WHAT IS MINOR SURGERY?

Minor Surgery is a treatment for removing skin lesions. There are different techniques used depending on the type of lesion to be removed.

Minor surgery techniques involve cryotherapy (freezing the lesion to destroy the tissue), cutterage (scraping the skin with a sharp instrument), shave excision (shaving the lesion from the skin with a scalpel blade or excision (cutting out the lesion and suturing the wound).

Treatment is performed under Local Anaesthetic with very little discomfort.

We ask patients to provide a GP or Dermatology letter to reduce the risk of a malignant lesion being removed. We send all samples for histology to ensure that a malignancy isn't missed.

WHAT CAN BE REMOVED?

Moles, Warts & Veruccas

Moles, wart & verrucas are commonly removed using cryotherapy or a shave excision.

In the event of a mole, the benefit of a shave excision is that the lesion can be sent for histology.

Skin tags, Keretosis & Benign Lesions

Skin tags are often cut from the skin or destroyed with cryotherapy. The benefit of cutting is that the lesion can be sent for histology.

Keratoses can be scaled from the skin with a method known as cutterage or occasionally with cryotherapy. The benefit of cutting is that the lesion can be sent for histology.

Benign lesions will require treatment according to how they present on the skin.

Lipomas & Cysts

Lipomas and Cysts are located beneath the skin are require to be removed with an excision. This incision may be a simple straight incision or an elliptical excision and will require sutures (stitches) to assist wound healing.

All specimens are sent for histology to confirm diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't hesitate to contact us if you can't find the answer to your question

Who will do my procedure?

All minor surgical procedures are performed by a registered Healthcare Professional who has undertaken appropriate training in minor surgery and passed their DOPs assessment prior to practice. There will also be a Healthcare Assistant in the room with the Clinician, to assist them and complete appropriate paperwork.

What is the Aftercare?

Following any procedure, you will be required to keep the wound site clean and dry for approximately 2 days. If you've had an incision, it will be a week before you can fully immerse the wound in water (such as a bath) but are fine to shower after 48 hours. You may be required to keep the wound site covered with a dressing or even change the dressing during the days post-procedure. All specific requirements will be discussed with you at the time.

Does it hurt?

Treatments such as cryotherapy are quick and tolerated well by most adults and children. Procedures involving an excision or cut into the skin will first be numbed with lidocaine. The local anaesthetic (lidocaine) has an initial sting at the site if injection, but quickly becomes numb. Once numb, pressure can still be felt but not pain. Your Clinician will ask you to tell them if at any point you feel anything so they can inject more lidocaine if required.

How long will it take?

You will be required to attend an initial consultation for up to one hour to complete a full medical assessment and discuss the best way to address the your concern. If you wish to proceed with treatment, you can book a treatment appointment at a time that suits you, which can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on which procedure is required. Appointments are often available within a week or so and you may require to attend a follow up another 2 weeks later to remove stitches and check the wound. Histology results can take approximately 2-3 weeks to come back.

How long will I need off?

If you are having a small lesion removed with cryotherapy for example, you can resume normal activities immediately with the exception of some mild wound care considerations such as not applying makeup over the treated area for 2 days. If you are having an excision on an area that is prone to tension, such as the back; it may be necessary to have some time away from strenuous activities such as the gym or manual labour in the days or weeks after treatment. Your individual needs will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Referral

You can book a consultation with a referral from your GP or Dermatologist to state the lesion is benign and they are happy for it to be removed, or you can see our GP for a diagnostic Initial Consultation.

Referrals can be emailed to: reception@medicalskinclinic.co.uk

Costs Guide

Initial Consultation with GP referral letter £50
Diagnostic Initial Consultation with our GP £225
Cryotherapy of single skin tag / milia / keratoses £175
Excision of single mole / skin tag / keratoses with histology £450
Excision of cyst / lipoma with histology £550
Complex issue £700

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WHICH LESIONS MIGHT WE TREAT?

"After visiting the same clinic for years and not always being satisfied, I decided to give Chrissie and her clinic a visit. I am so pleased I did! Great service, loads of knowledge and the best results I've had in a long time. I will definitely be back!"