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Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in the world, and the most common cancer in the UK — with around 146 cases per 100,000 people diagnosed annually. Although BCCs very rarely spread to other parts of the body, they can cause significant local tissue destruction if left untreated, and the longer they are left the more complex the treatment and reconstruction becomes.

BCCs most commonly appear on the face and head — typically as a small, slow-growing waxy nodule with a central pit, though they can mimic other lesions. Mr Potter uses dermoscopy at your outpatient visit to assist diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesion before recommending treatment.

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Mr Potter’s complete excision rate of 99% exceeds the national average of 95%, and his reconstruction outcomes reflect zero flap or graft loss across his career.
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Why Mr Potter

99% complete excision rate for BCC — national average 95%

0% flap loss in BCC reconstruction

0% graft loss in BCC reconstruction (last 3 years)

Less than 1% return to theatre following BCC excision

PHIN patient satisfaction score: 99%

PHIN is an independent government audit of consultant patient outcomes, randomly sampling post-operative patients. A 99% satisfaction score places Mr Potter among the highest-rated plastic surgeons in the country.

Treatment & Reconstruction

The standard treatment for BCC is surgical excision — removing the tumour with a margin of apparently normal surrounding skin, determined by national guidelines. Where the lesion is straightforward, the wound can often be closed directly. Where it cannot — particularly on the face — reconstruction is required.

Excision

Where a direct closure is not possible, Mr Potter uses local flaps — tissue from the surrounding area — to reconstruct the defect. Using techniques learned in the UK and Australia and grounded in aesthetic surgical principles, he places incisions within natural skin folds wherever possible to minimise visible scarring and preserve function. He will show you photographs of previous patients with similar tumours and similar reconstructions so you understand both the immediate post-operative result and how the area settles with time.

Reconstruction

Where a BCC is complex, extensive, or located in an area of cosmetic or functional importance, Mr Potter may discuss Mohs micrographic surgery — a process where the tumour is removed under local anaesthetic with the smallest possible margin while achieving an incomplete excision rate of less than 0.1%. Mr Potter works alongside four Mohs dermatologists and would perform the reconstruction following the Mohs excision.

Mohs surgery for complex BCCs

All complex or extensive BCCs are discussed at a multidisciplinary skin cancer meeting, where alternative treatments or combinations of treatments are considered to determine the most appropriate plan for each patient.

Multidisciplinary review

Patient Imagery

BCC-after-
BCC-before-
After-BCC-Excision-Reconstruction
Before-Reconstruction-Following-BCC-MOHS-Excision

