Knutsford has no private Mohs surgeon of its own, but it has one of the closest in the country. Miss Rakhee Nayar, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Consultant Mohs Surgeon, sees Knutsford patients at Circle Cheshire Clinic in Wincham, roughly fifteen minutes away on the far side of Northwich.
She is one of fewer than ten women in the UK dual-trained in both plastic surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery. In practice that means the cancer is removed and the face rebuilt by the same consultant, in one visit, rather than being handed to a second surgeon weeks later.
Mohs surgery for Knutsford patients
Mohs micrographic surgery removes a skin cancer in thin layers, checking each one under the microscope while you wait. Surgery only stops when the margins are confirmed clear. It gives the highest cure rates for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma while sparing the greatest amount of healthy skin, which is why it is the technique of choice on the nose, eyelid, lip and ear.
Getting to the clinic from Knutsford
Circle Cheshire Clinic is at The Courtyard, Hall Lane, Wincham, Northwich CW9 6DG, just off the A559. From Knutsford the simplest route is the A5033 and A556 towards Northwich, then out along the A559 towards Lostock Gralam. It is a short run and avoids the motorway entirely, though the clinic is also easy to reach from the M6 at junction 19.
Free patient parking is available on site, which is worth noting if your appointment involves waiting between Mohs stages. The clinic is similarly convenient for Mobberley, Plumley, Tabley, Ollerton, Chelford and Allostock.
Mole, cyst and skin lesion removal
Miss Nayar also removes benign lesions for Knutsford patients: moles, cysts, skin tags, lipomas and lip lesions. Anything removed is sent for analysis as a matter of course. Because a plastic surgeon is doing the removing, the scar is treated as part of the job rather than an afterthought. See skin lesion removal.
Why patients travel to her
- Dual-trained Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Consultant Mohs Surgeon, over 20 years’ surgical experience.
- National Chairwoman for Mohs training within the Training Interface Group, overseeing UK training in Mohs surgery.
- Mohs fellowship representative for BAPRAS.
- MD in Cancer Studies, University of Liverpool.
- Frequently asked for second opinions on complex facial cases from across the UK and overseas.
Common questions
Is it worth travelling for Mohs surgery? For a skin cancer on the face, yes. The difference between Mohs and a standard excision is measurable in both cure rate and how much healthy skin you keep. Fifteen minutes is a small price for that.
Can I use my health insurance? Miss Nayar treats both insured and self-paying patients. Check with your insurer before booking, as most require a GP referral first.
Will I need someone to drive me home? Not usually. Mohs surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, so most patients drive themselves, though many prefer company for a longer appointment.
Book a consultation
Consultations for Knutsford patients are usually available within days, not weeks, at Circle Cheshire near Northwich. Bring your referral letter or biopsy result if you have one.