MOLE, CYST & SKIN TAG REMOVAL

Removal of moles, cysts and skin tags can improve the appearance of your skin by altering texture and complexion. Additionally, these growths can cause pain, discomfort, bleeding and general irritation. Certain moles that are irregular, with pigmentary changes and bleeding etc. do have to be evaluated to determine if they are sinister, where appropriated treatment will be required.

AM I A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR REMOVAL

All age groups including very young children are suitable for this procedure. In children a general anaesthetic may have to be considered although many children do cope well with this procedure under a local anaesthetic.

BENEFITS OF THE PROCEDURE

The procedure helps to restore the skin back to a smooth texture with no irregularity. Additionally, if cancer is a concern, treatment would obviate the need for future, and often more extensive surgery in a number of cases.

LIMITATIONS OF THE PROCEDURE

Removal of existing lesion does not guarantee recurrence. Often these can return either in the same area or more commonly elsewhere and may require further removal. Occasionally in some individuals’ multiple lesions may be noted. Unexpected scarring and skin changes may occur although this is rare.

CONSULTATION FOR THE PROCEDURE

During the consultation your concerns will be discussed, a complete examination is carried out and you will be advised about the actual procedure. This includes, possible diagnosis, information on laboratory analysis and further treatment if at all required. Type of anaesthesia, scars and further monitoring etc. will also be discussed. Photographs are often taken to document the lesion.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Appropriate diagnosis is very important to ensure if any of the lesions require laboratory analysis to establish cancer or a pre-cancerous condition. The following are some general features of these lesions.

HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

The procedure may be performed either under local anaesthetic with or without sedation (twilight) or general anaesthesia. Local anaesthetic is generally well tolerated by most patients including children. The only pain is during injection of the anaesthetic and lasts for less than a minute. A cut is made over or around the actual lesion and it is fully removed. Only a minimal amount of normal tissue is removed if at all required, and the cut is closed with absorbable stitches and then covered with an occlusive dressing  In some instances, laser or an electrical device such as hyfrecator is used to perform this procedure.

WHAT TO EXPECT POST-OPERATIVELY

Mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising is common.  These side effects are temporary and usually subside within a few days. The area treated is usually covered with an antibiotic ointment and occlusive dressing which is removed after four to six days. Stitches if applied are soluble. You can typically resume daily activities immediately following your procedure.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF THE PROCEDURE

Complications are rare and include but not limited to bleeding, infection, unfavourable skin tethering, altered sensation, lumpiness, change in skin colour, and cosmetic irregularities.

IMPORTANT ADVICE

Please ask all questions you may have, and ascertain that your questions and concerns have been addressed to your satisfaction before you proceed to surgery  Understand that this may not be an essential procedure depending on your situation.

Please click HERE for more information on the ENTUK website.

SUMMARY