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Foreign Body Removal
Foreign body removal is a minor procedure used to safely extract objects that have become embedded in the skin, such as splinters, glass, metal fragments, or embedded piercings.
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If left untreated, foreign bodies can cause irritation, infection, or inflammation. Removal is performed using sterile techniques under local anaesthetic if necessary.
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Minor Surgery &Â Treatments
Foreign Body Removal
Foreign body removal is a minor procedure used to safely extract objects that have become embedded in the skin, such as splinters, glass, metal fragments, or embedded piercings.
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If left untreated, foreign bodies can cause irritation, infection, or inflammation. Removal is performed using sterile techniques under local anaesthetic if necessary.
Benign Moles
A benign mole is a harmless one (not canerous or pre-cancerous).
Benign moles include Intradermal naevus, compound naevus, congenital naevus, epidermal naevus, benign pigmented naevus.
Depending on the type of mole, its position on the body and its size, they can be removed by shave excison or resection.
Resection is when the mole is cut out and the wound stitched closed.
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The choice of the above two treatments depends on the type of mole and an assessment of the best scar outcome possible.
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There is a small chance of the mole coming back with shave excision but in most cases, the lesser scarring outweighs any concerns about the small risk of it recurring in the future.
Mole removal is a local anaesthetic procedure.
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Moles should be sent for histology and both the above two removal methods allow for a sample to be sent.
Suspicous Moles
Cancerous or pre-cancerous (dysplastic) naevi.
If you have a mole that has noticeably changed, especially over a period of 3-6 months, or that you are worried about, it is best to get it seen to.
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The NHS offers a Two Week Rule pathway whereby the mole is seen by a Dermatologist within 2 weeks of being referred by your GP. It is good advice to get any suspicious moles seen by your GP who can advise if the mole should be dealt with by the NHS.
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Private treatment has a role if:
• You are having difficulty getting a mole checked on the NHS,
• cannot get to the hospital appointment at the given time in         work hours etc
• the anxiety of waiting, even on the two week pathway, gets          too much.
• You are concerned about the mole despite being told it is          benign.
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Suspicious moles are treated by resecting with a thin margin of skin around them and the wound stitched closed. We do not offer shave excision for moles we are suspicious of.
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All our histology is carried out by consultant histopathologists.
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GPÂ Referrals
Procedure
Foreign body removal is a quick minor procedure that typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the type and depth of the object.
Aftercare &Â Recovery
Healing Time: Most areas heal within a few days to a week, depending on the size of the wound.
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Dressings: A dressing may be applied if necessary to protect the area.
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Scarring: Small marks may be left at the removal site, but these typically fade over time.
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Activity Restrictions: Patients should avoid excessive pressure on the affected area until fully healed.
FAQs
Answers to your frequently asked questions...
Can a foreign body cause infection if left untreated?
Yes, embedded objects can lead to irritation, inflammation, or infection if not removed properly.
What types of foreign bodies can be removed?
Common foreign bodies include splinters, glass shards, metal fragments, embedded piercings, plastic, and other small objects lodged in the skin.
When should I seek medical removal instead of removing it myself?
Medical removal is recommended if the object is deeply embedded, causing pain or swelling, showing signs of infection (redness, pus, warmth), or if you are unable to remove it safely at home.
Do you remove stuck or embedded piercings?
Yes, we can remove embedded piercings or jewellery that has become trapped under the skin, often due to swelling or improper healing.
Will I need stitches after foreign body removal?
Most cases do not require stitches, but if a larger incision is needed, sutures may be used to close the wound.
Alternative Names for
Foreign Body Removal
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Clinic Locations
This service is available from our following clinics: