Skin
Procedures
Scar revision
Scars are a natural part of healing; however, sometimes there are problems during the healing process that can cause the following:
hypertrophic scars: raised and thickened scars that are within the boundary of the original wound
keloid scars: raised and thickened scars that grow outside the original wound boundary
contractures: scarring that restricts movement due to tightening of the skin
Revision of these scars can provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In this procedure, Dr Knox excises the scar and sutures the skin back together; this is called a primary closer. These typically take 30–60 minutes. If Dr Knox is excising a larger scar that does not permit a primary closure, he will recommend a secondary closure, e.g. flap or skin graft repair. Some procedures may be provided in our outpatient theatre, which is located in our practice rooms. If your procedure requires a general anaesthetic or a secondary closure, this will require you to be in hospital, usually for the day or overnight.
BENIGN SKIN LESIONS
Benign skin lesions are lesions that are not cancerous in nature, and patients usually have them removed because they cause irritation or for aesthetic reasons.
These commonly include:
moles
cysts
skin tags
sun damage
Dr Knox excises the lesion and sutures the skin back together; this is called a primary closure. These typically take 30–60 minutes. If Dr Knox is excising a lesion that does not permit a primary closure, he will recommend a secondary closure, e.g. flap or skin graft repair.
Some procedures may be provided in our outpatient theatre, which is located in our practice rooms. If your procedure requires a general anaesthetic or a secondary closure, this will require you to be in hospital, usually for the day or overnight.
MALIGNANT SKIN LESIONS
Australia has a high incidence of skin cancer, and it is the most common cancer group in Australia.
The most common type of skin cancers are:
basal cell carcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma
melanoma
In this procedure, Dr Knox excises the malignant skin lesions and sutures the skin back together; this is called a primary closer. These typically take 30–60 minutes. If Dr Knox is excising a malignant skin lesion that does not permit a primary closure, he will recommend a secondary closure, e.g. flap or skin graft repair.
Some procedures may be provided in our outpatient theatre, which is located in our practice rooms. If your procedure requires a general anaesthetic or a secondary closure, this will require you to be in hospital, usually for the day or overnight.
Regular post-operative consultations will be arranged with Dr Knox to allow him to monitor your healing and progress.
It is important to understand that post-operative recovery can be different for each person, but you can expect the following:
Anticipate a day in hospital or attending Dr Knox’s practice.
You may or may not have some sutures which are not dissolvable.
If you have full-thickness graft repair expect a rubber sponge sewn to the site of the graft.
Keeping site dry for 48 hours.
Unable to drive for 24 hours (if you have had a general anaesthetic).
Light activity can be recommenced 5-7 days post op.
Be prepared to take life very quietly for the first weeks.
Heavy lifting & gym can usually recommence 2-3 weeks later.
Button-up clothing is recommended for facial surgery to avoid pulling.
If on lower leg you can expect instructions to keep your leg elevated for 1-7 days.