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What is Skin Surgery?

Skin surgery involves short procedures usually lasting 10 to 45 minutes that are performed under local anaesthetic to treat skin problems or to obtain a sample of skin for testing under the microscope (biopsy).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Extra-Color-2″ icon_family=”default_arrow” url=”/contact-us” text=”Make an appointment” margin_top=”45″][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”default_arrow” url=”tel:+441212854540″ text=”Call us now” margin_top=”45″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”30″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Which conditions can Minor Skin Surgery be used for?

Here are examples of the sorts of lesions that can be treated at Midland Skin under as a local anaesthetic procedure:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

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Which techniques are used in Minor Skin Surgery?

  • Shave excision: this involves shaving lumps and bumps off flush to the skin surface
  • Curettage: scraping away lesions
  • Excision with stitches
  • Cauterising, hyfrecation and radiofrequency: using heat from an electrical current
  • Cryotherapy: using liquid nitrogen to freeze things
  • Laser removal of skin lesions: Midland Skin offer a variety of different laser treatments for reducing or removing skin lesions

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Specialist skin surgery consultation

In all instances, your journey with us begins with a skin surgery consultation where you can benefit from an assessment by an expert to determine if a surgical procedure is suitable and, if so, which. Other aspects that are discussed at a skin surgery consultation are:

  • What is the concern you have?
  • What kind of surgical procedure is best to treat this concern?
  • What will the scar be like?
  • Are there other options?
  • Will more than one procedure be required?
  • Will further tests or assessments be required?
  • The impact of any possible histological findings and how these will be communicated to you.
  • How to manage medications such as blood thinning medications before and after the procedure.

When considering any procedure, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits as they apply to your individual circumstances. Here are some examples of things that may be discussed for you to take into consideration:

Benefits and risks of a procedure

One of the major advantages of a skin surgery consultation is that you should leave fully understanding the benefits and risks of any procedure. This allows you to make an informed choice on whether you would like to proceed. Exampled of benefits and risks that are discussed are:

Benefits

  • The likelihood of complete removal or cure from the procedure (often this is very high)
  • The likelihood of any symptoms resolving

Risks

It is always important to be aware of any risks of a procedure and taking these into account when taking the decision to have surgery. The doctor will be able to go through any risks that may apply to you. Some examples include:

  • Scar formation – a surgical procedure will usually leave some form of scar and at the consultation it is possible to discuss the likely length and orientation of any scars
  • Discomfort – there can be discomfort after some procedures
  • Bleeding – there is a risk of bleeding from a wound especially in the first 48 hours. The risk of bleeding may be increased for some people who may need to take extra precautions.
  • Infection – there is a risk of infection following any surgical procedure in the first week. The risk of infection is increased with certain risk factors such as diabetes and immunosuppression.
  • Delayed healing – some people may suffer from slow healing.
  • Keloid and raised scars – some people are prone to elevated scar which may need additional separate treatment
  • Numbness and nerve damage can also occur

Will I need time for rest and recuperation?

The surgery consultation is also a good time to discuss the time that may be required for rest and recuperation. For example you need to plan time off work, or from heavy physical activity for a period. You may need to plan to have help for a period of time.

Timing of surgery

It is important to consider when the best time might be to have a surgical procedure. A gap between the consultation and procedure gives additional time for reflection and a ‘cooling off’ period in case you decide against having the procedure.

Before and After Your Procedure

Before your procedure

  • Bring headphones and your favourite playlist if you’d like to listen to music while you wait or during the procedure.
  • We’ll review your medical history, allergies, medications, and explain the treatment, benefits, risks and alternatives before we begin.
  • Plan your journey home:
    • Local anaesthetic does not affect your ability to drive, but pain, limited movement or visual obstructions (such as from swelling or a dressing) could do. Legally, it is your responsibility to ensure you can remain in control of and fully operate the vehicle at all times. Small procedures like diagnostic biopsies or small excisions are unlikely to affect your ability to drive. However, if your treatment is on or near the eyes, sizeable, or near a joint limiting movement, you should arrange for someone to drive you or accompany you home.
    • Local anaesthetic around the eye (including in the upper cheeks and forehead) can occasionally cause temporary blurred vision or swelling, so it isn’t safe to drive or walk home alone afterwards.

After your procedure

  • You’ll receive dressings and written aftercare, and a wound check appointment if necessary (including suture removal if needed).
  • Typical healing times (these are general guides):
    • Small removals (e.g. skin tags, milia, sebaceous glands): about 5–7 days.
    • Shave or scrape procedures: about 7–10 days.
    • Excisions with stitches: around 7 days on the face, up to 14 days elsewhere.
  • Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming and heavy lifting for a minimum of 7 days for facial procedures and up to 14 days for procedures elsewhere.
  • Medications: If antibiotics are prescribed, please collect these from your pharmacy on the way home (normal charges apply).
  • Results & follow-up: If tissue is sent for histology, we may arrange a follow-up consultation to discuss results and any next steps.

Fees

The fees for a specialist skin consultation are provided on our fees page.

The fee for any procedure can be confirmed at the skin surgery consultation. Guide prices may have been provided to you in advance and can be reviewed here. Fees for surgery include any aftercare that is required such as appointments for wound checks, dressing changes and stitch removal as described below.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What is included in the procedure fees?

The following are included in quotes provided by us for procedures:

  • Procedure fees including surgeon and theatre fees
  • Aftercare advice and support relating to the procedure during working hours
  • Dressing and initial spare dressings for you to use at home
  • Up to two wound check as and when required by a trained member of staff (who is non medical), including removal of sutures if sutures have been used
  • Prescription for any antibiotics in case these are required (you would pay the pharmacy for the medications)

The following are not included:

  • Additional wound checks, beyond two
  • Treatment of keloid or adverse scarring
  • Treatment for incomplete excision or recurrences
  • Follow up consultations with your doctor which may be to review how the surgery has healed, for discussion of histology results (such as after a skin biopsy or mole biopsy) or to discuss further management

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