Risks of Skin Surgery

Most surgery goes well, however, anyone having surgery needs to be aware of the possible complications.

Scarring

It is impossible to cut the skin without scarring in some way. In addition, scars in areas under tension may spread so that the resultant scar is wider than it was at the end of the operation. For the majority of people the scar will be red and raised for the first 3 months but usually reduces in colour over the first year.

Keloids or hypertrophic scarring

Some people have an abnormal response to skin healing and these people form scars that are red and raised.

Nerve damage

All surgery to the skin inevitably cuts small nerves. Occasionally, numbness or pins and needles around the wound may follow surgery and last for some weeks or occasionally months but recovery almost always occurs.

Infection

Signs of infection may include the wound becoming painful, red, swollen or inflamed, or an unpleasant smell or leakage of fluid from the wound.

Recurrence/Incomplete excision

It is possible that not all of the skin lesion will be excised at the first attempt. Sometimes further surgery is recommended if this is the case.

If you would like to view our Consent form that you will asked to sign on the day surgery, please contact the practice.