Why Skin Protection Matters: From a Surgeon Who Sees the Consequences

I’m Dr. Ewan Wilson, a UK-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and I’ve been specialising in skin cancer care since 2002. Every day, I treat the long-term consequences of sun exposure some benign, some life-threatening. My work focuses on diagnosing, removing, and reconstructing skin and soft tissue tumours, with a particular emphasis on melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

I trained at St Mary’s Hospital in London (now part of Imperial College), and my surgical journey has taken me across leading centres in the UK and the US including Mount Vernon, Cambridge, Norwich, Chelmsford, The Texas Trauma Institute, and the MD Anderson Cancer Centre. I also hold a Master’s degree in Trauma Surgery from the University of Wales, Swansea.

My expertise spans both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, but my passion lies in skin cancer prevention and treatment. I offer advanced techniques like sentinel lymph node biopsy and full lymph node basin dissection procedures that are now considered gold standard in melanoma care.

I’m proud to be on the GMC’s specialist register and a full member of the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). I currently serve as a Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at North Bristol NHS Trust, University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Gloucester Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

At Nuffield Health, I provide a range of skin-related treatments including, mole assessment and removal, skin cancer surgery, sentinel node biopsy, soft tissue lump service and excision of skin lesions.

My research continues to focus on melanoma both the clinical aspects and the emotional journey patients face when dealing with cancer. I work with several private medical insurers including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality Health, and more.

If there’s one message I want to share here, it’s this: sun protection isn’t just about avoiding sunburn. It’s about safeguarding your future. Every mole, every freckle, every change in your skin tells a story and I’m here to help you read it before it becomes something more serious.

It is exceptionally important to use sunscreen regularly to protect your skin, and I recommend Solex as a great option for both its formulation and its practical application; its specially designed applicator and non-greasy formula make reapplication during everyday life, sport and outdoor activity simple and practical, helping you protect your skin without compromising performance.