What Actually Happens During Minor Skin Surgery?
- Dr Duncan Lowe
- May 23
- 2 min read
Many patients feel understandably anxious before minor skin surgery — particularly if they have never had a procedure before. Common concerns include:
Will it hurt?
Will I be awake?
Will I need stitches?
Will there be a scar?
What if the lesion turns out to be something serious?
At Glasgow Skin Specialists, we aim to make the process as calm, straightforward, and reassuring as possible. Our surgeon will discuss all these concerns in your consultation before you agree to surgery. All our minor skin surgery procedures are performed under local anaesthetic, meaning patients remain awake but the area being treated is numbed carefully beforehand.
What types of lesions can be treated?
Minor skin surgery may be used to assess or remove many skin lesions, including:
Some procedures are performed for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons, while others are carried out because the lesion is uncomfortable, recurrent, bothersome, or cosmetically concerning.
What happens on the day?
The exact procedure depends on the type and location of the lesion, but most appointments follow a similar structure.
Patients are first assessed and the procedure explained carefully. There is always an opportunity to ask questions before treatment begins. The skin is then cleaned and local anaesthetic is administered. Patients may feel brief stinging as the anaesthetic is injected, but the area quickly becomes numb. Once numb, the lesion is removed using the most appropriate surgical technique. Some procedures require stitches, while others do not.
Will there be a scar?
Any procedure involving the skin can leave a scar. However, careful surgical planning and technique are important in helping scars heal as neatly as possible. Factors influencing scar appearance include:
the size and type of lesion
the location on the body
patient healing factors
smoking
post-procedure aftercare
These points are discussed during consultation, and aftercare advice will be given verbally and in writing.
What happens after removal?
Where appropriate, removed tissue may be sent for histological analysis (laboratory examination under a microscope). This analysis helps confirm the diagnosis and guide any further management if required. At Glasgow Skin Specialists, histological analysis is included in the cost of your procedure.
Patients return home shortly after their procedure and can resume many normal activities relatively quickly. Aftercare advice is always provided and a post-operative follow-up appointment will be offered.
A calm, specialist-led approach
At Glasgow Skin Specialists, patients are assessed by an NHS-trained plastic surgeon with significant experience in skin lesion diagnosis and minor skin surgery.
We understand that many patients attending for assessment are worried or uncertain. Our aim is to provide clear advice, careful assessment, and a calm environment where patients feel listened to and supported.
If you are concerned about a skin lesion or would simply like specialist advice, we would be happy to help.
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