The Minor Surgery Service at Nottingham Road Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for a wide range of skin, soft-tissue and superficial surgical conditions that can be managed safely within an outpatient environment. These procedures, while classed as minor, often carry important clinical implications, such as the need to establish a clear diagnosis, exclude malignancy, relieve symptoms or prevent progression.
Many patients experience persistent discomfort, cosmetic concerns or uncertainty regarding lesions, cysts or soft-tissue lumps. Others require intervention to manage infections, ingrown nails or suspicious skin lesions where timely evaluation is essential. The service brings together surgical expertise, diagnostic support and clear clinical pathways to ensure accurate assessment and appropriate management.
NRC provides a structured approach that prioritises detailed clinical evaluation, evidence-based decision making and shared planning. Procedures are undertaken by clinicians experienced in minor operative techniques, local anaesthesia, tissue handling and wound management. Histopathology support is available where diagnostic clarification is required, and patients benefit from access to imaging, microbiology and multidisciplinary referral when indicated.
Care is delivered in a calm, consultant-led outpatient setting. The focus is on safety, clear communication and high-quality clinical outcomes, with pathways aligned to UK guidance for the management of skin lesions, benign soft-tissue conditions and minor surgical procedures.
The Minor Surgery Service at Nottingham Road Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for a wide range of skin, soft-tissue and superficial surgical conditions that can be managed safely within an outpatient environment. These procedures, while classed as minor, often carry important clinical implications, such as the need to establish a clear diagnosis, exclude malignancy, relieve symptoms or prevent progression.
Many patients experience persistent discomfort, cosmetic concerns or uncertainty regarding lesions, cysts or soft-tissue lumps. Others require intervention to manage infections, ingrown nails or suspicious skin lesions where timely evaluation is essential. The service brings together surgical expertise, diagnostic support and clear clinical pathways to ensure accurate assessment and appropriate management.
NRC provides a structured approach that prioritises detailed clinical evaluation, evidence-based decision making and shared planning. Procedures are undertaken by clinicians experienced in minor operative techniques, local anaesthesia, tissue handling and wound management. Histopathology support is available where diagnostic clarification is required, and patients benefit from access to imaging, microbiology and multidisciplinary referral when indicated.
Care is delivered in a calm, consultant-led outpatient setting. The focus is on safety, clear communication and high-quality clinical outcomes, with pathways aligned to UK guidance for the management of skin lesions, benign soft-tissue conditions and minor surgical procedures.
The Minor Surgery Service is suitable for adults who require assessment or treatment of skin or soft-tissue conditions that are amenable to outpatient surgical management. Typical presentations include new or changing skin lesions, painful cysts, soft-tissue lumps, recurrent infections, ingrown toenails, lipomas and lesions causing irritation or functional impact.
Patients may be referred by GPs, allied health professionals, dermatology colleagues or other specialists, and the service is accessible to both insured and self-pay individuals. It is particularly appropriate for patients who:
Specialist involvement is recommended when lesions are atypical, recurrent, symptomatic or when there is diagnostic uncertainty. Patients with suspected skin cancer, rapidly growing lesions or red-flag features should be assessed promptly and may require onward referral to appropriate specialist pathways.
The service provides comprehensive evaluation and management of a broad range of minor surgical conditions, including:
Skin Lesions
Clinical concern arises when lesions change in pigmentation, border, size or symptoms. Red flags include rapid growth, bleeding, ulceration, asymmetry and irregular borders.
Cysts and Soft-Tissue Lumps
Symptoms prompting referral include pain, infection, cosmetic impact, restriction of movement or diagnostic uncertainty.
Nail Conditions
Minor procedures may include partial or total nail avulsion with or without phenolisation.
Infective and Inflammatory Conditions
Assessment includes recognition of systemic features and identification of cases requiring escalation.
Suspicious Lesions
The service supports appropriate diagnostic biopsy and ensures alignment with national skin cancer referral pathways when malignancy is suspected.
Assessment begins with a detailed clinical history focusing on symptom onset, progression, associated pain, infection, bleeding, functional impact and any previous interventions. Family and personal history of skin cancer, occupational exposures and immunosuppression are documented when relevant.
