Private Services FAQ

You will have your private skincare procedure/operation completed at our centres in Plymouth and Barnstaple . The premises are modern and comfortable and fully accredited with Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The NHS does not routinely fund certain procedures such as removal of normal moles, warts, lipomas or sebaceous cysts.  The NHS needs to target its funding on more serious health issues. We know that patients still want to be treated and may wish to consider funding the procedure themselves. Our service has been set up to help patients from this group.

Recent funding pressures have resulted in the NHS withdrawing from provision of minor surgical services for that annoying lump, bump or mole. Patients are then left with a choice of putting up with it or spending a lot of money on an expensive private procedure. As a GP led organisation we heard the frustration of our patients and decided to start offering an affordable private service to meet the growing demand from patients. We are a not for profit organisation so we’re not in the market to make money we just want to give our patients options for more affordable surgery and any profit made will be re-invested in local primary care..

Please view our pricing page.

Payment is by credit and debit card by phone and in advance of the appointment.

You should ask your own GP before making a referral to this service.

You may be able to secure funding through a private health insurance plan.  You will need to check this with your plan provider before booking your appointment.

Yes, you will be asked to sign a consent form for the surgery after the consultation.

We aim to offer an appointment and surgery within 2 weeks of you contacting us.

We offer a range of days and times for the procedures and we can advise you of this when you call.

Yes, there is free parking on site for patients at both the Plymouth and Barnstaple centres and pay and display parking at the Exeter clinic.

The service is currently available from Monday to Saturday daytime at our Plymouth centre, Monday to Friday daytime in Exeter and we offer evening appointments at our Barnstaple centre.

Our skincare service can see and treat over 18’s and there is no upper age limit. There are some procedures which may be inappropriate for under 18’s – please call us to check 0333 332 2105.

Please ring 0333 332 2105 as soon as you know that you can’t attend and we will try to re-arrange your appointment to another date.

We always try to agree alternative dates for appointments so please contact us as soon as possible if you cannot make your appointment. If you choose to cancel your appointment and procedure then the consultation fee only will be payable. Please note that cancellation less than 48 hours prior to the appointment will be charged the consultation fee.

Yes there is a 10% discount for both these groups. Please ask when you make your booking.

No, you can refer yourself direct to the service without seeing your GP.  Your GP will be advised of the procedure once the surgery has been completed..

Each procedure varies and the estimated time for each one is:

• Mole removal – 30 minutes for a maximum of 2 removals
• Lipomas – 30 minutes
• Sebaceous cysts removal – 30 minutes
• Wart removal – 15 minutes
• Skin tag removal – 20 minutes
• Lump and Bump Check – 10 minutes

You will only be charged for the consultation that day and the rest of the money will be refunded to your card.

Our skincare service is delivered by GPs with extensive experience in minor surgery. All our GP surgeons are highly experienced and have the specialist skills in this clinical area.

Our surgeons have performed minor surgical procedures for a minimum of 5 years and we deliver excellent levels of care. We achieve this through rigorous audit processes and we invite patient feedback not just on the success of the operation but also on the experience of the service received.

Yes, a friend or relative is welcome to attend with you. We can also provide a chaperone if you would like one. The clinician performing your procedure will usually be accompanied by a nurse.

All the procedures will be under local anaesthetic. Please advise of any issues or reactions that you have to anaesthetic when you make your booking.

Your surgery will be performed to the highest standards and it is rare for there to be bleeding after the operation. Your surgeon will be able to advise you about the risk of bleeding and how to manage it should it occur on the day of your operation.

It depends on the operation performed. Where possible we will use techniques to minimise suture material and scarring. The stitches can be removed at your own GP practice.

Your comfort during the procedure is of paramount importance to us. Most procedures involve local anaesthetic which stings for a few seconds to begin with and then the procedure should be pain free.

Certain procedures such as skin tag removal usually don’t require anaesthetic but your surgeon can discuss this with you on the day of your procedure.

Yes, for skincare procedures, your GP will be advised once the procedure is complete.

Our surgeon will discuss and agree this with you during your consultation.

We would normally expect the results to be returned within 3 weeks.

We do not remove cancerous lesions as part of this service. If your GP had any concerns about a cancer diagnosis they would refer you to the hospital rather than our service. If you came straight to our service and we had concerns about cancer we would redirect you to hospital on an urgent cancer pathway.

All moles, cysts and lipomas removed will  be sent the histology department at Derriford Hospital to be checked.  The cost of histology is included in the price of the procedure.

A nurse in your own GP surgery will remove the stitches and check the wound at the appropriate time after the operation.

Yes in most circumstances although there may be occasions when this is more difficult and your surgeon will discuss this with you.

Yes, the majority of procedures mean you can return to work dependent on what your line of work is.  This will be discussed with you during the consultation with your doctor.

We aim to provide a high quality service and we want to know if we fall short of that. Please discuss any concerns with any staff member or write to us at:

Lee Grant

Clinical Services Manager
Sentinel Healthcare SouthWest
Unit 1
5 Research Way
Plymouth
PL6 8BT

We want to continually improve our service and will also ask for your written feedback on the service after your procedure.