Minor Surgery Services

Minor Surgery Services

Welcome to Our Minor Surgery Clinic

At Ash Trees Surgery, we are committed to providing a comprehensive range of medical services to cater to your healthcare needs. Our Minor Surgery Clinic offers a variety of procedures performed by experienced clinicians in a safe and caring environment.

What is Minor Surgery?

Minor surgery refers to surgical procedures that are minimally invasive and can be safely performed in an outpatient setting under local anaesthesia. These procedures typically involve the treatment of small skin lesions, cysts, lumps, and bumps.

Our Minor Surgery Services

  • Excision of Skin Lesions: Removal of moles, skin tags, warts, and other benign skin growths (only symptomatic lesions are treated).
  • Cyst Removal: Excision of sebaceous cysts and other subcutaneous lumps. Only symptomatic cysts that are less than 1 cm in size will be treated in-house. Larger cysts will be referred externally.
  • Joint Injections: Corticosteroid injections into joints and soft tissue for relief of pain and inflammation. Usually there is a minimum of four months between injections but your clinician would be able to reassess and consider further options

Your Care Journey

Referral Process

  1. Consultation: Speak with your GP during a routine appointment to discuss your concerns.
  2. Assessment: If minor surgery is deemed appropriate, you’ll be referred to our Minor Surgery Clinic.
  3. Appointment Scheduling: Our team will contact you to arrange a convenient time for your procedure, usually within a wait time of up to six weeks. For urgent needs, please inform our staff, and we will do our best to accommodate you promptly.

Before Your Procedure

  • Medication Review: Inform us of any medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners.
    • Clopidogrel: Stop 48 hours before the procedure.
    • Warfarin: INR should be checked two days before the procedure, and if below 3, the procedure can proceed. Patients on warfarin for subcutaneous lesions will be referred externally due to increased risk.
    • Aspirin (ASA): No precautions needed.
    • DOAC e.g. Apixaban: Often stopped 24 hours before the procedure but this will be confirmed by your practitioner
  • Allergies: Let us know if you have any allergies to medications or anaesthetics.
  • Consent: You’ll be asked to sign a consent form acknowledging the details of the procedure.

Common Reasons for Cancellation

Please note that your procedure MAY need to be cancelled or rescheduled for the following reasons and these should be discussed prior to your appointment:

  • You are currently taking steroids or antibiotics.
  • You have had a vaccine within 2 weeks.
  • The condition has resolved on its own prior to the procedure.
  • You are feeling unwell on the day of the procedure.
  • The lesion is located on the face or near the eyes, and it requires specialist care.
  • You have had recent operations or have an upcoming operation that may impact recovery.
  • You cannot return within 7 days for suture removal or are planning activities that may cause the area to get wet (e.g., holiday. If this is the case ensure to check if sutures are required).
  • The lesion is asymptomatic and does not meet our criteria for in-house treatment.
  • The condition has not been reviewed by a doctor before scheduling the minor surgery.
  • The procedure will be replacing the lesion with a larger scar and this could be more unsightly.

On the Day of Surgery

  • Arrival: Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  • Preparation: Wear comfortable clothing and ensure the area to be treated is clean.
  • Procedure: The surgery usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Aftercare Instructions

  • Wound Care: Keep the area clean and dry as advised by your clinician.
  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief can be used if necessary.
  • Signs of Infection: Watch for redness, swelling, or discharge and contact us if these occur.
  • Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to remove stitches or assess healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the procedure be painful?

Most minor surgeries are performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort may be experienced afterward, which can usually be managed with mild painkillers.

Are there any risks involved?

All surgical procedures carry some level of risk, including infection, bleeding, or scarring. Your clinician will discuss any potential risks with you before the procedure.

Can I drive home after the surgery?

Yes, since only local anaesthesia is used, you should be able to drive yourself home. However, if you feel uncertain, consider arranging alternative transportation.

Contact Us

For more information or to discuss whether minor surgery is suitable for you, please contact our reception team:

  • Phone: 01524 720000
  • Visit Us: Market Street, Carnforth, LA5 9JU

Ash Trees Surgery is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services to our community. We look forward to assisting you with your minor surgery needs.

Please note: This information is intended as a general guide and should not replace advice from your healthcare professional.