Risks of surgery

 

• Your procedure will be performed under local anaesthetic. This will be injected around the lump or lesion just prior to surgery. Although it is very safe, it does sting momentarily while it is being given. 

 

• Occasionally, the wound or scar can become infected after surgery and mean the need for oral antibiotics. Rarely, patients require admission to hospital to treat a more significant infection.

 

• Although bleeding after surgery is also uncommon, it could mean needing to reoperate to control the source of bleeding.

 

• It may become evident on the day of surgery that it is not possible to perform the procedure under local anaesthetic or as a day case. In this unlikely event, we will need to make alternative arrangements to treat you.

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• Seldomly, a skin cancer or lump may be incompletely or inadequately removed and may require further surgery or a more definitive procedure.

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• Whenever skin grafts are used to cover bigger defects, there is the possibility that the skin grafts do not work. This could result in an ulcer which would require dressings until the wound has healed.

 

• Although our surgeons take every step to give you the best cosmetic outcome possible, there is a small possibility you could be unsatisfied with the appearance of your scar or graft after surgery and may need revision.

 

• Occasionally, the scar or skin graft can very sensitive and tender after surgery and rarely this may lead to chronic pain which can be troublesome.

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