Some skin lesions can be removed or treated without the need for major surgery using Shave, Curette or Cautery.

There are no sutures involved and the treated area is similar to a graze and usually heals by 2-3 weeks.

Shave involves using a sharp blade to remove only a thin superficial layer of skin. 

Curettage involves scraping the lesion off the skin surface ( similar to using a small spoon with very sharp edges.

Cautery (electro-surgery) involves applying heat directly to the skin surface  in order to stop bleeding during skin surgery or to treat some cancer cells and benign skin lesions

AFTERCARE

• Treat the area similar to a graze. It will be covered with an absorbant dressing which can be removed in the shower  after 3 days.
• Allow the treated area to dry then cover with a band-aid
• Keep covered for 4-5 days then it can be left open to air. A dry scab will form on the surface
• Healing can take 2-3 weeks

      Infection can occur, so it is important to check if:

• The surrounding skin is becoming increasingly tender to touch
• The redness is more than 1cm from the treated area
• The redness is increasing

       General Notes for Wound Healing:

• Daily showers aid the healing process.
• AVOID using Soaps / Creams / Liniments / Antiseptics (eg – Betadine™, Savlon™, Dettol™)

• DRY dressings minimise the risk of infection.
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