Dermatology in Chichester

Private Dermatology in Chichester

EJR Aesthetics at Oving Medical Clinic offers medically led dermatology consultations and surgical treatment in Chichester, West Sussex. Whether you have a mole you would like assessed, a skin tag that needs removing, or a cyst or other benign lesion causing concern — Dr Raffner provides a thorough clinical assessment and a clear, personalised treatment plan.

Dr Etienne Raffner is a Specialist Grade Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon with over 10 years of experience in surgical dermatology and skin cancer surgery. He is a core member of the Kent and Sussex Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team, meaning he brings NHS-level diagnostic expertise to private practice — without the months-long waiting times.

All treatment begins with a consultation. No procedures are performed without proper clinical assessment. The goal is always to ensure that the right decision is made for your skin health — not just the fastest one.

Dermatology Consultation in Chichester

Every patient attending EJR Aesthetics for a dermatology concern begins with a dedicated consultation with Dr Raffner. This is not a rushed assessment — it is a thorough clinical appointment in which your skin concern is properly examined, its characteristics recorded, and an honest clinical opinion provided.

During the consultation, Dr Raffner will:

There is no obligation to proceed with treatment at the consultation. Some patients simply want a professional opinion on a mole or skin change — and that is entirely appropriate. If Dr Raffner has any concern about a lesion, he will be clear about the recommended pathway, including referral for further investigation if required.

Mole Removal in Chichester

Mole removal is one of the most commonly requested dermatology procedures at EJR Aesthetics. Patients seek mole removal for a range of reasons — cosmetic concerns, a mole in an inconvenient location, irritation from clothing or jewellery, or because a mole has changed in a way that warrants assessment and excision.

When to have a mole assessed: Any mole that has changed in size, shape, or colour should be assessed promptly. Other features that warrant clinical review include a mole that bleeds or crusts without trauma, becomes itchy, looks significantly different from your other moles, or is new and unusual in appearance. Dr Raffner will assess the mole clinically at consultation and advise on the appropriate pathway.

The removal procedure: Where removal is appropriate, Dr Raffner uses surgical excision under local anaesthetic. The mole is removed completely with a small margin of surrounding skin, using careful technique to minimise the resulting scar. The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes and is virtually painless.

Histological analysis: For any mole with atypical features, or where there is clinical uncertainty, the excised tissue is sent to a dermatopathology laboratory for histological analysis. This confirms the diagnosis and rules out any malignant change. Dr Raffner will advise at consultation whether histology is recommended in your case.

Aftercare and healing: Sutures are removed at a follow-up appointment 1–2 weeks after excision. The wound is typically healed within 4–6 weeks, and the scar continues to fade and mature over the following months. Full written aftercare instructions are provided after every procedure.

Skin Tag Removal in Chichester

Skin tags — medically known as acrochordons — are small, soft, benign growths that develop on the skin surface, typically in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. They are extremely common and completely harmless, but many patients find them bothersome, embarrassing, or irritating — particularly when they catch on clothing, jewellery, or razors.

Common locations for skin tags include the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. They can appear singly or in clusters, and tend to become more frequent with age.

Treatment approach: At EJR Aesthetics, skin tags are removed quickly and effectively using surgical excision or snip excision under local anaesthetic. Multiple tags can be treated in a single session where appropriate. The procedure is fast — most skin tag removal appointments take under 30 minutes — and virtually painless once the anaesthetic has taken effect.

Healing and downtime: Skin tag removal typically involves minimal downtime. The treated areas are small, and most patients return to normal activities the same day. There may be minor redness or a small scab at the removal site, which heals within 1–2 weeks.

Skin tag removal at EJR Aesthetics is performed by a qualified surgeon — not a beauty therapist or nurse. This ensures that lesions are properly assessed before removal and that any lesion presenting atypically is appropriately managed rather than simply excised without assessment.

Cyst and Benign Lesion Assessment & Removal

In addition to moles and skin tags, Dr Raffner assesses and treats a wide range of benign skin lesions, including:

Assessment first: Not every lump or bump requires removal. Some lesions are best observed, others are better referred for specialist opinion, and others are straightforwardly and safely removed in clinic. Dr Raffner will assess your lesion carefully and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

Treatment pathway: Where surgical removal is appropriate, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. For cysts, Dr Raffner uses careful excision to remove the cyst and its wall entirely — reducing the risk of recurrence. For lipomas and other subcutaneous lesions, appropriate surgical technique is chosen based on the size and location of the lesion.

Aftercare: Post-procedural care instructions are provided after every treatment. Follow-up appointments are included where sutures have been placed. Dr Raffner is available to answer any questions in the days following your procedure.

Why Choose EJR Aesthetics for Dermatology?

Private dermatology services vary significantly in terms of clinical expertise. At EJR Aesthetics, every dermatology consultation and procedure is led by Dr Etienne Raffner — a Specialist Grade Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon with over 10 years of surgical dermatology experience.

Dr Raffner's qualifications include a dental degree (BDS), medical degree (MBBCh), and primary Fellowship examinations in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (FCS OMFS) — all from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Since moving to the UK in 2017, he has continued specialist surgical practice and is an active core member of the Kent and Sussex Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team.

This level of diagnostic and surgical expertise is rarely available in a private clinic setting in Chichester. Patients benefit from consultant-level assessment and treatment without the delays of the NHS waiting list.

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