Common Skin Procedures

Clinical Assessment
An examination helps establish what the concern may be and whether treatment is needed.
Procedure Options
Discuss whether a procedure is needed, its potential benefits, risks and recovery.
Further Investigation
Some concerns require imaging, pathology, biopsy or referral before treatment is planned.
Treatment Planning
The plan depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, location and your preferences.
A Range of Skin Conditions
Adelaide Skin Clinic assesses a range of concerns beyond skin cancer, including ingrown toenails, cysts and lipomas.
Consultations for ingrown toenails, cysts and lipomas include assessment of whether treatment is needed and which options may be appropriate.
The clinic also assesses skin tags, warts and ganglion cysts. Not every concern needs a procedure, and some conditions may require referral.

Treatment Options for Skin Conditions
These descriptions are general information. Not every option is appropriate for every person or available at this clinic. Some care requires referral; discuss suitability and availability with your doctor.

Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when a nail edge grows into surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection. Treatment depends on the severity and may include nail care, treatment for infection or a minor procedure.

Sebaceous Cysts
A lump described as a cyst may have several causes. Examination helps determine whether observation, treatment for inflammation, surgical removal or further investigation is appropriate.

Lipoma
A lipoma is a fatty lump beneath the skin. Assessment helps confirm whether the lump is consistent with a lipoma and whether observation, investigation or removal is appropriate.

Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps near joints or tendons. Depending on the symptoms and diagnosis, options may include observation, aspiration, surgery or referral.

Moles and Skin Tags
Moles and skin tags are common and often harmless, but may need medical attention. An assessment can help determine whether observation, removal or biopsy is appropriate.

Warts
Warts are skin growths caused by human papillomavirus. Options may include observation, topical treatment, cryotherapy or removal, depending on the type, location and symptoms.
What to Expect When You Visit Us
A consultation establishes the likely diagnosis and whether observation, a procedure or referral is appropriate.
Assessment
Dr. Chaudry assesses your concern and explains the clinically appropriate options.
Treatment Discussion
Discuss the proposed procedure, alternatives, likely recovery, risks and costs before making a decision.
Aftercare
If you have a procedure, you receive instructions about wound care, activity and when to seek medical advice.
Making a treatment decision
A consultation helps assess whether treatment is needed. Discuss the potential benefits, alternatives, costs and recovery before deciding to proceed. Observation may be an option for some benign skin concerns.
Skin procedures can cause pain, bleeding, infection and scarring. Healing problems, recurrence or further treatment are also possible. Risks and recovery vary with the procedure and your health; outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Ask your doctor about the risks relevant to you.
Read more about skin lesion removal and its risks from Healthdirect. This website provides general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Want to know more?
Find common questions about appointments, treatment and aftercare.
Read FAQsHow long does an appointment or procedure take?
Appointment length depends on the concern being assessed and any procedure planned. Reception can advise the booked appointment length, while your doctor can explain the likely procedure and recovery time after assessment.
How long does healing take after a skin procedure?
Healing varies with the procedure, body site, wound size and your health. You will receive instructions about wound care, activity and when to seek medical advice. Ask your doctor about the recovery expected for your procedure.
Will I need a follow-up appointment after a procedure?
Some procedures require a wound review, stitch removal, results discussion or further treatment. The clinic will tell you what follow-up is recommended and how results will be provided.
Are same-day appointments available?
Availability changes from day to day. Call reception on (08) 8224 7500 to ask about the next suitable appointment. Call 000 for a medical emergency.
How should I prepare for an appointment about a suspicious mole or lesion?
Bring a current medicine list and any relevant referrals, pathology reports or previous skin photographs. Note when you first noticed the spot and any changes, symptoms or bleeding. Your doctor will explain whether a focused examination, broader skin check or further test is appropriate.

