Skin Surgery for Verrucae and Foot Lesions
Specialist Podiatric Skin Surgery in Prestonpans, East Lothian
What Is Skin Surgery in Podiatry?
Skin surgery in podiatry involves the precise surgical removal of verrucae and other benign skin lesions on the foot when conservative treatments are no longer effective or appropriate.
At Adam Smith Podiatry & Sports Clinic, skin surgery is not a first-line option — it is a specialist treatment reserved for carefully selected cases, delivered with advanced skill, clinical judgement, and patient safety at the forefront.
We are proud to be one of a very small number of clinics in the UK — and one of only a handful in Scotland — offering podiatric skin surgery for verrucae and lesions.
When Is Skin Surgery Recommended?
Skin surgery may be advised when:
- Verrucae are long-standing and treatment-resistant
- Multiple conservative treatments have failed
- Lesions are deep, painful, or function-limiting
- The condition significantly affects walking, sport, or work
- A definitive, one-off solution is required
Surgery is never rushed into — it is chosen only when it offers the best balance of effectiveness, safety, and recovery.
How The Process Works
Verruca Surgery — A Definitive Option
Surgical verruca removal involves physically excising the lesion under local anaesthetic, removing infected tissue in a controlled and targeted way.
This option is particularly valuable for:
- Deep plantar verrucae
- Lesions causing significant pain under pressure
- Verrucae that persist despite treatments such as caustics, needling, or SWIFT
- Patients seeking a definitive solution after years of recurrence
Because surgery directly removes the lesion rather than relying on immune stimulation alone, it can be an effective option in carefully selected cases.
Skin Surgery for Other Foot Lesions
In addition to verrucae, we assess and surgically manage a range of benign skin lesions affecting the feet, including:
This option is particularly valuable for:
- Painful or repeatedly irritated lesions
- Lesions that catch, bleed, or interfere with footwear
- Long-standing lesions requiring histological confirmation
- Lesions that cannot be managed conservatively
Where appropriate, excised tissue can be sent for laboratory analysis, ensuring diagnostic clarity and peace of mind.
A Rare and Specialist Service
Offering podiatric skin surgery requires:
- Advanced surgical training
- High levels of clinical governance
- Careful patient selection
- Detailed aftercare planning
This is why only a very small number of clinics offer this service — and why patients are often referred to us from across East Lothian and Edinburgh.
Our approach is cautious, skilled, and patient-centred — never routine, never rushed.
What Happens During Skin Surgery?
Your procedure is carried out in a clean, controlled clinical environment and includes:
- Thorough Assessment & Consent
We confirm diagnosis, discuss options, and ensure surgery is appropriate. - Local Anaesthetic
The area is fully numbed — the procedure itself is painless. - Precise Surgical Removal
The lesion is excised carefully, minimising trauma to surrounding tissue. - Wound Management & Dressing
Sterile dressings are applied, with clear aftercare instructions. - Follow-Up & Healing Support
We monitor healing and guide your return to normal activity.
Most patients walk out of the clinic comfortably after the procedure.
Healing, Recovery and Expectations
Healing times vary depending on:
- Lesion size and depth
- Location on the foot
- Individual healing capacity
We provide:
- Clear aftercare instructions
- Realistic recovery timelines
- Advice on footwear and activity
- Follow-up where required
Our aim is effective treatment with safe, uncomplicated healing.
How Skin Surgery Compares to Other Verruca Treatments
Skin surgery is not a replacement for other effective treatments — it is part of a complete verruca management pathway.
We may recommend surgery only after considering:
- SWIFT microwave therapy
- Verruca needling
- Caustic and topical treatments
- Duration and impact of the lesion
This ensures each patient receives the right treatment at the right time, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Common Questions About Skin Surgery
Is skin surgery painful?
Will the lesion come back?
Will I be able to walk afterwards?
Yes — most patients walk out of the clinic immediately. Where required, we provide suitable footwear where we feel this may be of use.
Is this suitable for everyone?
Why Choose Adam Smith Podiatry and Sports Clinic?
At our Prestonpans clinic, skin surgery is:
- Rare, specialist, and carefully delivered
- Performed by experienced podiatrists
- Offered when others cannot
- Integrated with full verruca management options
- Supported by excellent aftercare
Proudly serving patients from Prestonpans, East Lothian, Musselburgh, Tranent, Haddington, and Edinburgh.a
When Conservative Treatment Isn’t Enough
If you’ve tried multiple treatments without success — or want a definitive, specialist opinion — podiatric skin surgery may be the right next step.
Book a skin surgery consultation today and get clear, honest advice on the most effective option for you.
