Minor Surgery
We would like to make Minor Surgery as straightforward and comfortable as possible. Please ask if you have any questions or worries at all.
It is important to tell us if you have had a previous adverse reaction to anaesthetic drugs or you have had a problem with bad scarring to cuts or wounds. It is also important to mention any medications or conditions that may thin the blood. We will be unable to undertake surgery if there is infection around the area.
You will be required to sign a simple consent form before the procedure.
Procedure
The skin surrounding the lesion is injected with local anaesthetic. This can sting a little, but this soon fades. The effect of the anaesthetic is rapid; the skin is then sterilised and the lesion cut away following which stitches are inserted. This may involve a little “tugging” but should not be painful. A dressing will then be applied.
The procedure will take 30 minutes and the stitches put in at the time will need removing 5-10 days later. The doctor will advise you of this time.
Aftercare
Once the anaesthetic wears off the site will be sore or bruised. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen if these are compatible with your usual medication and state of health. You should leave the dressing in place as long as possible. If necessary you can change it after 48 hours if it should become damp or wet in the meantime. You will need a 10 minute nurse appointment to have the stitches removed.
Finally, all lesions will be sent for further analysis to the laboratory. Check with the doctor and if necessary allow 14 days for the results to be received.