What Patients Say

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma hidden beneath my hair. Unfortunately, it had gone undetected for some time and had grown significantly. As a 42-year-old woman, I found the proposed treatment options, none of which offered a particularly positive aesthetic outcome, difficult to come to terms with. But fate had other plans. I ultimately chose MOHS surgery, and my surgeon, William, quickly arranged a meeting with Matt, who was already next door waiting to meet me. I had no idea I’d be facing such an intensive procedure, a scalp rotation accompanied by a full-thickness skin graft. From the very beginning, Matt’s calm presence and reassuring positivity made everything feel more manageable. He was there to take me straight to theatre after the MOHS surgery, and there again when I woke up. His consistent presence, even visiting first thing in the morning, made all the difference. Just eight weeks later, I found myself climbing a mountain. Ten weeks after surgery, I was confidently delivering a talk in front of 200 colleagues. Since then, I’ve undergone five more procedures for graft removal under local anaesthetic, each one smooth and uneventful. My blood pressure doesn’t even flinch! That resilience is thanks to Matt and his incredible team. Their calm, friendly, and confident approach made what seemed overwhelming feel entirely possible.
I was referred to Mr Potter following excision of a BCC on my scalp, as cancerous cells were still present at the margins, and this required further surgery. At the time, I was concerned I would experience significant hair loss because of further surgery. However, I was quickly put at ease by Mr Potter’s warm and friendly manner and advice that the skin graft would be of a certain size, and that he would be able to reduce the area of hair loss through subsequent procedures. I underwent a skin graft and four following procedures to reduce the area of hair loss. Mr Potter is an excellent surgeon, and I am very happy with the results. Throughout this process, appointments were arranged swiftly, and all queries and concerns that I had were quickly responded to. Now, I have no hair loss, and there is no visible sign of a scar. I would highly recommend Mr Potter.
Matt has been my consultant for over 2 years. He has skilfully undertaken numerous procedures relating to a large bcc on my scalp as well as the removal of other lesions and moles. During appointments, Matt always provides clear explanations and takes time to listen to any concerns. His personable nature and sense of humour has made the many procedures more bearable and for that I am extremely grateful. I feel extremely fortunate and reassured to be under Matt’s expert care and could not recommend him highly enough.
I like the calm way Mr Matthew Potter treats his patients-the unhurried assessment, the clear suggestions on the way forward-the diagrams to explain it more fully-then the actual procedure. He is professional yet friendly, and I had ever confidence in him whilst he was treating me. I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone, as I feel the way he deals with people is perfect.
Thank you for your wonderful work on my nose.
John DoeCEO
From the initial appointment in December he was very informative about the procedure necessary. He was very clear and caring as i felt quite emotional at the time as we had our daughter’s wedding arranged shortly afterwards. He showed us photos so we knew what to expect and his skills were amazing. and the results fantastic. Many of our friends were amazed at the end result and I can’t thank him enough, and would strongly recommend him as he is a very talented surgeon.
John DoeCEO
Mr Potter reconstructed my left nostril using a graft from my left ear. I would recommend him highly. He gave me clear advice about the procedure he was going to perform, the risks associated with this procedure and the recovery plan I needed to follow to secure a good outcome. I had confidence in Mr Potter and a good rapport with him. He was very pleasant, listened and saw me daily after the operation. I am delighted with the result. My six days at The Manor Hospital were very comfortable. The nurses and staff were so nice.
John DoeCEO

Frequently Asked Questions

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer worldwide. It arises from cells in the base of the outer layer of skin and most commonly appears on the face and head. BCCs grow slowly and very rarely spread to other parts of the body, but they can cause significant local tissue destruction if left untreated.

Mr Potter uses dermoscopy at your outpatient visit — a non-invasive technique that allows detailed examination of the lesion — to assist diagnosis and assess its extent before recommending treatment.

Surgery is the primary treatment. The tumour is removed with a margin of surrounding skin and, where the defect cannot be closed directly, reconstructed using local flaps or skin grafts. In complex cases, Mohs surgery may be appropriate.

Mohs micrographic surgery removes a tumour under local anaesthetic with the smallest possible margin while achieving an incomplete excision rate of less than 0.1% — compared to 5% with conventional excision. Mr Potter works alongside four Mohs dermatologists and performs the reconstruction following Mohs excision.

All complex or extensive BCCs are discussed at a multidisciplinary skin cancer meeting before treatment decisions are finalised.

At the Manor Hospital in Oxford, Ridgeway Hospital in Swindon, Stratum Clinic in Wootton Oxfordshire, ProDerm in Cheltenham, and Interface Business Park in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Book a Consultation

Contact us if you have any health concerns or are looking to get a consultation. You can contact Matthew Potter by using the form below or contact him through one of the available telephone numbers or email addresses listed on this page.

Private Secretary & All Correspondence

T. 07917 965717

Swindon - Ridgeway Hospital

T. 01793 814848

Cheltenham - ProDerm, Festival House

T. 0800 0489230

Oxfordshire - Stratum Clinic,
Wootton Business Park

T. 01865 320790

Wiltshire - Interface Business Park, Royal Wootton Bassett

T: 0808 2803560

Oxford - The Manor Hospital

T. 01865 307777

Contact Lissie on 07917 965717 or use the form below.