Minor Procedures & Wound Care
In-rooms minor surgical procedures performed at the practice in George Central. Both Dr Ethan Chellan and Dr Claudia Lakay perform a range of procedures including wound care and suturing, skin lesion removal, abscess drainage, punch biopsy, IUD insertion, and pap smears. Most procedures complete in a single visit under local anaesthetic, without hospital referral.
Provided by Dr Ethan Chellan and Dr Claudia Lakay, MBChB (Stellenbosch University).
What we offer
Wound care and suturing
Acute wound assessment, cleaning, and closure with suturing where indicated. Most clean lacerations are sutured at the same visit; deeper or contaminated wounds may require a brief cleaning or imaging step before closure. A tetanus booster is given on the same visit if the last booster was over 5 years ago and the wound is dirty, deep, or contaminated. Routine dressing reviews and suture removal are done at the practice 5 to 10 days post-procedure depending on the wound site.
Skin lesion removal
Removal of moles, cysts, lipomas, warts, skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses, and similar benign lesions. The visit starts with a clinical assessment to determine the appropriate removal technique (shave excision, full-thickness excision, punch biopsy, electrocautery, or cryotherapy). Histology is sent to an accredited pathology lab for any lesion that requires it. Most lesions are removed under local anaesthetic at the same visit if you are comfortable proceeding. For lesions where assessment suggests possible malignancy, we refer to a dermatologist or surgeon rather than removing in-rooms. See our patient guide to skin lesion removal for the full assessment, removal options, histology, and aftercare detail.
Abscess drainage
Incision and drainage of cutaneous abscesses (boils, infected sebaceous cysts, infected hair follicles) under local anaesthetic. Drainage is typically a brief procedure with same-day relief; we send a swab for culture if antibiotic guidance is needed and provide a follow-up dressing review at 2 to 3 days.
Punch biopsy
Diagnostic punch biopsy for skin lesions where histology is needed before further management. The biopsy site is closed with a single suture and removed at follow-up. Histology turnaround is typically 5 to 7 working days; we contact you with results.
IUD insertion and removal (Dr Lakay)
Both copper and hormonal IUDs are inserted in-rooms by Dr Lakay. Insertion is done with current evidence-based pain management, including local anaesthetic where appropriate. Most patients have the consultation and the insertion in a single visit. See our patient guide to choosing an IUD for the full comparison of copper and hormonal options.
Pap smears and cervical screening (Dr Lakay)
Cervical screening with primary HPV testing (the current best-practice method) and reflex cytology where indicated. The sample is sent to an accredited pathology lab and results are usually back within a week. See our patient guide to cervical screening for the screening interval, what the visit involves, and what abnormal results mean.
Aesthetic medicine (from Q3 2026)
Aesthetic medicine becomes available from Q3 2026 under Dr Lakay. The service will cover injectable treatments and skin procedures appropriate to a primary care setting. We do not currently offer aesthetic medicine services in-rooms; routine medical-indication procedures (skin lesion removal for clinical indication, mole assessment, and similar) continue under standard primary care.
How a minor procedure visit works
Most minor procedure visits run 30 to 45 minutes total, including consent, anaesthetic onset, the procedure itself, and post-procedure dressing and instructions.
Before the visit. Eat normally and take your usual medications unless told otherwise. If you are on blood thinners (warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, aspirin, clopidogrel), tell reception at booking; some procedures require a brief medication review before proceeding. Wear loose clothing that gives access to the area being treated.
At the visit. The doctor reviews the procedure with you, confirms consent, and answers questions. Local anaesthetic is administered (small injection, brief sting, then numbness within 1 to 2 minutes). The procedure is performed; most take 5 to 20 minutes. The wound is closed (suture, adhesive, or dressing depending on the procedure). You receive aftercare instructions and a follow-up plan.
After the visit. Most patients drive themselves home and resume normal activities within hours. Specific restrictions (no heavy lifting, no swimming, keep the wound dry for 48 hours) depend on the procedure and are explained at the visit. Pain is usually well controlled with over-the-counter analgesia.
Follow-up. Suture removal, dressing review, or histology results discussion happens 5 to 10 days post-procedure depending on the procedure. We schedule the follow-up at the same visit so you do not need to remember to book it.
When we refer rather than perform in-rooms
Some procedures look minor but are better done by a specialist. We refer rather than perform in-rooms when:
- Suspected skin malignancy. Lesions where the clinical or dermoscopy assessment suggests possible melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma go to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for excision with appropriate margins and pathology coordination.
- Cosmetically significant lesions on the face. Removal of facial lesions where the cosmetic result matters more than the medical urgency is often better done by a plastic surgeon or aesthetic-medicine practitioner.
- Deep or large lesions. Lesions deeper than the dermis, or larger than approximately 1 cm where wound closure would benefit from advanced suturing techniques, go to a surgeon.
- Genital, intraoral, or eyelid procedures. These anatomical sites are referred to the appropriate specialist (urologist, dentist, oculoplastic surgeon).
- Children under 12 for non-urgent procedures. Where general anaesthesia or paediatric procedural sedation is needed, we refer to a paediatric surgeon.
- Suspected foreign body imaging. Wounds with possible retained glass, metal, or organic material that need imaging before closure go for an X-ray or ultrasound first.
When we do refer, we send notes, photos where helpful, and any relevant clinical history. You stay our patient through the referral pathway, and we manage your overall care alongside the specialist input.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral from another doctor for a minor procedure?
No. Minor procedures within GP scope (wound care, skin lesion removal, abscess drainage, punch biopsy, IUD insertion, pap smears) can be booked directly. