Post-Operative Care

Minor Surgery

Your recovery instructions following minor surgery (lesion excision, cyst removal, lipoma, biopsy, or skin tag removal). Please read carefully and follow all guidance to ensure proper healing.

← Learn about Minor Surgery

📞 03 9421 1166

🏠 Going Home

What to expect on the day of your procedure:

You will be observed for 30–60 minutes after the procedure
You may go home the same day
You may drive yourself home unless you were given sedation — in which case someone must drive you
You may eat and drink normally

🩹 Wound Care

Proper wound care is essential for healing:

Keep the dressing clean and dry for 24–48 hours
After 48 hours: gentle showering is OK — pat dry, do not rub
Do NOT soak in a bath, pool, or hot tub for 2 weeks
Some bruising and swelling around the wound is normal
Do not apply creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless instructed
Do not pick at scabs or pull on stitches

🧵 Stitches

Dissolvable stitches: will fall out on their own over 2–4 weeks — do not pull on them
Non-dissolvable stitches: will be removed at your follow-up appointment (usually 7–14 days depending on location)
Steri-strips (skin tape): leave in place until they fall off naturally

💊 Pain Management

Discomfort is usually mild after minor surgery
Paracetamol 1g (2 tablets) every 6 hours as needed
Stronger pain medication is rarely required
Some numbness around the wound may persist for several weeks — this is normal

🚶 Activity

Normal activities can usually be resumed the next day
Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 1 week, or longer if advised
If the excision was on a joint or area of tension, your surgeon may advise longer restriction

📋 Results

If the excised tissue was sent for pathology, results are typically available within 1 week
Results will be discussed at your follow-up appointment or via the clinic

⚠️ Red Flags

Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound after 3 days
Pus or foul-smelling discharge
Temperature above 38°C
Worsening pain not controlled with paracetamol
Bleeding that doesn't stop with firm pressure for 10 minutes
The wound edges start to open

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us immediately:

📞 03 9421 1166

📋 Follow-Up

Stitch removal appointment (if applicable) at 7–14 days
If you develop concerns before your appointment, call the clinic

📍 Contact

Phone: 03 9421 1166
Address: Suite 62, Level 6 Arnold Wing, 1 Arnold St, Box Hill VIC 3128
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:30am – 5:00pm