Dr Sandeep H Cliff
Skin Lesion Removal
Instructions following removal of a skin lesion where Nylon (non dissolving) sutures have been used.
The removal of a minor skin lesion is generally a very safe procedure with very few side effects or complications. There are however, some things that you need to be aware of following this minor surgery.
Nylon or non-dissolving sutures are used; this means that you need to have the sutures removed. The wound should be kept dry for 48 hours if possible. After this the dressing may be removed and the wound may get wet whilst bathing. The area should then be gently dried and another dressing replaced over the wound. If the outer dressing gets wet it needs to be changed, as a soggy dressing can lead to possible infection.
Your procedure has been done under local anaesthetic which will wear off after an hour or so. You may feel some pain or discomfort for the first day or two. If you need some pain relief, paracetamol should suffice. Avoid taking aspirin, as this make the wound bleed.
Bleeding is most likely to occur in the first few hours following the procedure. Please try to rest as much as possible to prevent this. If the wound starts to bleed, firm pressure should be applied for 5 minutes directly over the wound, and elevate where possible.
Infection is rare and antibiotics are generally not required, but your consultant will advise. Signs of infection are a hot, painful, red and swollen wound. Please contact your local hospital where the procedure was undertaken as antibiotics may be needed. Be sure to highlight if you have any known allergies to antibiotics
Your results take up to 14 days to process and then a letter will be sent to both you and your GP confirming the results and informing you of any follow up that may be needed. To avoid unnecessary consultations Cliff Dermatology Ltd aims to keep patients abreast of their treatments and results at all times - so all correspondence will be both sent to your Gp as well as to yourself unless you inform us differently
