Dermatology
This leaflet explains what to do after having skin surgery including wound care and results.
A skin biopsy or excision is a short procedure performed under local anaesthesia. This is performed to establish a diagnosis and certain procedures will also treat the area. This diagnosis is obtained by looking at the sample of your skin under the microscope.
The procedure you have had today is a (please circle):
Punch biopsy:
A small instrument is used to take a small round sample of skin and this wound is then closed with stitches.
Shave excision:
The top layer of skin with a lesion on has been shaved away with a sharp instrument leaving the wound to scab and heal leaving a scar.
Incisional biopsy:
A small eye shaped sample of skin is removed using a scalpel and the wound edges are brought together with stitches to leave a straight scar.
Curettage and cautery:
A lesion has been removed by shaving (scraping) the top layer of skin and cauterising the area to stop the bleeding. The wound will then form a scab and left to heal.
Diagnostic excision:
A lesion has been removed with some surrounding ‘normal’ skin and the edges of the wound are brought together with stitches. This will leave a scar bigger than the original lesion.
Wider local excision:
Following previous skin surgery, it may be required to take more skin from around the scar as part of further treatment. This will make the scar bigger than your previous scar.
After the procedure:
The doctor or nurse carrying out your procedure will have numbed the area with an injection of local anaesthetic. This will wear off over the next couple of hours and you may wish to take regular pain relief such as Paracetamol if required.
- We recommend that you do not undertake any unnecessary exertion or exercise until the stitches have been removed and the affected area has healed. This is so that you can avoid stretching or pulling your wound which may increase the risk of it coming open under the pressure.
- You can eat and drink as normal.
It is normal for the wound to bleed slightly in the first 24 hours. If this happens, press firmly on the wound for at least 15 minutes or until the bleeding stops. In the unlikely event that the wound continues to bleed, please get in touch (see below). Bruising is common and will gradually resolve as healing occurs.
Wounds can become infected however, this is uncommon. If you experience; redness, swelling, increasing pain and discharge at the site which is not improving, or if you have any other concerns regarding your wound, then please get in touch (see contact details below).
Dressings and stitches
If you have a dressing on the wound, we advise that you keep this dry and in place for 24 to 48 hours. You can then gently wet the dressing and remove it slowly. You will be informed if this needs to be in place longer.
You may have steri-strips (paper strips) on the wound for extra support. These will naturally come off after a few days. Do not pull on the steri-strips as this can pull the edges of the wound apart.
We advise you to avoid soaking the wound or swimming until it is fully healed.
To be completed by the clinician
[…] Skin Glue used
[…] Removable stitches, which do not need to be removed
[…] Your stitches will need removing. You have …….…… stitches, they need removing in …….…… days.
We advise that this is done by a nurse at your GP practice. Please arrange your appointment for this as soon as possible to avoid delay.
| Your consultant is: |
(Please note: The person who has undertaken the surgery may differ from the Doctor overseeing your care)
Results:
Once the skin specimen has been removed, it is sent to the laboratory for examination. Sometimes, further tests need to be performed, or further opinions need to be sought, therefore the time taken to receive results can differ from patient to patient. As a guide, processing times for results are as below:
Urgent Results: Between 2 and 8 weeks.
Routine Results: Between 8 and 16 weeks
Once your results are back you will be contacted by our team. You may receive a letter explaining your results, or an appointment for further discussion with a Doctor or Specialist Nurse from either the Dermatology or Plastic Surgery Department.
If you have not received any contact beyond the above guide times, then we advise that you call the below number for further information.
Contact us
If your surgery was undertaken at James Cook Hospital or Friarage Hospital, please contact: Telephone: 01642 850850 extension 57688
If your surgery was undertaken at Onelife centre, please contact: Telephone: 01642 944741
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours please contact 111 for advice
Patient Experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print by emailing: [email protected]