Advice for patients having minor skin surgery

Please let the staff know if:

• You are taking any blood thinning medication (such as warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, rivaroxaban or apixaban). It is not normally necessary to stop these medications before a procedure, but your dermatologist will advise you if this is required.
• You have had any allergic reactions to local anaesthetics.
• You suffer from needle phobia.
• You are pregnant.
• You have a pacemaker or implantable device.

About the procedure

A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area to be operated on. This will sting briefly while it is injected into the skin.

• If you are having a curettage (scrape) and cautery procedure, stitches will not be needed.
• If the procedure involves stitches, you will be asked to make an appointment with the practice nurse at your GP’s surgery to have them removed.
• After your procedure you will be given detailed wound care advice.
• Skin procedures leave scars; these will be permanent but may fade over time.
• Problems after skin surgery can include bleeding, infection and scarring which will be discussed with you when you consent to the procedure and before leaving the department.
• If your skin surgery involves your head or neck, we may advise you not to drive after the procedure.
• You can eat and drink as normal before and after your surgery.

If you have any questions, please ask the nurse or doctor.

If you are happy with the information you have been given, you will be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure takes place.

Contact information

Dermatology Outpatients Department

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Tel: 0300 422 8193

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm