Outpatient surgery

Overview

Operations in our treatment rooms follow the applicable quality standards. Alongside a wide range of laser treatments we remove above all warts, fibromas, moles, cysts and lipomas as well as non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) and malignant melanoma.

Most procedures are carried out on an outpatient basis and under local anaesthesia; as a rule you can leave the practice again the same day. Removed tissue is examined under the microscope (histology) in order to establish a reliable diagnosis. That applies above all to moles that look unusual and to tumours. Before every procedure we explain the course of treatment, the alternatives and the possible risks to you in person.

Areas of application

• Moles that look unusual or are bothersome (pigmented lesions)
• Warts
• Fibromas (e.g. skin tags)
• Cysts (e.g. atheromas)
• Lipomas (benign fatty growths)
• Non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) and its precursors
• Malignant melanoma
• Further benign and malignant skin changes after medical assessment

Procedure

1. Consultation and information

   We assess the skin change, adding dermoscopy or ultrasound where this is needed, and explain the planned procedure, possible alternatives and risks. Please also tell us about any blood-thinning medication (e.g. ASA, Marcumar, newer anticoagulants) and known allergies.

2. Preparation and local anaesthesia

   The area is cleaned, disinfected and marked. The region is then anaesthetised locally, so that the procedure as a rule proceeds without pain.

3. The procedure

   The skin change is removed, with a safety margin set by the doctor if the finding is malignant. The wound is usually closed with a fine suture.

4. Examination under the microscope

   The removed tissue is examined histologically, particularly with moles and tumours. We then discuss the result with you and set out the further steps.

5. Aftercare

   You receive specific instructions on wound care. Depending on the site, the sutures come out after a few days; with malignant findings we arrange regular follow-up appointments.

What to expect

• An outpatient procedure: as a rule you go home the same day.
• Usually under local anaesthesia and therefore largely free of pain.
• Depending on the finding, the operation itself often takes only a few minutes.
• Depending on the site, sutures are removed after a few days.
• The histology result is available after a few days and we discuss it with you.
• The treated area should be spared in the first few days.

Risks & notes

• As with any procedure, secondary bleeding, bruising, infection or delayed wound healing are possible.
• Every skin incision leaves a scar; the result depends among other things on the site, the size and individual healing.
• Temporary sensory disturbances in the wound area occur rarely.
• In individual cases the scar forms excessively (raised scars, keloid) or the wound opens up, above all at sites under mechanical strain.
• Rarely, and depending on the site, deeper-lying structures (nerves, vessels) can be affected; very rarely, intolerance or circulatory reactions to the local anaesthetic are possible.
• With malignant findings a follow-up operation (re-excision) can be necessary if the safety margin was not sufficient.
• We explain the risks relevant to your procedure to you in person beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to stay in hospital as an inpatient for the procedure?

No. The procedures are carried out on an outpatient basis in our practice; as a rule you can return home the same day.

Is the operation painful?

The area is anaesthetised locally, so that the procedure is as a rule free of pain. Once the anaesthetic wears off, the area can be sensitive for a while.

Is the removed tissue examined?

Yes. Moles and tumours in particular are examined under the microscope (histology) in order to establish a reliable diagnosis. We discuss the result with you.

Will a scar remain?

Every skin incision leaves a scar. How it turns out depends on the site and on individual wound healing.

Does health insurance cover the costs?

Where there is medical necessity, the costs are as a rule covered. Procedures on purely cosmetic grounds are self-pay services. We clarify the specific framework with you beforehand.