Skin surgery is a procedure that involves cutting and removing an area of your skin and obtaining a sample to send for histology
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Skin surgery is a procedure that involves cutting and removing an area of your skin and obtaining a sample to send for histology (analysis under a microscope by a Consultant Pathologist). The resulting wound can be sutured together or left to heal by itself and covered with a plaster. This is usually performed under local anaesthetic, meaning that you will be awake for the procedure.
Biopsy of skin
This involves taking a representative sample of your rash or skin lesion, but not aiming to remove it completely. The sample will then be sent for histological analysis (by looking down microscope) to help confirm the diagnosis. This procedure will usually leave you with a very small scar, sometimes even without stitches.
There are various types of biopsies:
Shave biopsy (partial removal of the lesion) and curettage (scraping the lesion) procedures are superficial biopsies of the skin leaving you with a ‘graze’. The wound will not require sutures and usually you can resume all normal activities and work immediately after (however please refrain from swimming and soaking in a bath for 1 week after the procedure).
Punch Biopsy (partial removal of the lesion) for diagnostic purposes. This involves taking a round piece of skin and applying sutures to bring the skin edges together. These will need to be removed in 5-7 days. You should avoid stretching the wound for at least 1 week to improve the appearance of the resultant straight line scar.
Excisional Surgery:
This involves taking the whole skin growth to remove it and, in most instances, curing it. Once removed you may have a straight line scar which should heal over 1-2 weeks.
Complex skin surgery
This involves taking the whole skin growth to remove it and, in most instances, curing it. Once removed you may either have a long straight line scar, or a scar that is not straight from a flap (moving skin next to the excision site to close the defect) or a graft (transplanting skin from one part of your body to another) with a scar around the moved skin and one from where it was taken.
When will my sutures be removed?
This depends on the type of sutures that you have had. In general, sutures are removed at 5-14 days depending on the site and type of suture used. Please discuss this with your surgeon. We would be keen for you to have these removed at OneWelbeck so that we can also review the wound and ensure it is healing well.
When can I fly?
With local anaesthetic there are no restrictions to flying, but we would recommend waiting at least 1 week before flying in case of unforeseen issues. Although this advice will be different depending on your procedure and individual patient factors, please discuss this with your surgeon and travel insurance company before your procedure.
Can I eat or drink ?
With local anaesthetic procedures we encourage you to eat light meals before and after your procedure. Please keep yourself well hydrated and avoid any alcohol a day before and at least 2 days after your procedure as this will increase your bleeding tendency and delay healing.
Can I shower or bath?
We recommend having a wash prior to you attending for your procedure. Depending on where on your body the procedure is performed, we will sometimes ask you to avoid getting that area wet for 5-7 days. We will normally apply showerproof (but not waterproof) dressings to avoid the wound getting wet, when you are allowed to have a quick shower. In general, we do not recommend having baths when you have surgical wounds. Please discuss this with your surgeon.
I am having surgery on my face, do I have to take special precautions?
For procedures on the head we advise to avoid bending down after the procedure. This causes congestion and can lead to more swelling of your wound. On the day try to wear slip on shoes to avoid undoing shoelaces and bending down. We recommend avoiding heavy lifting and straining for at least a week after your procedure. Please try to get a week’s worth of shopping in order to avoid carrying heavy shopping bags.
My procedure is on my arm or leg, should I take any special precautions?
On the limbs – especially extremities such as the foot or hand, swelling following the procedure can develop. Therefore we would recommend elevation of the affected limb following the procedure when at home. In certain cases, such as with your hand we may put a sling on to keep your hand elevated. This may mean that you will need to reduce your responsibilities and exercises following your procedure, although your surgeon will warn you about these issues prior to your procedure.
We want your procedure to be a pleasant experience, therefore preplanning is essential. Below are some issues that may help in planning your procedure.
Driving: after the procedure you may not be safe or able to drive, therefore please arrange for a driver, unless we have specifically informed you that you can drive.
