When you notice a skin lesion that is bothering you — whether that is a mole that has changed, a cyst that keeps returning, a lipoma that has grown, or a skin tag that catches on clothing — the question is not simply where to go. It is who to trust with a procedure on your skin, and why.
At Belfast Private GP, minor skin surgery is one of our most in-demand services — and one of the areas we are most proud of. In this post, we want to be straightforward about what makes our approach different: the clinical credentials behind it, the range of procedures we offer, and what our patients consistently tell us about their experience.
The Surgeon Behind the Service
Minor skin surgery at Belfast Private GP is led by Dr Bob Magee, whose background sets him apart from the vast majority of GPs offering minor surgical procedures in Northern Ireland.
Before entering general practice, Dr Magee completed formal core surgical training and in 2006 became a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (MRCS RCSI). This is a postgraduate surgical qualification — not a GP certificate in minor procedures — and it reflects a level of surgical training that very few GPs in Belfast or across Northern Ireland possess.
What does that mean in practice? It means that when Dr Magee assesses your skin lesion, decides on the most appropriate surgical technique, handles tissue, and closes a wound, he is drawing on formal surgical training — not just GP-level familiarity with minor procedures. For patients, that distinction translates into greater confidence, greater precision, and better outcomes.
In addition to his surgical background, Dr Magee has undertaken specialist training in dermoscopy with Cardiff University and is a member of both the International Dermoscopy Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society. Dermoscopy — the use of a specialised magnifying instrument to examine skin lesions in detail — is a skill that significantly improves the accuracy of distinguishing benign lesions from those that require further investigation. Not every GP offering mole removal in Belfast has this level of dermatological assessment capability.
What We Treat: The Full Range of Minor Surgical Procedures
Belfast Private GP offers assessment and surgical removal of a wide range of common skin lesions. The most frequently treated conditions include:
Moles (Melanocytic Naevi)
Moles are among the most common reasons patients seek private minor surgery. Whether you are concerned about a mole that has changed in size, shape, or colour, or you simply want a mole removed for cosmetic reasons, Dr Magee will first assess the lesion using dermoscopy before advising on the most appropriate management. Where excision is indicated, the mole and a small surrounding margin of tissue are carefully removed and the wound closed with sutures. In most cases, histopathology — sending the removed tissue to a pathology laboratory for analysis — is recommended, particularly where there is any clinical uncertainty. We arrange this routinely and will discuss the results with you.
Sebaceous and Pilar Cysts
Cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs that commonly develop under the skin, particularly on the scalp, face, neck, and back. While harmless, they can become infected, grow uncomfortably large, or cause cosmetic concern. Surgical removal involves carefully excising the entire cyst wall — not just draining the contents, which leads to recurrence — to achieve complete and lasting resolution. Dr Magee’s surgical experience makes him particularly well placed to handle cysts in areas requiring precision, such as the face and scalp.
Lipomas
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that develop under the skin and are almost always benign. They can appear anywhere on the body and, while painless, often become a source of concern or cosmetic frustration as they grow. Surgical removal is straightforward in experienced hands and produces permanent resolution. Histopathology is recommended after removal.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths that commonly develop in areas of skin friction — the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. They are harmless but can be irritating, unsightly, or catch on clothing and jewellery. Removal is a quick procedure under local anaesthetic and produces immediate results.
Seborrhoeic Keratoses
These are very common, benign warty or crusty growths that become increasingly frequent with age. Although entirely harmless, they can be difficult to distinguish from more concerning lesions without proper assessment — which is precisely where Dr Magee’s dermoscopy training adds real value. Where removal is requested, this can typically be carried out during the same appointment as assessment.
Ingrowing Toenails
Ingrowing toenails can be extremely painful and, if left untreated, prone to infection. Where conservative measures have failed, minor surgical treatment — including partial nail avulsion — can provide permanent relief. Dr Magee manages this procedure routinely and includes aftercare in the procedure cost.
