One of the most common types of general surgeries involves skin and soft tissue conditions. These surgeries are elective, meaning they are planned and can be either cosmetic or non-cosmetic. They are often performed to remove lesions, lumps, infections, or to alleviate pain.

Skin and soft tissue surgeries encompass a variety of procedures aimed at addressing various conditions affecting the skin and underlying tissues. Some of the most common types include:

• Removal of Skin Lesions: This involves the surgical removal of abnormal growths or lesions from the skin, which may be benign or precancerous.
• Biopsy: A biopsy procedure involves the removal of a small sample of tissue for further examination under a microscope to diagnose or rule out conditions such as skin cancer.
• Removal of Cysts or Lipomas: Surgical excision may be necessary to remove cysts, lipomas (benign fatty tumors), or other soft tissue masses that are causing discomfort or aesthetic concerns.
• Draining of Abscesses: Abscesses, which are pockets of pus caused by bacterial infection, may require surgical drainage to relieve pain and promote healing.

Some soft tissue conditions may require more specialised surgical intervention, depending on their severity. For instance:

• Hidradenitis: Hidradenitis is a chronic skin inflammation that typically affects the groin area or armpits, presenting as painful lumps. Surgical removal of affected tissue may be necessary for symptom relief.
• Pilonidal Cysts: Pilonidal cysts develop near the tailbone and are prone to infection. Surgical excision may be required to remove the cyst and prevent recurrent infections.

Skin and soft tissue surgeries are often outpatient procedures, meaning they can be performed in a surgical facility without the need for an overnight hospital stay. Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure and individual factors, but most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few days to weeks.

During the recovery period, it’s essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon to promote healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding activities that could strain the surgical site and practicing proper wound care.

In general, skin and soft tissue conditions tend to heal within two weeks following surgery, but complete healing may take up to six weeks. To reduce the risk of infection, it’s important to avoid soaking the surgical site underwater in a tub or pool for at least four weeks post-surgery.