Minor procedures — surgical discipline at every scale
A selection of minor surgical procedures performed under local anaesthesia in a clinical setting. These are not reduced-care procedures — they are carried out with the same attention to planning, technique, and closure that applies throughout this practice.
If your concern does not fit a standard procedure category, a direct consultation is often the clearest way to assess whether a minor surgical correction is appropriate.
Surgical excision of benign moles and nevi, chosen over laser or shave techniques where complete removal and a clean closure are the priority. The excision margin and closure method are planned according to lesion size, location, and skin tension. Where clinically indicated, excised tissue is submitted for histopathological examination.
Excision of selected benign or indeterminate skin lesions, including dermatofibromas, seborrhoeic keratoses, superficial epidermal lesions, and similar findings. Closure is designed with scar outcome in mind from the outset. Where clinically appropriate, excised tissue is sent for histopathological analysis. Lesions requiring formal dermatological or oncological assessment are referred before surgical treatment.
Removal of skin tags at the base using precise excision or ligation, depending on size and location. Where multiple tags are present in one area, they can usually be addressed in the same session. Histopathological submission is not routine for typical skin tags, though unusual morphology is handled accordingly.
Correction of split, stretched, or elongated earlobes caused by torn piercings, heavy jewellery use, or age-related laxity. Earlobe reduction addresses disproportionately large or ptotic lobes. The repair technique is selected according to the type and extent of the defect, with layered closure used to restore contour and minimise visible scarring.
Surgical correction of ingrown toenails through partial or total nail avulsion, with or without phenolisation of the nail matrix depending on recurrence history and severity. The aim is to reduce recurrence rather than simply solve the immediate episode. It is performed under digital block anaesthesia, and patients are typically ambulatory the same day.
Surgical improvement of scars that are poorly oriented, widened, depressed, raised, or functionally restricting. Minor scar revision is suitable for scars that can be directly excised and re-closed with improved technique, correct orientation, layered closure, and more appropriate tension control. Not all scars benefit from surgery, and timing is discussed in consultation.
Excision of epidermoid cysts, pilar cysts, and small lipomas, with intact capsule removal where possible to reduce recurrence. Incision placement follows skin tension lines and remains as limited as anatomy allows. Infected or previously ruptured cysts may require a staged approach. Where appropriate, excised tissue is submitted for histopathological examination.
Correction of standing cutaneous cones — the small tissue puckers that can appear at the ends of surgical closures after a previous procedure. The correction incision must address the underlying tissue redundancy, not just the surface irregularity. These are short procedures, but still require careful planning and clean closure.
Revision of wounds that have healed suboptimally, including dehiscence, widened closure, or healing under tension. The revision approach depends on size, location, and cause. Where appropriate, closure technique is adjusted to redistribute tension more effectively and improve long-term scar quality.
Minor local-anaesthetic correction of small contour irregularities, such as limited asymmetry, local tissue redundancy, or isolated contour imperfections after a prior procedure. These are not revisions of major surgical outcomes; they are localised refinements suitable for an office setting. Suitability and realistic expectations are assessed in consultation.
What belongs here — and what does not
The procedures on this page are performed under local anaesthesia in a clinical setting and do not routinely require general anaesthesia or a formal operating theatre, although some — particularly larger cyst or lipoma excisions — may be better suited to a minor theatre environment depending on size and location.
Formal aesthetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelift, fat grafting, and otoplasty are not listed here. Neither are procedures that require sedation or general anaesthesia as a routine component. If you are unsure whether your concern falls within the scope of this page or requires a more substantial procedure, consultation will clarify that directly.