediatric plastic surgery services in Plymouth. Mr Duncan MacKenzie is a very experienced paediatric plastic surgeon with expertise in treating children within the NHS and the private sector. It is essential that all healthcare settings treating children provide a dedicated, child focused, environment for consultations and surgery as well as highly trained paediatric staff. This is why our paediatric services are offered at University Hospitals Plymouth (Derriford). We offer a range of services for children including prominent ear correction, lesion removal (moles, cysts and lipomas) and treatment of birth marks and vascular malformations. If you would like to book yourself and your child in for an initial consultation or have any questions about the services we offer, please get in touch via our “Contact us” page.
Prominent ear correction
Prominent ears are a common condition where the ears project further from the head than usual due to the way the cartilage has developed. While this does not affect hearing, it can impact confidence and self-esteem. Prominent ear correction surgery, also known as otoplasty/pinnaplasty, is a straightforward procedure that reshapes and repositions the ears closer to the head to create a more natural, balanced appearance. The treatment is performed as a day case under local or general anaesthetic, with discreet scarring hidden behind the ears. The result is a long- lasting improvement in ear shape and position, helping patients feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.
Mole removal
Moles, or benign naevi, are common skin lesions that often appear during childhood. They can vary in colour, size and shape. While most moles in children are completely harmless, some may cause concern due to changes in appearance, irritation, or cosmetic reasons. The technique used for removal will depend on the type, size and location of the lesion, and a careful assessment is carried out to determine the most appropriate approach for your child. In most cases, removed moles are sent for histological analysis to provide additional reassurance that the lesion is benign.
Skin Tags and Warts
Skin tags and warts are common in children and often appear as small growths that protrude from the surface of the skin. Although usually harmless, they can sometimes become irritated, catch on clothing, or cause self-consciousness. In many cases, they can be safely and effectively removed using either cryotherapy (freezing) or a simple shave excision procedure. This involves carefully numbing the area with a local anaesthetic before gently removing the lesion at skin level. Any minor bleeding is controlled using cautery, and a small dressing is applied to protect the area while it heals.
Sebaceous Cysts
Cysts are small sacs beneath the skin that contain a thick, cheese-like material and may sometimes have a tiny opening (punctum) connecting to the surface. In children, they are usually harmless but can occasionally become inflamed or infected, in which case antibiotics may be required. Many cysts are otherwise non- problematic but can be uncomfortable, noticeable, or bothersome. Removal involves a minor surgical procedure to carefully excise the entire cyst sac, which helps reduce the risk of recurrence. Depending on your child’s age, the size and location of the cyst, and their level of comfort, the procedure can be performed under either local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic.
Lipoma removal
Lipomas are soft, smooth, fatty lumps that develop within the layer of fat beneath the skin. In children they are benign and usually painless, but they can slowly increase in size and occasionally cause discomfort depending on their location. Smaller lipomas may be barely noticeable, while larger ones can become more visible. If a lump is growing rapidly, painful, or has unusual features, further assessment such as an ultrasound scan may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Most lipomas can be safely removed with a minor surgical procedure, aiming to excise the lump completely. Depending on your child’s age, the size and position of the lipoma, and their preference, treatment can be carried out under either local or general anaesthetic.
Birthmarks
Birthmarks and vascular malformations are common in children and can vary widely in appearance, size and behaviour. Some are present at birth, while others develop in early childhood. They may appear as red, purple or blue patches or swellings on the skin and, although many are harmless, some can grow, change over time or cause functional or cosmetic concerns. A thorough assessment is important to establish the exact diagnosis and determine whether monitoring, medical treatment or surgical management is most appropriate. In certain cases, imaging studies may be recommended to better understand the extent of the lesion. Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the condition and may include medical therapies, laser treatment or carefully planned surgical intervention, with the aim of achieving the safest and most effective outcome for your child.
Please get in touch if your child has any other cosmetic, skin or soft tissue concerns not mentioned above that may be appropriate for surgical treatment. We would be happy to assess your child’s condition and advise whether it can be safely treated in our clinic or recommend an appropriate alternative service if needed.