Minor Procedures and After Care

Our general practice provides a range of minor procedures and follow-up care for patients who require non-complex surgical or diagnostic interventions. These procedures are performed in a safe, sterile, and comfortable environment by experienced general practitioners. The aim is to provide accessible, efficient, and high-quality care without the need for hospital admission. We also ensure that each patient receives personalised attention, detailed aftercare guidance, and appropriate follow-up to promote recovery and prevent complications.


What are Minor Procedures?

Minor procedures are simple surgical or medical interventions that can be safely carried out within a general practice setting. They are typically performed using local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort while allowing patients to remain fully awake and return home shortly after the procedure. These services offer a convenient option for addressing small medical issues early, thereby preventing them from developing into more serious conditions.


Common procedures we perform include:

  • Wound reviews and dressing changes: Our doctors and nurses regularly assess and reapply dressings to ensure wounds are healing correctly. We monitor for signs of infection, swelling, or delayed healing and provide updated care instructions at each visit. Proper wound management helps prevent complications and supports faster recovery.
  • Removal of skin lesions, moles, or cysts: These are carried out when medically indicated or when a lesion changes appearance, becomes irritated, or is cosmetically concerning. The excised tissue is often sent for pathology testing to rule out cancerous changes. Procedures are done under local anaesthetic, and sutures are placed as needed.
  • Cryotherapy for warts and sunspots: Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal or unwanted skin cells. It is a quick and effective treatment for warts, actinic keratoses (also known as sunspots), and certain benign lesions. The treated area may blister and peel before healing over several days.
  • Suture removal and post-procedure monitoring: Patients who have had stitches placed for injuries or prior procedures can have them safely removed in our clinic. This helps ensure the wound has closed properly and reduces the risk of scarring or infection.
  • Follow-up care: After any procedure, we provide scheduled reviews to monitor healing, manage dressings, and address any concerns that may arise. These appointments are crucial for ensuring optimal recovery and early identification of any post-procedure issues.


When a Minor Procedure is Needed

Your doctor may recommend a minor procedure when an issue can be effectively managed within the clinic without hospital admission. Common reasons include:

  • Skin lesions or moles that have changed colour, size, or texture
  • Small cysts or lumps that cause discomfort or recurrent infection
  • Chronic or non-healing wounds that require regular medical supervision
  • Persistent warts, sunspots, or other superficial growths
  • Foreign bodies under the skin that need removal
  • Diagnostic biopsies to confirm or rule out a condition


Our doctors take a patient-centred approach, explaining the reasons for any recommended procedure and ensuring you understand what to expect at each stage.


What To Do Before a Minor Procedure?

Before performing any procedure, your GP will conduct a detailed consultation and assessment. This includes reviewing your medical history, allergies, and medications to minimise risk. You will be informed about:

  • The purpose and nature of the procedure
  • The steps involved and the duration
  • Expected outcomes and possible risks
  • Cost and billing information
  • Aftercare requirements


You will have an opportunity to ask questions before giving informed consent. If a procedure is deemed unsuitable to perform in general practice due to complexity or risk, your GP will arrange a prompt referral to an appropriate specialist.


What Happens During the Procedure?

Most minor procedures are performed under local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated. The steps typically include cleansing the area, administering the anaesthetic, and performing the procedure using sterile instruments. Procedures are usually brief, lasting between 10 and 45 minutes, depending on the complexity.


Throughout the process, your comfort and safety are our priority. The GP will maintain sterile technique to prevent infection, and an assisting nurse may be present to help with equipment and patient monitoring. Once complete, a dressing or bandage will be applied, and you will be given aftercare instructions before you leave.


Minor Procedures Aftercare and Recovery

Aftercare is an essential part of every procedure, helping to ensure good healing and reduce the risk of complications. Our clinic provides both verbal and written aftercare instructions tailored to your procedure. Typical aftercare advice includes:

  • Keep the area clean and dry: Avoid excessive moisture for the first 24–48 hours, and follow the doctor’s instructions for washing or showering.
  • Change dressings as advised: Dressings protect the wound and help prevent infection. Replace them according to the schedule provided or sooner if they become wet or dirty.
  • Watch for signs of infection: Redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, or discharge may indicate infection. Contact the clinic promptly if these occur.
  • Avoid strenuous activity: Depending on the wound site, avoid stretching, lifting, or exercise that could reopen the wound.
  • Follow up as scheduled: Attend all scheduled review appointments for wound checks, suture removal, or discussions of pathology results.


Healing time varies depending on the type and location of the procedure, but most patients recover within one to two weeks. Our team remains available to provide advice or support if any issues arise during the recovery process.


Possible Risks and Complications of Minor Procedures

Although minor procedures are generally safe, all medical interventions carry some level of risk. Potential complications may include:

  • Local infection
  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Scarring or pigmentation changes
  • Reaction to anaesthetic
  • Recurrence of the lesion


Our GPs take every precaution to minimise these risks through sterile technique, appropriate wound care, and close follow-up. If a complication does occur, it is usually mild and can be managed effectively with early intervention.


Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up care ensures that healing is progressing well and that any post-procedure concerns are addressed promptly. You may be asked to return for:

  • Dressing changes or wound reviews
  • Suture removal
  • Review of pathology results
  • Discussion of further treatment or specialist referral if needed


Timely follow-up helps maintain good outcomes and provides reassurance as you recover. Patients are encouraged to contact the clinic sooner if pain, redness, or other unexpected symptoms develop.


Referrals to Specialist Care

If your doctor identifies that your condition requires more complex management—such as deep tissue excisions, plastic or dermatologic surgery, or advanced wound care—you will be referred to the appropriate specialist. Referrals ensure you receive the best possible treatment for your specific medical needs while maintaining continuity of care through your GP.


Costs and Billing Information

While many general consultations can be bulk-billed, not all procedures qualify. Skin lesion or cyst removal, cryotherapy, and other surgical procedures may incur a private fee. Medicare rebates may not always apply. Before proceeding, our reception team can provide a clear explanation of fees and payment options so you can make an informed decision.


We encourage patients to discuss any questions about costs during the booking process. Transparency about billing allows us to maintain high-quality facilities, sterile equipment, and skilled medical support for all procedures.


Why Choose a GP for Minor Procedures

Having a procedure performed by your GP offers several advantages:

  • Convenience and accessibility close to home
  • Continuity of care from a trusted clinician
  • Lower cost compared to hospital-based procedures
  • Prompt appointments and shorter waiting times
  • Coordinated aftercare and follow-up


General practitioners are well-trained in procedural medicine and provide holistic care that considers your overall health, not just the immediate concern at hand.