Outpatient surgery

Overview

Our practice has modern treatment rooms in which operations are performed according to the applicable quality standards. In addition to a wide range of laser treatments, we remove in particular warts, fibromas, moles, cysts and lipomas as well as light skin cancer (basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas) and dark skin cancer (malignant melanomas).

Most procedures are carried out under local anaesthesia and on an outpatient basis – as a rule you can leave the practice again on the same day. Removed tissue – above all conspicuous moles and tumours – is examined microscopically (histologically) in order to establish a reliable diagnosis. Before every procedure we inform you personally about the course of treatment, alternatives and possible risks.

Areas of application

• Conspicuous or bothersome moles (pigmented lesions)
• Warts
• Fibromas (e.g. skin tags)
• Cysts (e.g. atheromas)
• Lipomas (benign fatty growths)
• Light skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) and its precursors
• Dark skin cancer (malignant melanoma)
• Further benign and malignant skin changes following medical assessment

Procedure

1. Consultation and information

   We assess the skin change – supplemented where necessary by dermoscopy or ultrasound – and inform you about 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 usually proceeds without pain.

3. The procedure

   The skin change is removed; in the case of malignant findings with a medically defined safety margin. The wound is usually closed with a fine suture.

4. Histological examination

   The removed tissue is – particularly in the case of moles and tumours – examined histologically. We then discuss the result with you and determine the further steps.

5. Aftercare

   You receive specific instructions on wound care. Depending on the location, the sutures are removed after a few days; in the case of malignant findings we arrange regular follow-up appointments.

What to expect

• Outpatient procedure – as a rule you go home on the same day.
• Usually under local anaesthesia and therefore largely free of pain.
• Depending on the finding, the actual operation often takes only a few minutes.
• Depending on the location, sutures are removed after a few days.
• The histological result is available after a few days and is discussed 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 location, size and individual healing.
• Temporary sensory disturbances in the wound area occur rarely.
• In individual cases excessive scar formation (raised scars/keloid) or wound dehiscence occurs, particularly at mechanically stressed sites.
• Rarely, and depending on the location, deeper-lying structures (nerves, vessels) can be affected; very rarely, intolerance or circulatory reactions to the local anaesthetic are possible.
• In the case of malignant findings, a follow-up operation (re-excision) can be necessary if the safety margin was not sufficient.
• We inform you personally in advance about the risks relevant to your procedure.

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 again on the same day.

Is the operation painful?

The area is anaesthetised locally, so that the procedure is usually free of pain. Once the anaesthetic wears off, the area can be temporarily sensitive.

Is the removed tissue examined?

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

Will a scar remain?

Every skin incision leaves a scar. We pay attention to a technique that is as gentle as possible; the final result, however, also depends on the location and individual wound healing.

Does the health insurance cover the costs?

Where there is medical necessity, the costs are usually covered. Procedures performed on purely cosmetic grounds are self-pay services. We clarify the specific framework with you in advance.