Medications: certain drugs may affect your surgery. Please provide your surgeon with an up to date list of drugs that you are prescribed and include over the counter medications such as vitamins that you may buy yourself. For example garlic tablets can cause increased bleeding and we would recommend stopping these at least one week before surgery.
Allergies: Please let your surgeon know any allergies that you may have. Please bring documentation of this to your appointment.
Pacemaker or defibrillator: if you have any implanted devices, this may affect what equipment we can use, but should not prevent your surgery. Please discuss this with your cardiologist.
Holidays/special events: you may have a dressing and stitches that need to be removed, which may be difficult if you are going away within 2 weeks of your surgery. As there may be bruising, you may not look or feel your best for a special event. Unless your surgery is URGENT please reschedule the procedure by phoning us.
Sports/exercise: you should not swim, play sports (including golf), or exercise (including gardening) whilst the stitches are in place. Please plan ahead in terms of sports activities and discuss with your surgeon.
Smoking: this delays wound healing and therefore stopping smoking completely for at least a week prior to surgery and at least a few weeks after, will help your wound heal with less chance of complication.
Pain relief: ensure that you have an adequate supply of paracetamol at home for when you return. Taking paracetamol an hour before the procedure can help with the pain of the local anaesthetic injection during the procedure.
Rest: you must allow yourself enough rest following your procedure. This will allow the wound to heal better. This will vary depending on the complexity of your procedure, please discuss this with your surgeon.
Work: please check with us about taking time off work and whether you would be able to drive directly after your procedure. In general, most skin surgrey will allow you to return to non-physical work immediately or in the next few days, but it depends on your job and most importantly how you feel after the procedure.
Sports and exercise: in most cases, you should not swim, play sports (incl. golf), or exercise (including gardening) whilst the stitches are in place for at least 2 weeks after the procedure – to optimise the appearance of the scar. Depending on the size and site of the surgery you may be asked to refrain from activities that might stretch the scar for a longer period of time (3-4 weeks) after the stitches have been removed. Please ask your surgeon if you are not sure.
Events: please avoid social or stressful events for 1-2 weeks after your procedure to avoid complications to your wound and delayed healing.
Your procedure will be undertaken by an expert in their field, if you have not had skin surgery before, below is a summary of the steps that you will experience on the day.
Consent for surgery: you will be asked to sign a consent form unless you are under 16 years old when a parent or guardian must sign. This form indicates that you are aware of the procedure to be carried out. You will be given a copy of your signed consent and must ask any questions you have during the consent process.
Undressing: you will be asked to remove enough clothing so that we can clearly see the part of your body that needs a procedure. It would be helpful to wear loose casual clothing on the day.
Marking: the area of skin to be removed will often be marked with ink. This is not permanent.
Operating couch: apart from exceptional circumstances such as breathlessness or immobility, you will be treated whilst lying down on an operating couch. This makes the operation easier and optimises the use of the operating light.
Local anaesthetic: Most minor operations need a local anaesthetic to numb the area, which will be injected just under the area to be treated. It causes a mild sting lasting 5-10 seconds. The operation will then be pain free. Please let us know if you feel any discomfort during the procedure, and we will top-up the anaesthetic. Your procedure should be painless once the anaesthetic has taken effect. It is common to feel pulling or pressure at the operating site during the procedure.
Stitches (sutures): at the end of your procedure the skin maybe closed with stitches that can be removed 1-2 weeks later, depending on the site. Sometimes dissolvable stitches are used and these will dissolve slowly over 2-4 weeks.
Strapping or bandaging: all stitched wounds will be well strapped up with special dressings. You will be advised at the end of the surgery on the necessary wound care. This information will be explained to you verbally and in writing.
Duration: depending on the complexity of the surgery and the site, surgery can take from 15 minutes to one hour. As much as possible, we will endeavour to run to time. In the unavoidable circumstances where there is delay, you will be informed.
Currently selected day
Available consultations
Introduction
Treatment
Biopsy of skin, shave biopsy, punch biopsy,
Preparation
Aftercare
Rest
Recovery
1-2 weeks
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