This information sheet is intended to help you understand the operation and the aftercare that will be necessary to achieve the best possible result.

This operation may be carried out under a local anaesthetic. An information leaflet is available which will provide you with the details you require regarding your anaesthetic (The Trust Information Leaflet ‘You and Your Anaesthetic’).

What is a lesion?

An area of diseased or wounded tissue.

The surgeon will mark the area and remove the lesion. You will feel a tugging and pulling sensation whilst the surgery takes place. You should not feel pain. If you do then tell the surgeon and they may be able to give you more anaesthetic (infiltration).

• You will be left with scar in the area where the lesion was. The scar is often shaped like the original lesion. Some patients make better scars than others depending on the individual’s skin type. All scars are red and raised initially, most do settle over a 12-month period. Sometimes the scars can become red and raised permanently and are often itchy, these are known as hypertrophic or keloid scars. They are very difficult to treat. The scars may also stretch and are sometimes tender.
• Because the lesion has been shaved, there is a possibility of the lesion recurring in the future.
• If the wound becomes infected you may require a course of antibiotics.

After the operation you will return to the ward and may be allowed home later that day. You will be given appointments to have the wound checked at three days and another for a review in an outpatient clinic in approximately 6 - 8 weeks. You may be provided with an antibiotic cream to apply to the wound for a five-day period. The wound should be allowed to scab over and the scab allowed to separate by its self.

For most patients this operation does not involve these complications and they are pleased with the results of surgery.

This sheet is not a complete list of all the possible complications, but it is provided to act as an additional source of information, following your discussion about the operation.

If you require any further information or advice please contact:

Sister or Nurse in Charge Plastic Surgery Out Patient Department, RVI

Telephone:  (0191) 282 4228 (direct line) Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, or

Sister or Nurse in Charge Ward 47, RVI

Telephone:  (0191) 282 5647 (direct line) anytime