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Introduction You have had skin surgery today to remove or take a sample of your skin lesion. This will help you and your doctor in the management of your skin problem. Although the likelihood of future problems is small, the following may occur: Pain This is rarely severe but may occur after the local anaesthetic has worn off. Any discomfort should respond to paracetamol taken in normal doses. Avoid aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory preparations (such as ibuprofen) for pain relief. These may increase the chance of bleeding at your wound site. (Please note: if you need to take aspirin or non-steroidal antiinflammatories regularly, do not stop unless advised to do so by your GP or dermatologist). Swelling This is rarely severe and should settle down during the following day. If swelling is severe or persistent, you should seek advice from your dermatologist or GP. Bleeding and bruising This should settle down over a few days. There is an increased chance bleeding for those patients taking aspirin or warfarin. Stitches If you have had stitches, these may need to be removed by your GP’s practice nurse. As a general rule: stitches on the face come out after five days, on the arm, leg or trunk seven to ten days on the back after 14 days. Apply firm continuous pressure over the wound site for 20 minutes if there is bleeding. Contact the practice nurse at your GP’s surgery after your operation for an appointment. If excessive bleeding does not settle after 20 minutes, seek further medical advice from the dermatology clinic or your GP immediately. Please note that for bigger procedures there may be buried stitches under the skin surface. These do not need to be removed as the body dissolves them gradually. Infection This is uncommon but possible after surgery to the skin. If the site of the operation feels hot, looks increasingly red, becomes increasingly painful or discharges pus, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. You may require an antibiotic if an infection develops. In some cases, small portions of these dissolved stitches are discharged through the developing scar. There is no need to try and pull these out, they will come away naturally. Scar formation Once healed the scar may initially be red and slightly raised. After six to twelve months scars usually settle down to leave a flat pale mark. General After your operation, it is advisable to go home and rest. You may need to reduce exercise and heavy lifting for a few weeks after your operation depending on the site of your wound. This will have been discussed at the time of your procedure. Please ask for advice if you are not sure. Smoking delays healing and we advise that you do not smoke. Excess alcohol can encourage bleeding and should also be avoided. Results You will receive notification of your results as soon as they are available, generally by letter but occasionally by telephone. Please contact us if you have any queries on 01625 661051 or 663675. Comments, compliments or complaints We welcome any suggestions you have about the quality of our care and our services. Contact us: Freephone: 0800 1613997 Phone: 01625 661449 Textphone: 01625 663723 Customer Care, Reception, Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road, SK10 3BL After Skin Surgery Patient Information For large print, audio, Braille version or translation contact the Communications and Engagement Team on 0800 195 494. Admission information The trust accepts no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, personal property of any kind, in whatever way the loss or damage may occur, unless deposited for safe custody. Please leave valuables at home. If you need to bring personal items that are expensive, for example micro hearing aids, please be aware that you do so at your own risk NHS Direct (part of NHS Choices) is a 24 hr phone advice service providing confidential health advice and information. Phone: 0845 4647 (Textphone 0845 606 46 47) Dermatology Dept Phone: 01625 661051 or 663675 Macclesfield District General Hospital www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk www.nhs.uk East Cheshire NHS Trust is committed to ensuring that patients and staff will always be treated with dignity and respect. There will be no age, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation or religious discrimination. @eastcheshirenhs Ref: 10002 Review: 08/2015