Abscesses and Infected Cysts
Acute skin abscesses and infected cysts often require prompt surgical incision and drainage to resolve the infection and relieve pain. Access to a GP with surgical training means this can be handled safely and effectively in a private clinic setting without the need for hospital attendance or lengthy A&E waits.
The Assessment-First Approach: Why It Matters
One thing that distinguishes Belfast Private GP’s approach to minor surgery is the emphasis on proper clinical assessment before any procedure. This is not simply a process step — it is a patient safety principle.
Not every skin lesion that looks harmless is harmless. Not every mole that looks ordinary should simply be removed and discarded. The role of dermoscopic assessment is to look more closely at the characteristics of a lesion before deciding on the appropriate management — including whether histopathology should be arranged after removal.
In many cases, if assessment confirms it is clinically safe to proceed, the procedure can be carried out at the same appointment — saving you a return visit. But the assessment always comes first. It is what protects you, and it is what allows us to provide a service we are genuinely confident in.
What Our Patients Say: 170+ Reviews, a Perfect 5.0 Rating
We are proud of our clinical credentials. We are equally proud of something that credentials alone cannot manufacture: the consistent experience our patients report after their care at Belfast Private GP.
Belfast Private GP holds a 5.0 Google rating across more than 170 patient reviews. In a market where private clinics routinely ask patients to leave reviews, a perfect score at that volume is genuinely rare. It reflects not just one good appointment but hundreds of them — consistently.
Across our minor surgery reviews, patients consistently describe the same experience: being made to feel at ease before and during the procedure, receiving a clear explanation of what was happening at every step, experiencing minimal discomfort, and leaving with full confidence in their aftercare. Patients who were anxious about having a procedure tell us they were surprised by how straightforward it was. Patients who had delayed seeking treatment for years tell us they wish they had come sooner.
This matters to us — not as a marketing metric, but because it tells us that what we are trying to do is actually working. A procedure carried out well in a setting where a patient feels genuinely cared for is a very different experience from the same procedure carried out hurriedly. Dr Magee’s thorough and reassuring manner is something our patients mention repeatedly, and it is something we are proud to have built a reputation around.
Practical Information: What to Expect
If you are considering minor surgery at Belfast Private GP, here is what the process typically looks like:
Why Choose Belfast Private GP for Minor Surgery?
There are a number of providers in Belfast and Northern Ireland offering minor skin surgery. Here is what genuinely sets Belfast Private GP apart:
Book a Minor Surgery Assessment
If you have a skin lesion you want assessed or removed, do not put it off. Early assessment is always preferable — both for peace of mind and, in the rare cases where further investigation is needed, for timely management.
Book a minor surgery assessment at Belfast Private GP today. No referral required. Appointments available promptly. You will be in experienced hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does minor surgery cost at Belfast Private GP?
The initial assessment consultation is £59. Procedure costs vary depending on the type and size of lesion and are outlined clearly on our minor surgery page and discussed at consultation before you commit to any procedure. Aftercare is included. Multiple lesion discounts of 50% apply for a second or third lesion at the same visit.
Can the procedure be done at the same appointment as the assessment?
In many cases, yes. If Dr Magee confirms it is clinically safe to proceed at your initial assessment, the procedure can often be carried out at the same visit. For larger or more complex lesions a dedicated procedure appointment may be required.
Will my mole need to be sent to the laboratory?
Histopathology is recommended for most moles and many other lesions, particularly where there is any uncertainty about the nature of the lesion. Dr Magee will advise you on whether histopathology is recommended in your specific case and will explain the associated laboratory cost before proceeding.
Is minor surgery painful?
All procedures are performed under local anaesthetic. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how little discomfort they experience. Some mild soreness around the site in the days following the procedure is normal and settles quickly.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with Belfast Private GP without a referral from your NHS GP. Simply book a minor surgery assessment consultation online or by contacting us directly.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice for any individual patient. If you are concerned about a skin lesion, please consult a qualified clinician for proper assessment.
