Bleeding, bruising, haematoma formation: There may be bleeding during the procedure and occasionally this may be substantial. Rarely there may be delayed bleeding hours or even days after the procedure. Rarely bleeding may occur under the surface of the skin leading to a large bruise or collection of blood that requires surgical removal.
Infection: There is a small risk of infection. In most cases this can be treated with antibiotics and the site will heal well. Very rarely there can be significant infection that results in the wound coming apart requiring a longer period of healing with dressings and more significant scarring.
Blistering, crusting: Blistering or crusting may occur at the site of treatment and this can persist for days or weeks.
Pain: There may be pain during the procedure or afterwards. Rarely pain may persist for a longer period or fail to resolve.
Scar: There will usually be a visible scar at the site of treatment. My goal is to give you the best cosmetic result possible and to hide the scar to the maximum extent possible, however the final cosmetic appearance cannot be guaranteed since it is also determined by the natural healing process. There is a risk that the scar may be raised or lumpy (including hypertrophic or keloid scar), depressed, different in color from the adjacent skin (redder/lighter/darker), or different in texture (for example more shiny) in comparison with the adjacent skin. Surgery in a hair-bearing site will result in permanent hair loss within the scar. Rarely there may be fat loss beneath the scar resulting in more significant depression.
Numbness / Burning / Altered sensation: Any skin procedure can cause damage to the small sensory nerves that supply touch sensation. Usually this will improve with time but rarely it may be permanent resulting in numbness / burning / long lasting pain or altered sensation.
Pigmentary change: The treated area may become hyperpigmented (darker), hypopigmented (lighter) or redder than the normal skin color.
Rarely this may be permanent.
Damage to important nerves and blood vessels: Depending upon the site, there is a very small risk of skin surgery resulting in damage to important nerves or blood vessels that could result in permanent weakness, numbness or other serious adverse consequences.
Allergic reaction: There is a small risk of suffering an allergic reaction to local anaesthetic or to dressings applied. Very rarely this can be serious or life-threatening..
Procedure-specific risks (Dr Lynch will tick if applicable)
Wound dehiscence: Stiches may fail to hold the wound together and it may come apart requiring a prolonged period of healing with dressings and leaving a larger scar. Risks are higher if there is infection or tension on the wound. Wound discharge: There may be discharge of clear or blood-stained fluid from the treated site. Rarely this may continue for weeks and require dressings. Non-diagnostic result: Occasionally the results of a biopsy are non-diagnostic and it may need to be repeated. Incomplete treatment / need for further treatment: Lesions removed during surgery are often sent for pathological analysis. In some cases this may reveal that further treatment is required. Recurrence: There is a risk that the treated lesion may recur. Suture granuloma: If stitches are used occasionally there can be a reaction to one of the dissolvable deep stitches that is left in beneath the surface of the skin. This can occur after the wound has healed weeks-months after the procedure and cause inflammation, nodularity or discharge. Flap or graft failure: If a skin flap or graft is used there is a small risk that this does not survive. If this occurs this will require a longer period of healing, can give a worse cosmetic result and may require revision surgery or laser treatments. Weakness / paralysis of the eyebrow or forehead: Surgery in the temple area carries a small risk of damage to the temporal branch of the facial nerve. Drooping / weakness of the corner of the mouth: Surgery of the jawline carries a risk of damage to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. Burning / numbness of the forehead or scalp: Surgery of the forehead or scalp carries a small risk of damage to the sensory nerves that supply touch sensation to these areas. Damage can result in permanent numbness, pain or rarely a burning sensation that may persist. Nasal distortion, nasal blockage or nasal stuffiness: This is a risk of nasal reconstructive surgery. Ectropion: Surgery of the eyelid or adjacent skin can result in a pull on the eyelid which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If it does not resolve it may need surgical correction. Watering of the eyes: This is a risk of eyelid surgery, or surgery adjacent to the eyelid particularly at the inner corner of the eyelid where the tear duct runs. Lip distortion: This is a risk of surgery of the lip and the skin adjacent to the lip. Ear distortion: Surgery of the ear can lead to ear distortion or reduction in size of the ear. Weakness of the shoulder: Surgery of the neck can damage the spinal accessory nerve which is responsible for elevation of the shoulder. Injury results in permanent weakness of the shoulder and 'winging' of the shoulder blade.
Additional risks
Aftercare
Wound care: You will be given detailed instructions on how to look after the wound. For surgical procedures, usually a dressing will remain in place for 48 hours. You will then apply vaseline (from a new pot) several times per day to aid healing and prevent scabbing.
Need to take time off work / activities / avoid travel: You will usually need to avoid exercise and/or work for a number of days after the procedure. Should a complication arise there is a risk you will need to take a longer period of time off work / normal activities. You should generally avoid long-distance travel for 2 weeks in case of complications arising.
Stitch removal: If stitches are used to close the wound you may need to attend in 1-2 weeks time for these to be removed.
I have read the above information, I have confirmed the site(s) and procedure(s) and I have had the opportunity to ask questions. I consent to the above procedure(s) and to photographs being taken for my confidential medical record.
By signing the form I have confirmed that I have read the above information and have had adequate time to make a decision about my care. I have confirmed the site(s) and procedure(s) and I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the treatment and alternatives. I consent to the above procedure(s) and to photographs being taken for my confidential medical record.
