Plastic Surgery is a surgical speciality made up of multiple sub-specialities, such as Skin, Hand, Breast and Trauma. The service is part of the Major Trauma Network providing trauma support to the region.
Guidance for patients
The plastic surgery department carries out Skin Excisions for skin cancer such as Melanoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Basal Cell carcinoma. Often in order to exclude skin cancer, lesions that turn out to be benign are removed which will ensure the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Your surgeon should explain whether the excision is to remove the whole lesion or to take part of it in order to make the diagnosis. Most of these procedures are carried out in an Out Patient setting under a local anaesthetic (an injection to the area to numb the skin) You will be given instructions what to do in the lead up to the procedure date and on how to travel to/from the hospital on the day i.e. you should not drive after the procedure. This information will be in your appointment letter. After your procedure you will receive instructions on how to look after the area and its dressing.
The main risk to developing most skin cancers is lifetime sun exposure and especially sunburn episodes. Our general advice is to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure Please continue to take sensible sun protection measures such as avoiding the strong sun between 11am and 3pm and wearing a high factor sunscreen (SPF50 or above) on exposed areas.
The British Association of Dermatologists has patient information leaflets (opens in a new tab) that you may find helpful.
What should I do if my health is deteriorating?
Whilst awaiting for your appointment if you are concerned about the lesion on your skin perhaps because it has changed in size dramatically or you are having trouble controlling bleeding please contact the department with your concerns and photos of the area of concern.
Contact Us
Escalation queries to include pictures: Email the plastic surgery team
Secretarial team by email: Email the plastic surgery secretaries
Admissions co-ordinator for Minor Operations: 01223 348186
Reviewed: 29 June 2023