News Archives - Mr Stephen Morley

Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2025: Spotting suspicious moles

May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a vital time to shine a spotlight on the UK’s most common form of cancer: skin cancer. While many of us associate sunburn with short-term discomfort, repeated sun damage can have long-lasting consequences, including the development of malignant moles. Early detection of skin cancer—especially melanoma—can be lifesaving, which is why it’s crucial to know what to look out for.

Skin cancer in the UK: a growing concern

According to the latest data from Cancer Research UK, around 16,700 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer each year. Rates have more than doubled since the early 1990s, and while treatment outcomes have improved, early detection remains critical. The majority of cases are linked to overexposure to UV rays, whether from natural sunlight or sunbeds.

When to worry: the ABCDEs of moles

Moles are usually harmless clusters of pigment cells, but changes in their appearance can signal a risk of melanoma. To help identify suspicious moles, dermatologists recommend following the ABCDE rule:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.

B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.

C – Colour: The colour isn’t uniform and may include different shades of brown, black, pink, or even white.

D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.

E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.

Besides the ABCDE criteria, other signs to be aware of include:

A new mole that looks different from your other moles (‘ugly duckling’ sign).
A mole that itches, bleeds, or becomes crusty.
A sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks.

If you notice any of these changes, consult your GP as soon as possible. It might be nothing, but early action could prevent a serious outcome. They can refer you to a plastic surgeon that specialises in skin lesion removal.

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2025, commit to taking your skin health seriously. The earlier a suspicious mole is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. With skin cancer rates on the rise in the UK, staying informed and proactive is more important than ever.

6 May 2025/by admin

News

Understanding facial palsy

Facial palsy can significantly impact both facial function and appearance, often leading to reduced self-confidence and affecting overall wellbeing. Mr Stephen Morley specialises in restoring natural facial aesthetics and improving function for those with facial paralysis. He offers a wide range of advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.

What are the symptoms of facial palsy?

Facial palsy is characterised by weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, usually on one side, due to damage or dysfunction of the facial nerve. Common symptoms include:

Inability to move parts of the face, such as the mouth or eyelids
Drooping of the mouth or eyelid
Difficulty closing the eye, leading to dryness, irritation, or watering
Loss of facial expression and asymmetry, especially when smiling or frowning
Slurred speech or difficulty with certain sounds
Problems with eating or drinking due to muscle weakness
Emotional and psychological impact, including reduced confidence and wellbeing

What are the causes of facial palsy?

Facial palsy can result from various causes. It can either be congenital, meaning you are born with it, or acquired from a variety of causes including Bell’s palsy, Ramsey Hunt syndrome, Lyme disease, tumours, infections, neurological conditions or trauma among others.

What are the treatment for facial palsy?

Treatment for facial palsy is highly individualised and may involve both non-surgical and surgical approaches. Non-surgical treatments include physiotherapy and Botulinum Toxin Injections. The latter is used to reduce unwanted muscle movements (synkinesis) or to balance facial symmetry by weakening overactive muscles on the unaffected side. These injections are typically repeated every four to six months.

Surgical treatments range from facial reanimation surgery, static suspension procedures such as fascial slings, facelifts, or brow lifts to lift drooping facial tissues and improve symmetry at rest, especially for those unsuitable for dynamic surgery.

Recovery depends on the underlying cause and severity. Some cases, like Bell’s palsy, may improve spontaneously, while others require ongoing therapy or surgery. Early intervention and a tailored treatment plan can significantly improve both appearance and quality of life.

If you wish to see Mr Morley to discuss treatments for facial paralysis then an appointment can be made to be seen privately by calling 0141 334 9441 or at Ross Hall Hospital on 0141 810 3151. To see Mr Morley through the NHS then please arrange for a referral via your GP to be seen at Mr Morley’s Facial Palsy Clinic.

5 May 2025/by admin

News

Recent presentation at European Plastic Surgery Meeting

Mr Morley recently presented a paper at the European Association of Plastic Surgeons on the subject of facial reanimation surgery in complex cases. The conference was held in Helsinki in May 2019. The presentation concerned techniques for restoring the smile in patients who had had damage to either the facial nerve or the muscles that allow the face to move. Most of the examples used free tissue transfer which is a technique meaning muscles can be moved from other parts of the body to restore movement to the face. The paper was well received. Many techniques are available to restore facial movement in cases of facial paralysis; these can include nerve grafting, nerve transfers or free tissue transfer.

27 August 2019/by Editor