The procedure
An out-patient procedure performed under local anaesthetic
Recovery is speedy – you can return to work the following day
THE PROCEDURE
This is performed under a local anaesthetic, usually as an outpatient. The majority of these procedures take less than 30 minutes.
Occasionally, if the lesion is large, it may require a small reconstruction in the form of a local flap or skin graft. A local flap utilises local skin which is rotated in to fill the defect. If a skin graft is required, the skin is usually taken from the neck.
AFTERCARE
After excision, it is recommended to apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day for 2 weeks. Depending on the site of the lesion, the sutures are usually removed in clinic within 5-10 days. There is a small risk of bleeding afterwards. If this occurs, direct pressure with clean tissue paper for a few minutes is usually effective.
There can be some discomfort for a couple of hours afterwards, once the anaesthetic has worn off. If this is the case, paracetamol is usually sufficient to control any pain.
It is possible to return to work the following day.
Patients will be advised to massage the scar twice a day starting 2 weeks after the procedure for a period of 2 months.