An appointment will be arranged for you to attend the Dermatology Department to have skin surgery.
This will be done in the clinic on a day case basis which means you will not need to stay in hospital overnight.
There is no need to starve before having skin surgery, so you can eat and drink as normal. It is better to have eaten at least a light snack within two hours before surgery to help prevent any feelings of nausea.
Local anaesthetic is used to ‘numb’ the specific area; you will be fully awake during the procedure. Most minor skin surgery takes less than an hour to perform, but you may need to remain within the department for an observation period. Please allow plenty of time for your appointment.
Although only a local anesthetic is used, you should not drive home from clinic or drive for the rest of the day. This is because medicines in the body, including local anesthetic and adrenaline, can make you feel lightheaded. Your surgery may be cancelled if you have not brought someone with you to drive you home or if you have not arranged for someone to collect you.
You are advised to rest for the remainder of the day and not to smoke following surgery.
Please bring all of your tablets or a list of the medications you are taking.
You should take most medications as normal, however if you take WARFARIN OR XARELTO OR ANY BLOOD THINING MEDICATION please inform your doctor. (You may need to do a blood test before the procedure. You will have been given a blood form for this test during your consultation in clinic. Your surgery may be CANCELLED if you did not have this blood test).
If you taking any blood thinning medications do not stop them. The doctor will discuss whether there is a need to omit / delay a dose of the medication before the surgery.
Risks and complications of skin surgery
Any skin procedure carries small risks such as pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, wound dehiscence (opening), incomplete excision, pigmentary changes, disfigurement and re-excision. Please advise the doctor of any worries or concerns before you sign the consent form.
PLEASE INFORM STAFF IF YOU HAVE ANY ALLERGIES OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT MAY BE AFFECTED BY HAVING SURGERY
Following surgery, you will be given an advice sheet on how to look after your wound.
Any further appointments will be made before you leave the department.
For any queries or concerns please contact the department on: tel./WA 043838333
Dr Volha Shpadaruk
Consultant dermatologist