Minor operations clinic

Why is my child coming to a minor operations clinic?

The minor operations clinic deals with:

• moles which need to be removed
• skin biopsies
• removal of skin tags
• treatment of spider neavi

You will already have had an initial consultation with your dermatologist before this date.

Where does it take place?

Your child will be treated in our small child friendly theatre in the outpatients department green area.

How long does the procedure generally take?

The procedure will usually take no longer than 30 to 45 minutes. Only local anaesthetic is used so your child will not be asleep.

Will the procedure be painful?

Your child will have been prescribed some local anaesthetic (numbing) cream called EMLA at your last consultation. If you have not been given this, please ask.

It needs be applied to the area at least one hour before the procedure is due. This reduces the discomfort of the local anaesthetic injection. Following this, the dermatologist will inject a small amount of local anaesthetic to the area to make it totally pain free. The local injection can be slightly uncomfortable and may sting but this will only be for a few seconds.

Will my child need stitches?

No, your child will not need stiches. The majority of children are now given dissolvable sutures.

What activities can my child do after the operation?

Activity should be kept to a minimum especially in the first 24 hours after the operation. This is to prevent further bleeding or excess pressure on the stitches.

Contact sports may need to be avoided for about a week or so to make sure the wound heals well. Swimming should be avoided until the sutures have dissolved.

Will my child be able to have a wash?

For the first 2 to 3 days after the operation the area must be kept dry. If they need a shower or bath during this time, a waterproof plaster can be put on the wound and removed afterwards.

After the first 2 to 3 days your child can have a quick bath or shower. Please avoid long soaks or swimming until the sutures have dissolved, as this makes the wound soggy and prone to infections. Only use plain water on the wound and pat dry gently. Avoid soap and shampoo on the stitches area.

Do I need to cover the operation site with a plaster?

No, you do not need to cover the area with a plaster. Once the small pressure dressing has been removed the following day, leave the area open to the air. If the stitches catch on clothing or irritate, a breathable plaster can be used during the day and removed at night.

Will my child experience any pain post-operation?

Your child may have some discomfort and pain but you can give them some paracetamol to help.

Will there be any bleeding?

It is unlikely that the area would bleed. If this happens, press firmly on the area for up to half an hour. If bleeding persists, contact your GP or practice nurse.

What happens if the area becomes infected?

It is unlikely that the area will get infected, but you are worried about any leaking or inflammation contact your GP or practice nurse.

When will I be sent an appointment?

You will receive a call or letter in the month prior to the next available appointment.

Due to the high demand for minor operation appointments we would appreciate if you could call us at least a week before if you need to cancel. This means the vacant slot can then be used for another patient.

Please note that ringing up on the day is too short notice to allow the slot to be filled and should be reserved for unforeseen, exceptional circumstances only.