Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Minor surgery

Removal of skin lesions, cysts, lipomas and similar under local anaesthetic in our treatment room.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

Minor surgery covers the removal of skin and soft-tissue lesions that can be treated safely under local anaesthetic, without admission to hospital.

It is performed to remove something that is causing symptoms, to obtain tissue for laboratory analysis, or for cosmetic reasons where the lesion is benign.

Most people are in the treatment room for around 45 minutes and go home the same day. Wounds closed with stitches usually take 7 to 14 days before the stitches are removed, and several weeks for the scar to settle.

Before your procedure

Tell the team about all medicines you take, including anticoagulants, antiplatelets and herbal remedies. Do not stop any prescribed medicine unless your clinician has told you to.
Tell us about allergies, particularly to local anaesthetic, plasters, latex or antiseptics.
Eat and drink normally. Fasting is not required for local anaesthetic.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area, and something you do not mind marking with antiseptic.
You can usually drive yourself, but arrange alternative transport if the procedure is on your foot, or if you would prefer not to drive afterwards.
Bring a list of your medicines and any relevant letters or photographs of the lesion over time.
You will be asked to give written consent. This is a good moment to ask about scarring, whether the tissue will be sent for analysis, and when you will get results.

What happens on the day

You will be checked in at reception and taken to the treatment room. The area is cleaned and the site is marked.
Local anaesthetic is injected. This stings briefly, then the area goes numb. You stay awake throughout and can talk to the team.
You should feel pressure and movement but not sharp pain. Tell the clinician immediately if you do.
The lesion is removed and the wound closed with stitches, or left to heal naturally depending on the technique used.
A dressing is applied. You will be given written aftercare instructions and, where relevant, a follow-up appointment for stitch removal.
Expect to leave shortly after the procedure. There is no recovery ward stay for local anaesthetic procedures.

Aftercare

Pain

The anaesthetic wears off after 1 to 3 hours. Discomfort is usually mild and manageable with simple over-the-counter pain relief taken according to the packet. If you are unsure what is suitable for you, ask your clinician or pharmacist.

Bleeding

A small amount of ooze on the dressing in the first 24 hours is normal. If blood soaks through, press firmly on the area with a clean pad for 10 minutes without lifting to check.

Dressings

Keep the original dressing dry and in place for the period you are told, usually 24 to 48 hours. After that, change it as instructed.

Bathing

Keep the wound dry for the first 48 hours. After that you may shower, patting the area dry rather than rubbing. Avoid baths, swimming pools and hot tubs until the wound is fully healed.

Wound care

Do not pick at scabs or apply creams, oils or antiseptics unless you have been told to.

Activity

Return to gentle daily activity straight away. Avoid stretching the wound. If the wound is over a joint, limit heavy bending for the first few days.

Exercise and lifting

Avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting and contact sport for about 2 weeks, or longer if the wound is on a limb or under tension. Your clinician will advise.

Driving

Do not drive until you can control the vehicle comfortably, including an emergency stop, without pain restricting you.

Work

Most people return to desk-based work the next day. Manual work may need a few days, depending on the site.

Travel

Short journeys are fine. Discuss long-haul flights with your clinician, particularly in the first week.

Follow-up

Stitches are usually removed 7 to 14 days later depending on the site. If tissue was sent for analysis, results are normally available within 2 weeks and will be discussed with you.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
When	What to expect
First 24 hours	Numbness wears off. Mild soreness. Keep the dressing dry and in place.
Days 2 to 3	Discomfort settles. You may shower carefully, patting the area dry.
Days 4 to 7	Wound edges begin to knit. Bruising, if present, starts to fade.
Days 7 to 14	Stitches removed if used. Results discussed if tissue was analysed.
Weeks 2 to 6	Scar is pink and firm. Avoid stretching it and protect from sun.
3 to 12 months	Scar gradually fades and softens. Final appearance takes up to a year.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm, continuous pressure
Severe pain that is getting worse rather than better and is not relieved by simple pain relief
Feeling generally unwell with a high temperature, shivering or confusion

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

Spreading redness extending outwards from the wound
Increasing swelling, heat or throbbing after the first 48 hours
Pus or a foul-smelling discharge
The wound edges separating
A temperature you can measure above 38°C

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Will I have a scar?

Any procedure that cuts the skin leaves a scar. The clinician will explain the likely appearance and position before you consent. Scars continue to improve for up to a year.

Will the lesion be sent for testing?

Anything excised is normally sent for laboratory analysis. Your clinician will confirm this and tell you when results are expected.

Can I take my usual painkillers?

Simple over-the-counter pain relief is usually suitable. Follow the packet instructions and check with your clinician or pharmacist if you take other medicines.

What if the lesion comes back?

Some lesions can recur. Contact the clinic if you notice a lump or change at the same site.

More information

Clinical reviewer: Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date: 21 July 2026
Review by: 21 July 2027
Version: 1.0