Examination includes inspection, palpation, dermoscopic assessment where appropriate and evaluation of regional lymph nodes for suspicious lesions. For soft-tissue lumps, characteristics such as size, mobility, depth, tenderness and consistency inform the clinical impression.
Diagnostic investigations may include:
The service follows NICE guidance, British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) recommendations and national skin cancer referral standards. Lesions with red-flag features are managed within appropriate urgent pathways.
Patients receive clear explanations of the diagnostic rationale, including when observation, biopsy or excision is recommended.
Management options vary according to diagnosis, symptoms and patient preference. Treatments offered include:
Excision of Skin Lesions
Performed under local anaesthesia using standard elliptical excision or shave techniques where appropriate. Suturing, wound care and histological assessment are included in the pathway. Excision is undertaken when lesions are symptomatic, recurrently traumatised, cosmetically significant or require diagnostic clarification.
Removal of Cysts and Soft-Tissue Lumps
Enucleation or excision techniques are used depending on lesion type and anatomical location. Procedures aim to remove the cyst lining to reduce recurrence. Inflamed cysts may require staged management, including initial infection control.
Lipoma Excision
Suitable for superficial, well-defined lipomas that are amenable to outpatient surgery. Larger or deep lesions may require imaging or referral to specialist pathways.
Nail Procedures
Partial or total nail avulsion with phenol application when indicated, used for recurrent ingrown toenails. Management includes infection control, wound care and follow-up guidance.
Incision and Drainage
Suitable for selected abscesses without systemic features. Management includes microbiology sampling and, when necessary, antibiotic therapy aligned with local antimicrobial guidelines.
Cryotherapy and Cautery Techniques
Used for appropriate benign lesions, including some warts, skin tags or superficial keratoses where clinically justified.
Each treatment pathway includes:
Management is tailored to individual needs and clinical indications, ensuring each decision is justified and aligned with current UK clinical standards.
The service integrates with multiple specialties to ensure comprehensive care:
Multidisciplinary collaboration supports accurate diagnosis, safe surgical decision making and appropriate access to further specialist care when needed.
Appointments begin with a structured consultation that explores symptoms, previous treatments, medical history and any relevant risk factors. Patients should be prepared to describe how long the lesion or problem has been present, how it has changed and what symptoms are associated with it.
A clinical examination follows, which may include dermoscopy, palpation and assessment of surrounding tissues. If a procedure is appropriate, the clinician explains the technique, risks, expected recovery, and whether histological analysis will be required.
Where immediate treatment is suitable, procedures may be undertaken during the same visit, provided full consent is obtained and adequate time is available. Alternatively, a planned procedure appointment may be arranged.
Patients receive written wound care instructions and information on when to seek further review. Results of any histology or investigations are communicated clearly, with follow-up arranged as needed to discuss findings and next steps.
Do all removed lesions need to be sent for histology?
Most excised lesions are sent for histological analysis to confirm the diagnosis and exclude malignancy, in line with best clinical practice.
Can procedures be done on the same day as the initial consultation?
This is sometimes possible, depending on clinical assessment, complexity of the procedure and appointment availability.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
Procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area while allowing patients to remain fully awake and comfortable.
How long do wounds take to heal?
Healing varies based on the procedure and anatomical site. Sutures are typically removed within 7 to 14 days, and full healing may take several weeks.
Are scars unavoidable?
Any skin surgery will result in some degree of scarring, though techniques aim to minimise this and place incisions in discreet locations where possible.
When is imaging needed before minor surgery?
Imaging, often ultrasound, may be used for deeper lumps or when the nature of a lesion is uncertain.
What happens if histology identifies something unexpected?
The clinician discusses the results promptly, explains the findings and arranges timely referral to the appropriate specialist service.
Can infected cysts be removed immediately?
Inflamed or infected cysts often require a staged approach, starting with infection control before definitive removal.
Is minor surgery suitable for all skin lesions?
Some lesions require specialist pathways, such as suspected skin cancers, and these are referred appropriately according to national guidelines.
To book an appointment or discuss which clinician you should see first:
Phone: 01623 624137
Location: Nottingham Road Clinic, 195 Nottingham Road Mansfield NG18 4AA
