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Minor surgical and skin procedures allow certain conditions to be assessed and treated conveniently within a GP practice, without the need for hospital admission. Depending on the condition and the doctor’s clinical assessment, these procedures may include skin biopsies, cryotherapy, wound care and the treatment or removal of selected skin lesions. Hout Bay Family Medical Centre has dedicated procedure rooms equipped for minor surgical procedures, biopsies and cryotherapy. Our experienced doctors provide careful assessment, clear explanations and appropriate follow-up care for patients in Hout Bay and the surrounding areas of Cape Town.
Minor surgery generally refers to a relatively small procedure that can be performed safely in a medical consultation or procedure room. Many minor skin procedures are completed using a local anaesthetic, which numbs the treatment area while the patient remains awake.
The procedure recommended will depend on the type, size and location of the skin concern, as well as your age, medical history, medication and general health. Some conditions can be treated at the practice, while others may require further investigation or referral to a dermatologist, surgeon or another appropriate specialist.
An initial consultation is usually required so that the doctor can examine the affected area, discuss the available options and determine whether an in-room procedure is suitable.
Patients may consult one of our Hout Bay doctors about a wide range of skin concerns, including:
Not every skin concern requires a procedure. In some cases, monitoring, medication, skincare advice or specialist referral may be more appropriate.
A skin lesion that is new, changing, bleeding, painful or not healing should be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than treated at home.
A skin check involves examining areas of concern and considering whether any lesion requires monitoring, treatment, biopsy or specialist assessment.
During your appointment, your doctor may ask when the lesion first appeared and whether it has changed in size, shape, colour, texture or sensation. It is also helpful to mention any bleeding, itching, tenderness, crusting or failure to heal.
Your personal and family history, previous sun exposure and any history of skin cancer may also be considered. Where necessary, the doctor may recommend a biopsy or refer you to a dermatologist for further examination.
Regular awareness of your own skin can help you identify changes sooner. It is particularly important to arrange a medical assessment when a mole or lesion begins to look noticeably different from others on your skin.
A skin biopsy is a minor procedure in which a small sample of skin or tissue is removed so that it can be examined more closely. Biopsies may be used to investigate an unexplained skin condition, rash, growth or lesion and can assist with reaching an accurate diagnosis.
The area is usually cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic before the sample is taken. The exact biopsy technique will depend on the lesion and the information required.
Where appropriate, the sample may be sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. Your doctor will explain how and when the results will be communicated and whether any further treatment or follow-up is required.
Depending on the type and size of the biopsy, the area may be covered with a dressing or closed with one or more stitches. You will receive instructions on caring for the wound and, where necessary, when to return for stitch removal.
Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses intense cold to freeze and destroy selected abnormal or unwanted skin tissue. It may be suitable for certain benign or precancerous skin lesions, depending on the doctor’s assessment.
During the procedure, a freezing agent is carefully applied to the treatment area. Patients may experience a cold, stinging or burning sensation while the treatment is being performed.
After cryotherapy, the treated area may become red, swollen or tender. A blister or crust can sometimes form as the skin heals. Your doctor will explain how to care for the area and what changes to expect after treatment.
Cryotherapy is not suitable for every lesion. A changing or suspicious skin lesion may need further assessment or biopsy rather than immediate treatment.
Hout Bay Family Medical Centre also provides wound assessment and care for suitable injuries and post-procedure wounds.
Wound care may include:
The appropriate treatment will depend on how the wound occurred, how long it has been present, its location and depth, and whether there are signs of infection or delayed healing.
Patients with diabetes, circulation problems, immune-system conditions or wounds that are slow to heal may require additional monitoring or specialised care.
Before recommending a minor surgical or skin procedure, your doctor will assess the area and discuss your medical history.
Please tell your doctor if you:
Do not stop taking prescribed medication unless your doctor has specifically advised you to do so.
Your doctor will explain the recommended procedure, its expected benefits, possible risks, alternative options and the aftercare involved. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
The exact process depends on the procedure being performed. The skin is generally cleaned, and a local anaesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area.
You may feel pressure, movement or pulling during a minor surgical procedure, but the local anaesthetic is intended to minimise pain. Tell the doctor if you experience discomfort so that this can be addressed.
Once the procedure is complete, the area may be covered with a dressing. Some wounds may require stitches, while others may be left to heal naturally.
Minor skin surgery and skin biopsies are often relatively short procedures performed under local anaesthetic.
Your doctor or healthcare professional will provide aftercare instructions based on the procedure and the location of the wound.
These instructions may include:
Some redness, tenderness, bruising or swelling can occur after a minor procedure. A small amount of spotting on the dressing may also be expected.
Contact the practice if the wound becomes increasingly painful, red, hot or swollen, begins producing pus, continues bleeding or if you develop a fever. Correct wound care can support healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Any procedure that breaks the surface of the skin can leave a scar. The appearance of the scar will depend on the type and size of the procedure, the location of the wound, individual healing and how carefully the area is looked after afterwards.
Scars may initially appear red, raised or darker than the surrounding skin and often become less noticeable over time. Some people are more likely to develop thickened or raised scars.
Your doctor will explain the likely outcome before the procedure and provide guidance on caring for the area as it heals.
Not every skin condition or lesion can be safely managed within a GP procedure room. Your doctor may recommend referral when:
Referral does not necessarily mean that a serious condition is present. It ensures that the patient receives the most appropriate assessment and treatment for their individual needs.
Hout Bay Family Medical Centre provides minor surgical procedures, skin checks, biopsies, cryotherapy and wound care within dedicated procedure rooms at our established family GP practice.
Our doctors take a careful and personalised approach, beginning with an appropriate medical assessment and explaining the recommended procedure, aftercare and follow-up clearly.
Patients looking for a doctor for minor surgery in Hout Bay, a skin biopsy in Cape Town, cryotherapy, wound care or assessment of a changing skin lesion can access professional, community-focused medical care close to home.
Hout Bay Family Medical Centre is conveniently located at 19 Brighton Street, on the corner of Brighton Street and Albert Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town.
Minor surgical appointments are not intended for medical emergencies.
Seek urgent medical assistance for a deep or heavily bleeding wound, a serious burn, an animal or human bite, loss of sensation, a wound containing a deeply embedded object, a rapidly spreading infection or an injury involving significant damage to the face, eye, hand or another sensitive area.
Do not delay emergency care while waiting for a routine appointment.
