We offer three types of skin surgery at Warley Grange Health – Punch Biopsy Surgery, Dermal Filler Injections, Foreign Body Removal and Ganglion Cyst Reduction.
Dermal Filler Injections
Dermal fillers are an innovative method of introducing extra cushioning under bony tender areas of the foot. The filler material is a form of hyaluronic acid which helps to stimulate the body to produce collagen. An injection of this filler will aim to provide natural thickening of the tissues and replace areas which have lost some natural padding.
Examples of where these injections are useful would be:
- Painful hard skin or corns over bony prominences
- Loss of natural padding “feeling like walking on bones”
The procedure requires an injection of regional anaesthetic to numb the area before the filler is injected into the area required.
Naturally the body can absorb this filler over time so benefits are not generally permanent, but relief can be up to 1-2 years dependent on lifestyle, age and general health.
Punch Biopsy Surgery
Hard corns or stubborn verruca can be extremely painful and very difficult to eradicate. Surgical excision of these lesions can provide permanent resolution to the problem.
Surgery is carried out using a punch incision kit and the lesion is removed in one piece and often sent off for analysis to determine exactly what the cellular make up consists of.
The procedure will be carried out in a clean, sterile environment and dressed to protect the area and keep it clean. Often no stitches required. The wound will be reviewed and redressed until fully healed.
Foreign Body Removal
Examples such as glass shards, pins, wood, grit or small stones can bury deep into the skin and cause significant pain and risk of infection.
Foreign bodies can often be seen under the magnifying glass or with the use of ultrasound imaging.
Under a local anaesthetic these items will be removed in a clean, sterile environment, with appropriate dressing. In rare occurrences several stitches may be required.
Ganglion Cyst Reduction
A ganglion cyst is a fluid filled bump often arising from a tendon or a joint. They are very common and can occur on the wrists and feet. They are not dangerous but if they grow too big they can become uncomfortable.
If they become painful, they can be reduces down by aspirating the cyst with a needle. This is done in a clean, sterile environment at the clinic with an appropriate dressing afterwards.
This treatment will reduce the size of the cyst and reduce the chance of further discomfort and invasive surgery.
Skin Surgery procedures are performed by our Trainee Podiatric Surgeon, Richard Lang. Richard is available on alternate Monday evenings, every Wednesday evening and Saturdays. Click below for prices and how to book an appointment