What are Skin & Soft Tissue Excision Procedures?

Skin and soft tissue excisions are minor surgical procedures performed to remove abnormal, infected, painful, or recurrent tissue. Common indications include cysts, granulomas, fistula/fossa lesions, and pilonidal sinus disease.

Procedures are typically carried out under local anaesthetic in a clinic setting. Where appropriate, removed tissue is sent for histology to confirm diagnosis and exclude underlying pathology.

Why might I need an excision?

Some skin and soft tissue conditions do not resolve with medication alone or tend to recur if not fully removed. Surgical excision provides definitive treatment, symptom relief, and reduces the risk of infection or complications.

You may need assessment or excision if you have:

• A painful, enlarging, or infected skin cyst
• Recurrent discharge or infection from a sinus or fossa
• A persistent or bleeding granuloma
• Recurrent or painful pilonidal sinus
• Swelling, redness, or discomfort affecting daily activities
• Failure to respond to conservative treatment

Procedures we offer

Excision of Cyst

Skin cysts (e.g. epidermoid or sebaceous cysts) are benign but may become painful or infected.

What it involves:

• Local anaesthetic
• Complete removal of the cyst and capsule
• Closure with sutures
• Reduced risk of recurrence when fully excised

Excision of Fossa / Fistula

Fossa or fistula-type lesions can cause chronic discharge or infection.

What it involves:

• Careful identification of the tract
• Complete excision of affected tissue
• Wound closure or healing plan based on location
• Follow-up to ensure proper healing

Excision of Granuloma

Granulomas are small areas of chronic inflammation that may bleed, discharge, or fail to heal.

What it involves:

• Local anaesthetic
• Targeted removal of abnormal tissue
• Histology where indicated
• Rapid symptom resolution

Excision of Pilonidal Sinus

Pilonidal sinus disease commonly affects the upper buttock cleft and can be recurrent and painful.

What it involves:

• Removal of the sinus tract and infected tissue
• Careful wound management to reduce recurrence
• Advice on hygiene, hair management, and aftercare

Early treatment reduces infection risk and improves long-term outcomes.

Benefits of clinic-based excision

1. Definitive treatment
   Removes the source of infection or recurrence.
2. Local anaesthetic only
   No general anaesthetic required.
3. Short procedure time
   Most procedures completed in one visit.
4. Reduced recurrence risk
   Complete excision improves long-term outcomes.
5. Histology when needed
   Confirms diagnosis and excludes concerning pathology.
6. Minimal downtime
   Quick return to normal activities in most cases.
7. Clear aftercare guidance
   Supports optimal wound healing.
8. Follow-up included
   Wound review and suture removal if required.

Step-by-step – How the procedure works

1. Clinical assessment and consent
2. Local anaesthetic administered
3. Surgical excision performed
4. Wound closed or dressed appropriately
5. Aftercare instructions provided
6. Follow-up arranged if needed

All procedures are performed in clinic. Home visits are not available for surgical excisions.

Recovery & results

After excision

• Mild discomfort or swelling for a few days
• Sutures removed depending on site and technique
• Most patients resume normal activity quickly

Histology (if applicable)

• Confirms diagnosis
• Excludes malignancy or other pathology
• Results typically available within 1–2 weeks