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Dermatological procedures are used to examine, diagnose and treat selected conditions affecting the skin. Depending on the concern, treatment may involve monitoring a lesion, performing a skin biopsy, freezing suitable tissue with cryotherapy or completing a minor in-room procedure. Hout Bay Family Medical Centre provides skin assessments and selected dermatological procedures within dedicated procedure rooms at our family GP practice in Hout Bay, Cape Town. Our doctors begin with a careful medical assessment before recommending treatment, further investigation or referral to a dermatologist when specialist care is required. The practice currently lists skin checks, biopsies, cryotherapy, minor surgical procedures and dermatology experience among its available services.
Dermatological procedures are medical treatments or investigations performed on the skin, hair, nails or visible tissue beneath the skin. Some procedures are used to establish a diagnosis, while others are intended to treat or remove a confirmed skin condition.
Common categories of dermatological procedures include:
Skin surgery may include several techniques, such as biopsy, lesion removal and cryotherapy. The appropriate procedure depends on the diagnosis, location and depth of the lesion, the patient’s general health and the experience and facilities required.
Not every skin concern requires a procedure. Many conditions can be managed with observation, prescribed medication, skincare guidance or referral for specialist treatment.
Patients may consult a doctor at Hout Bay Family Medical Centre about a wide range of skin concerns, including:
A consultation does not necessarily mean that a procedure will be performed. The doctor will first assess the concern and determine whether observation, medication, biopsy, cryotherapy, minor surgery or specialist referral is most appropriate.
Arrange a medical consultation when you notice a skin lesion that is new, changing or behaving differently from the other marks on your skin.
Changes that should be assessed include:
These changes do not automatically mean that skin cancer is present. However, unexplained or suspicious lesions should be assessed before treatment is attempted.
A professional skin check allows a doctor to examine moles, marks, growths and other areas of concern. The doctor will consider the lesion’s size, shape, colour, border, texture and behaviour, as well as your personal and family medical history.
Following the examination, the doctor may recommend:
A visual assessment cannot always provide a final diagnosis. When a lesion is unexplained or has concerning features, a tissue sample or specialist examination may be required.
A skin biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin or tissue so that it can be examined more closely. It may be used to investigate a changing lesion, persistent rash, unusual growth, possible infection or another skin condition that cannot be confidently identified through examination alone.
Biopsy techniques can include:
The technique selected depends on the type, size, depth and location of the lesion and the information needed to establish a diagnosis. A stitch or dressing may be applied after the sample has been removed.
Where clinically appropriate, the sample is sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination. Your doctor will explain how the result will be communicated and whether further treatment or specialist referral may be required.
Having a biopsy does not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected or confirmed. Biopsies are used to investigate many benign, inflammatory, infectious and potentially malignant skin conditions.
Cryotherapy is a minor procedure that uses controlled freezing to destroy selected superficial skin tissue. Liquid nitrogen is commonly used to freeze the targeted lesion, which then blisters, crusts or forms a scab before healing.
Depending on the diagnosis, cryotherapy may be considered for selected:
Cryotherapy is relatively quick and does not usually require stitches, although some lesions may need more than one treatment. The treated area may temporarily become painful, red, swollen or blistered, and changes in skin pigmentation can occur.
Cryotherapy should not be used when the diagnosis of a lesion is uncertain, particularly when a suspicious pigmented lesion requires biopsy or specialist assessment.
Selected skin lesions may be suitable for treatment through a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic.
Depending on the diagnosis and the doctor’s assessment, a minor skin procedure may involve:
Minor skin surgery is a relatively small operation performed on the skin. Procedures may include punch biopsy, shave biopsy, excision and other selected techniques.
Not every lesion can be safely treated in a GP procedure room. Larger, deeper, suspicious or complex lesions may require specialist dermatological or surgical care.
Before recommending a dermatological procedure, your doctor will examine the affected area and discuss your symptoms and medical history.
You may be asked:
The doctor will explain the available options and advise whether the condition can be treated at Hout Bay Family Medical Centre or requires specialist referral.
Preparation will depend on the type and location of the procedure.
Before your appointment, please tell the doctor if you:
Do not stop taking prescribed medication unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to do so.
It may also be helpful to wear clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area and avoid applying makeup, creams or cosmetic products over the lesion before the appointment.
The exact process depends on the treatment being performed.
For a surgical procedure or biopsy, the skin will generally be cleaned and numbed using a local anaesthetic. The injection may sting briefly, but the area should become numb before the procedure begins.
You may feel pressure, movement or pulling, but you should tell the doctor if you experience pain or significant discomfort.
Following the procedure, the area may be:
Cryotherapy generally does not require an injected local anaesthetic or stitches. The freezing treatment is applied directly to the selected lesion and may cause a temporary stinging or burning sensation.
Your doctor or healthcare professional will provide aftercare instructions for the specific procedure performed.
These may include:
Avoid picking at a wound, blister, crust or scab. Do not apply unapproved creams, disinfectants or home remedies to the treated area.
The risks depend on the procedure, the area being treated and your general health.
Possible effects can include:
Minor skin surgery and other dermatological procedures can leave a scar. The final appearance depends on the procedure, treatment location and the patient’s individual healing response.
Your doctor will discuss relevant risks before treatment and explain what changes can normally be expected during healing.
Contact Hout Bay Family Medical Centre if you experience:
Prompt assessment can help determine whether additional wound care, medication or further treatment is needed.
When tissue is removed for diagnostic purposes, it may be sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. The result can help confirm the diagnosis and guide further treatment.
Your doctor will explain:
Do not assume that no communication means the result is normal. Make sure you understand how the practice will contact you and follow up if you have not received the result within the timeframe explained.
Hout Bay Family Medical Centre provides GP-based skin assessments and selected dermatological procedures. Some conditions require the equipment, expertise or treatment facilities of a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or another specialist.
Referral may be recommended when:
Referral does not necessarily mean that a serious diagnosis has been confirmed. It helps ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate assessment and treatment.
Hout Bay Family Medical Centre provides skin checks, biopsies, cryotherapy and selected minor skin procedures in dedicated procedure rooms at our established family medical practice.
Our experienced doctors take a careful, patient-centred approach to skin concerns, beginning with an appropriate medical assessment and explaining the recommended treatment, aftercare and follow-up clearly.
Patients looking for dermatological procedures in Hout Bay, assessment of a changing mole, cryotherapy, a skin biopsy or a GP experienced in treating skin concerns can arrange an appointment with Hout Bay Family Medical Centre.
The practice is located at 19 Brighton Street, on the corner of Brighton Street and Albert Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town, and provides convenient access to an on-site PathCare laboratory.
Arrange prompt medical assessment for a skin lesion that is rapidly changing, repeatedly bleeding, failing to heal or becoming increasingly painful.
Seek urgent medical assistance for:
Do not delay emergency treatment while waiting for a routine dermatology or procedure appointment.
