Specialist skin surgery consultation

A specialist skin surgery consultation is an appointment with a specialist where any skin lesions such as lump, bumps or growths, can be assessed. The assessment allows you to discuss with your doctor what the diagnosis may be and what the options for treatment might be such as:

  • A surgical procedure under local anaesthetic
  • A non surgical procedure
  • No intervention

Surgical procedures consultation

Assessment by an expert is required to determine if a surgical procedure is suitable. A consultation is required before any procedure is undertaken. The following are discussed at a skin surgery consultation:

  • What kind of surgical procedure is required?
  • What will the scar be like?
  • Will more than one procedure be required?
  • Will further tests or assessments be required? Such as a scan or biopsy.
  • The impact of any possible histological findings.
  • How to manage medications such as blood thinning medications before and after the procedure.

When considering any procedure, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits as they apply to your individual circumstances.

Types of problems where a specialist skin surgery consultation is required

A skin surgery consultation is carried out before the following procedures:

  • Mole removal
  • Cyst removal
  • Lipoma removal
  • Skin biopsy
  • Alopecia/scalp biopsy
  • Skin cancer excision
  • Skin cancer excision plus flap
  • Mohs surgery for skin cancer
  • Other skin lesion removal with or without stitches

Benefits of a skin surgery procedure

  • The likelihood of complete removal or cure from surgery (often this is very high)
  • The likelihood of any symptoms resolving
  • Cosmetic improvement

Risks

It is always important to be aware of any risks of a procedure and taking these into account when taking the decision to have surgery. The doctor will be able to go through any risks that may apply to you. Some examples include:

  • Scar formation – a surgical procedure will usually leave some form of scar, and at the consultation, it is possible to discuss the likely length and orientation of any scars
  • Discomfort – there can be discomfort after some procedures
  • Bleeding – there is a risk of bleeding from a wound, especially in the first 48 hours. The risk of bleeding may be increased for some people who may need to take extra precautions.
  • Infection – there is a risk of infection following any surgical procedure in the first week. The risk of infection is increased with certain risk factors such as diabetes and immunosuppression.
  • Delayed healing – some people may suffer from slow healing.
  • Keloid and raised scars – some people are prone to elevated scars which may need additional separate treatment.
  • Numbness and nerve damage can also occur

Time for rest and recuperation

The surgery consultation is also a good time to discuss the time that may be required for rest and recuperation. For example, you need to plan time off work or from heavy physical activity for a period. You may need to plan to have help for a period of time.

Timing of surgery

It is important to consider when the best time might be to have a surgical procedure. A gap between the consultation and procedure gives additional time for reflection and a ‘cooling off’ period in case you decide against having the procedure.

Same-day consultations and procedures

For certain minor procedures, we are able to offer consultations and procedures on the same day. The same considerations are still made for these procedures.

A procedure is offered with a consultation on the same day if it is clear that a particular procedure is suitable for you and you have read and understood the information on this website about that procedure. If you feel ambivalent or would like to have a chat about the procedural options, then you will be invited to attend a skin surgery consultation first.

Fees

The fees for a specialist skin consultation are provided on our fees page.

The fee for any procedure can be confirmed at the skin surgery consultation. Guide prices may have been provided to you in advance and can be reviewed here. Fees for surgery include any aftercare that is required such as nurse appointments for wound checks, dressing changes and stitch removal.

Cancellation and changes

We will need to know by 10am on the working day before your appointment if you wish to cancel or change your appointment, and we will provide you with a refund of your deposit or prepayment. Failure to cancel or change  your appointment by 10am on the preceding working day will result in a loss of your prepayment or deposit. Please note that this also applies if you are using private medical insurance – and you (rather than your Insurer) will be liable for late cancellation or non attendance fees.

Repeat prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions can be requested under certain circumstances, once between appointments, for medications other than Isotretinoin. If you require a repeat prescription from this practice, then an administration fee of £30 applies. More information on repeat prescriptions can be found here.

Terms and conditions

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And finally…

We look forward to meeting you and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing Dr. Sajjad Rajpar.