Everyone has minor surgeries questions. Here’s some that patients and enquirers often ask.
What is minor surgery?
Any surgical procedure that can be carried out in a short period of time using a local anaesthetic. Minor surgery must be carried out in a clinic that is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
What can be removed?
- Lumps and bumps
- Dermatofibroma
- Skin tags, actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis
- Millia, benign moles, dermal cysts, cherry angiomas, lipomas
Will it hurt?
A local anaesthetic will be injected around the lesion before it’s removed. There may be some mild discomfort however nearly all patients have said it was almost painless.
Who will do the surgery?
Wendy Ellis will carry out the procedures. She will occasionally have some assistance if there are multiple lesions to treat.
How is it done?
A variety of techniques are used to remove lesions including cryotherapy, electrolysis, curettage, shave excision, incision and excision. The method used will depend on the size and local of the lesion.
What happens after?
Once the procedure is completed you will receive comprehensive aftercare advice. This will include what to do if you have any concerns.
You will be given a follow up appointment if any sutures have to be removed.
How much will it cost?
Initial consultations are free of charge.
The price for the surgical procedure will vary from £350 and will depend on the size, the method of removal and the number of lesions to be removed. A full cost will be given at consultation.
How will I know if it’s malignant?
If a lesion is removed and looks suspicious it will be sent to Histopathology.
Will it leave a scar?
Generally the larger the lesion is, the harder it is to remove. There may be a scar once the wound has healed. The degree of scarring will depend on your age, location of lesion and method of removal.
Will the lesion come back?
There is a small risk that the lesion may return after treatment. This can occur with any lesion but is most common with dermal cysts, skin tags and lipomas. This will be discussed during the consultation.