Doctors at Hunters Hill Medical Practice regularly perform minor surgical procedures under local anaesthetic, in line with hospital-standard sterilisation practices and protocols. These take place in our well-appointed treatment room, with the support of our practice nurses. One of the greatest advantages of this service is that you will receive quality care in a timeframe that suits you best, allowing rapid return to home or work.
An excision is a procedure to completely remove a suspicious skin lesion. Common excisions performed at HHMP include excisions of cysts and skin cancers. Skin biopsies are also performed, which involves removing a part of or the whole lesion for further microscopic assessment and diagnosis.
Your doctor will first examine the skin lesion and determine whether or not it requires excision. They will then carefully explain what is involved and any potential risks involved, ensuring you are well-informed and comfortable with your treatment options. Any questions or concerns can be addressed by your doctor. In cases where a skin cancer appears to be more complex, a referral may be provided to a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon.
A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area prior to the excision. Our practice nurses will be present during the procedure to support you. After the lesion is excised, it is sent off to the pathology lab where it will be examined under a microscope and a report will be sent to your doctor. The excision site is then closed using sutures (stitches).
Upon completion of the procedure, you will be provided with after-care instructions. It is recommended to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments after the procedure to discuss any pathology results, monitor your progress, and address any concerns.
Procedures will attract a gap fee. Please speak to your doctor to understand likely fees.
A laceration is a cut or tear in the skin caused by sharp objects, accidents, bites, or trauma. Lacerations can vary in severity and depth, ranging from superficial to deep. Timely and appropriate treatment of lacerations is important to prevent the risk of infection. Your doctor will assess the severity of the laceration and determine whether it can be managed at our practice or if it requires more complex surgical intervention.
With normal saline or water to remove any debris. Debridement of the wound involves removing any visible foreign matter to reduce the risk of infection.
Can be done using adhesive strips, sutures (stitches), staples, or tissue glue. The choice of wound closure technique depends on the location, depth, and severity of the laceration.
To prevent the risk of infections
Depending on the type and severity of laceration and your vaccination status
You will be provided with after-care instructions, such as wound care and follow-on treatment. It is recommended to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns. If closure of the wound involved sutures or staples, your doctor will advise you when to return to the practice to have them removed by one of the practice nurses.
Fees for excisions and procedures can vary. Please speak to your doctor to understand the costs.
Other common procedures performed at HHMP can be found here.
In the case of serious accidents, trauma, and life-threatening injuries, please call an ambulance on 000 or present to your nearest Emergency Department.
