Pyogenic Granuloma Removal

Imagine suddenly spotting a bright red lump on your skin that resembles a raspberry. It might give you a little shock, but don’t worry, it’s most likely a harmless growth called a pyogenic granuloma. Although it doesn’t pose any health risks, this little red bump can become quite a nuisance, especially if it’s in a visible area, or if it’s prone to bleeding.

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You might be wishing you could just get rid of it, and the good news is that you can! At Centre for Surgery, we have a team of highly skilled doctors who can remove your pyogenic granuloma. What’s even better is that you won’t have to jump through any hoops to get this sorted. You can skip the hassle of getting a referral from your general practitioner (GP) and come straight to us.

Our doctors at Centre for Surgery are experts in their field. They have years of experience and have successfully handled countless cases like yours. They’ll make sure you’re comfortable and informed every step of the way. So, if you’ve got a bothersome pyogenic granuloma that you want to get rid of, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

A pyogenic granuloma is a non-cancerous, harmless growth that usually appears as a collection of blood vessels. While it isn’t harmful, it can be quite bothersome due to its size, location, and the potential to bleed. In addition, it can be a cause of cosmetic concern for many.

This kind of growth can occur in anyone, but it’s more commonly observed in children, adolescents, and pregnant women. While it can sprout on any part of the body, the most common locations are the hands, fingers, arms, back, chest, neck, and face.

The exact cause of pyogenic granulomas is still somewhat of a mystery, but they’re often associated with skin lesions, scratches, cuts, or insect bites. They have a rapid growth rate and can pop up quite unexpectedly. In pregnant women, hormonal changes taking place in the body are often linked to the development of these growths.

Pyogenic granulomas are benign and usually don’t require treatment, particularly if they’re small. In some cases, they may disappear on their own. However, for larger growths, you might choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons or if they’re causing discomfort.

At Centre for Surgery, we believe that any medical procedure, no matter how minor, should be worry-free and as comfortable as possible for our patients. If you’re dealing with a pyogenic granuloma, our experienced doctors are ready to assist you.

Our first step is to invite you for an in-depth consultation at our Baker Street clinic. Here, one of our doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination of your pyogenic granuloma, and also take a detailed medical history. Based on this assessment, if removal is deemed necessary, we’ll schedule an appointment for the procedure.

If you’re pregnant, the advice may be a little different. Since pyogenic granulomas often result from hormonal changes during pregnancy, we may suggest waiting until after your pregnancy to see if the granuloma disappears on its own.

We aim to make the removal procedure as pain-free as possible. Your doctor will administer a local anaesthetic. You might feel a small sting at the start, but after that, you should feel no discomfort at all. Depending on the size and complexity of your granuloma, it’ll likely be surgically removed and stitched up. This procedure usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

After the procedure, we’ll guide you on scar care to ensure proper healing and minimal visibility of the scar. The great news is that the removal of a pyogenic granuloma involves minimal downtime. You can usually return to work and your regular activities immediately after your procedure. However, your doctor might advise you to avoid heavy exercise for about a week to prevent any potential re-injury to the treated area.

Traditional treatments for pyogenic granuloma have included surgical removal, cauterisation, or cryotherapy. However, advancements in laser technology have introduced the Fotona laser as a modern, effective alternative. Here, we delve into the numerous benefits of using the Fotona laser for treating pyogenic granuloma.

One of the primary advantages of the Fotona laser is its precision. This technology allows for targeted treatment, focusing directly on the affected area without causing damage to the surrounding healthy skin. This precision minimises scarring, a significant concern for many patients, especially when the growths appear on visible areas like the face or hands.

Moreover, the Fotona laser is renowned for its minimal discomfort. Unlike more invasive procedures, laser treatment is generally less painful, making it a preferable option for patients who are apprehensive about pain. The procedure is typically quick, and patients can often return to their normal activities shortly after treatment, which is not always the case with more traditional methods.

Another key benefit of the Fotona laser is the reduced risk of infection. Since the laser seals blood vessels as it works, it minimises bleeding and lowers the chance of bacteria entering the wound. This aspect of the treatment is particularly advantageous for individuals with a higher risk of infection or slow healing.

Additionally, the healing process following Fotona laser treatment is usually faster compared to other methods. The laser promotes natural collagen production, aiding in the healing of the skin. This quicker recovery period is not only convenient for patients but also reduces the duration of any potential discomfort associated with the treatment.

Furthermore, the Fotona laser offers a high success rate in the complete removal of pyogenic granuloma. The recurrence rate after laser treatment is comparatively lower than with some traditional methods, making it a reliable long-term solution for patients seeking to avoid repeat procedures.

Recovering from pyogenic granuloma removal is generally quick and uncomplicated, but as with any medical procedure, proper aftercare is essential to prevent complications and ensure the best possible healing outcome. Here are some guidelines:

Wound Care

After the procedure, the wound will be bandaged. It would be best if you kept this bandage clean and dry. Typically, you can remove the bandage and gently wash the area after 24 to 48 hours, depending on your doctor’s instructions.

Pain Management

After the local anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some discomfort or mild pain. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as paracetamol, can usually manage this effectively.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

You should avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for about a week after the procedure to prevent the wound from disturbing itself and allow it to heal properly.

Watch for Signs of Infection

While infections are rare, it’s important to look for signs such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If you notice any of these or develop a fever, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Scar Management

Once the wound has healed, there may be a scar. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to minimise scarring. This may include massaging the area with a moisturising cream, using silicone sheets or gels, and protecting the area from the sun.

Follow-up Appointment

You’ll likely have a follow-up appointment to check on the healing process and remove any stitches if used.

Remember, each person’s healing process can vary, so it’s important to follow the specific aftercare instructions given by your doctor at Centre for Surgery. They’re designed to ensure your comfort and speedy recovery.