Skin Surgery Information

Skin surgery under local anaesthetic has been recommended for you.

You will remain conscious and able to ask questions throughout the procedure. You can eat normally, and should take your regular medications unless told otherwise.

Surgical specimens will be sent for pathology analysis to confirm diagnosis and assess whether abnormal cells have been completely removed.

PLEASE TELL US PRIOR TO SURGERY IF YOU:

  • Take blood ‘thinners’ e.g. warfarin, aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo, anti-inflammatory/ anti-arthritis medicines such as Naprosyn & Nurofen
  • Have a bleeding disorder or family history of bleeding problems
  • React to anaesthetics, antiseptics, tapes, dressings or antibiotics
  • Have a pacemaker, cardiac defibrillator, or heart problem requiring antibiotics prior to surgery (such as a leaky heart valve)
  • Have had a joint replacement in the past 12 months
  • Have had infections or other problems following previous surgery

The healing of surgical wounds is adversely affected by smoking, diabetes, poor circulation and poor nutrition.

THE FOLLOWING OFTEN OCCUR POST SURGERY AND ARE NORMAL:

Bleeding, Swelling and Bruising

A minor blood stained ooze for the first 48 hours is normal. Heavier bleeding is unusual. Swelling and bruising is common especially on the face and around the eyes. This will reduce over several days.

Tingling, slight itching or a pulling feeling. These feelings around your stitches are normal.

Pain

Local anaesthetic stings when injected but works quickly. When the anaesthetic wears off you may require pain medications, especially for the first few days. Only take Panadol, Panamax, Paracetamol or Panadeine.

Scars

All surgical procedures leave a scar. Most scars will fade and lighten with time. Many factors can in influence the severity of scarring. Surgery in certain areas (such as the chest, back, shoulders and legs), often leave scars that stretch with time or become thickened, red and itchy (hypertrophic or keloidal). Such scars may require additional treatment.

Numbness

Sometimes the area around the wound becomes numb to touch. This can persist for months, occasionally longer and rarely permanently. If this occurs please let your doctor know at your follow-up visit.

Stitches/Sutures

Stitches/Sutures are used to close the wound. Dissolvable stitches may have been used alone or combined with non-dissolving surface stitches that will be usually removed 5 to 14 days after surgery. You will be instructed at the time of surgery about stitch care and removal.

Occasionally a deep stitch makes its way to the surface before it has fully dissolved. It appears as a small thread that can be removed or trimmed flush with the skin surface if annoying. These can be otherwise safely left to dissolve without adverse consequences.

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