What is minor skin surgery?
Minor skin surgery involves the removal of a benign skin lump or bump on the skin under local anaesthetic. This can be on the skin surface on underneath the skin like a cyst. All samples removed are sent for examination under the microscope (histology) to confirm the diagnosis.
Dr Aaron Wernham will assess each individual lesion to determine the best type of surgical procedure which will leave you with the optimal cosmetic outcome.
Whilst all procedures will leave some form of scar, he aims to remove each lesion whilst leaving the scar as imperceptible as possible.
What types of lesions can be treated?
The following are examples of lesions which can be removed surgically:
- Moles
- Warts
- Cysts
- Skin Tags
- Syringomas
- Lipomas (Fatty lumps under the skin)
- Seborrhoeic keratoses
- Neurofibromas
- Milia
Informed consent
Before having any minor procedure, the benefits and risks of the procedure will be discussed with you as well as any alternative treatments for your skin lesion to ensure this is the correct procedure for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Types of minor skin procedure
Shave excision
This involves removing the lesion flush to the surrounding skin. This enables the lesion to be removed leaving little evidence of an underlying scar in most cases.
The base is cauterised (sealed with a hyfrecator) to stop any bleeding and reduce the chance of the lesion coming back in the future.
Currettage and Cautery
This technique uses the skill of the surgeon to remove the lesion using a device which enables the lesion to be scraped away, typically in fragments. It allows the surgeon to feel the base under the lesion to determine whether it has been cleared and normal skin dermis is felt underneath.
Excision
This involves using a scalpel to excise around the lesion and remove any roots underneath. This is suitable for lesions which are likely to come back if only shaved off. It also provides a more complete sample for examining under the microscope. Your Dermatologist will advise where this is necessary, for example, for the removal of some moles to ensure there are no cancerous cells.
Stitches are required after the lesion is removed and you will have a linear scar at the site. Where possible, the surgeon will use their skill to hide any scars within wrinkle or natural skin lines so that they heal with little visibility.
Skin biopsy
This involves taking a small sample of skin for analysis using a punch biopsy tool. The sample is sent for histological analysis under the microscope. This can help to confirm the cause of a rash or lesion before further treatment. 1 or 2 stitches are typically inserted following the biopsy.
Hyfrecation
This procedure involves remove a lesion with a heat / electrical probe with destroys the lesion. It can be suitable for certain lesions e.g. closed comedones or whiteheads and for skin tags. As the lesion is destroyed it cannot be sent for histology. The dermatologist will therefore only recommend it where they are certain of the clinical diagnosis.
Cryotherapy
This procedure involves the use of liquid nitrogen, a very cold gas. This procedure requires experience to ensure a controlled balance between effectiveness and side effects. The lesion is frozen once or twice. The skin is typically sore for a few days after the procedure and may weep or crust.
This can be effective for treating multiple lesions in a short space of time and does not require local anaesthetic.
Steroid injection
Injecting steroid into a lesion can sometime help to remove or flatten it.
The skin is cleaned prior to the injected and a small amount of steroid is inserted. This can be beneficial for certain types of scar or hair loss.
Botox injection
Whilst botox is typically described as a treatment for wrinkles, it can also be used as a medical treatment for certain conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). The benefit typically lasts 6-12 months after the injections e.g. to the armpits.