Minor Surgery Patient Information
About Minor Skin Surgery at the Altruderm Minor Surgery & Aesthetic Clinic
We remove a variety of lumps and bumps including moles, cysts, lipomas and small haemangiomas using various minor surgical techniques including radiowave surgery, excision and curette and cautery. All excisions or biopsies are sent to a pathology service for diagnostics to ensure patient safety. The surgery is performed by using a local anaesthetic which numbs the skin and will not make you drowsy. Depending on the complexity of the case the procedure may take around 30 minutes although appointment times are longer to allow the doctor time to discuss consent as well as prep the skin.
The Procedure
All procedures are carried out by our doctor who will explain exactly what he is going to do and ask you to read and sign any relevant consent forms. The local anaesthetic injection may be slightly uncomfortable but eases quickly and thereafter you should not experience any discomfort. If stitches are required in some cases they will dissolve without need for further action. Otherwise you will be given a follow-up appointment to have them removed.
Pathology Results
Pathology reports may take up to 2 weeks to be reported back to us. Once we have received your pathology results we will relay them to you and with your permission send a copy to your GP.
Information You Must Tell the Doctor
Please tell the doctor as soon as possible:
- If you have had a reaction to local anaesthetics or other medications
- If you take blood thinning agents. These may include: apixaban, warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, or blood thinning injections.
- If you are fitted with a pacemaker
- If there are any medical issues with your heart valves
- If you are prone to bleeding e.g. haemophilia, Von Willebrand
- If you are taking antibiotics for any reason
It may be easier to bring along a copy of your repeat medication to your appointment.
Post Procedure
- Your procedure should not stop you driving on the same day. In specific cases you will be advised accordingly.
- Many people go back to work after their procedure.
- Avoid alcohol and ideally caffeine for 24 hours after surgery.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 1 week after surgery.
- Avoid taking Aspirin or Ibuprofen on the same day to reduce your risk of bruising or bleeding. Paracetamol can be taken regularly.
- Cold compresses and pressure if applied for 20 minutes often stops any bleeding from your wound post-procedure.
- If the wound opens up before or after the removal of stitches contact the Altruderm clinic to have the wound checked.
- From the shoulders upwards scarring can be more pronounced. Caring for your wound is important to minimise potential scarring.
- Long term numbness to the treated area can be a consequence of surgery in some cases.
- You will be given a post procedure information leaflet with relevant contact details should you have any concerns following your surgical procedure.