Download Minor skin procedures and post-operative wound care advice

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Patient
Information
Minor skin procedures and post-operative
wound care advice
Introduction
This leaflet provides information for patients undergoing minor
skin surgery in dermatology outpatients.
Information on skin surgery
A skin procedure has been arranged for you. It should take
approximately 15 to 30 minutes and will require written consent.
You will be able to leave afterwards and you will be given
wound care advice from the nurse.
Please let the nurse or your doctor know, if:
• You are taking any other tablets (especially warfarin,
clopidogral or aspirin).
• You are pregnant and doctor will advise if the surgery can
take place.
• You have any medical condition, which you think might
prevent you from having your procedure.
• You have had a local anaesthetic already today (for example
during the visit to the dentist).
You should eat and drink as usual both before and after your
operation.
A local anaesthetic with adrenaline will need to be used to
numb the area. This is usually given very quickly and with
minimal discomfort. Please mention to the nurse or doctor any
possible allergic reactions to local anaesthetics that you may
have had in the past before the operation begins.
Reference No.
GHPI0686_04_15
Stitches may be required for your wound, which will usually
need to be removed by your practice nurse at a later date. You
will be advised by the doctor about this depending on what is
being done.
Department
Dermatology
Review due
April 2018
www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk
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After the surgery
Patient
Information
• You will have a scar afterwards, which will heal but will also
be permanent. You should be given wound advice postoperatively. If you care for your wound the scarring can be
minimized.
• You will be able to drive safely after the procedure under
normal circumstances. Complications after skin surgery are
usually minimal but can include bleeding, infection and
scarring. Please read the post-operative advice carefully.
If you have any questions about the procedure, please ask
the nurse or doctor.
If you agree to have the surgery and are happy with the
information given, please sign the consent form, this will be
taken as your consent to have the operation performed as
described.
Post-operative wound care advice
Patient’s name:
___________________________________________
Date of skin surgery and procedure performed:
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Number & type of sutures: (nylon/absorbable)
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
After your procedure today you will have a small scar which,
although permanent, can be minimized, if you adhere to the
following advice:
1. If you have stitches in your wound, they will need to be
removed in _______ days’ time by ___________________.
Please arrange an appointment to see the appropriate
nurse. Take this form with you.
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Patient
Information
2. Keep your wound dry for 48 hours. Wear a waterproof
plaster if bathing or showering, which should be removed
afterwards. Keep the wound as clean as possible at least
until the stitches are removed. If clothing rubs on the wound,
keep it covered with a breathable dressing/dry plaster.
3. All wounds: apply Vaseline™ once or twice daily for 2 to 3
weeks after the procedure to protect the healing skin. You
may be asked to use an antibiotic cream or silicone gel/
dressing instead, depending on the site of the wound. The
doctor/ nurse will advise you about this after your procedure.
4. If you have Steri-strips/paper stitches over the wound,
continue to apply them as directed for at least 4 weeks after
removal of the sutures or after the ends have been snipped
(see 2). This will reduce the tension on the wound and
improve scarring.
5. If you have had a curettage and cautery procedure, no
stitches will be needed. The wound will resemble a graze
and does not require a dressing for more than 24 to 48 hours
after which time it can be left exposed at your own
discretion. This wound type is slower to heal than those that
require stitches especially on the lower legs.
6. If the wound bleeds later, put pressure on it with a clean
tissue for 5 to 10 minutes. In most cases this should stop the
bleeding, but more prolonged pressure may be required if
you are on aspirin or warfarin tablets. If the bleeding is
profuse or prolonged, please seek medical advice.
7. Occasionally wounds become infected (1 to 2 days later). If
the wound becomes very inflamed and sore, or begins to
weep you may require antibiotics. Please see your GP or
practice nurse if you are concerned or contact your
Dermatology department for advice.
8. Most wounds are not painful afterwards but if you experience
discomfort, you may take pain relief post operatively, but
please consult this with your GP or nurse if you are unsure.
www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk
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Contact information
Patient
Information
Dermatology Department
Outpatients
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 8193 or
Tel: 0300 422 8454
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk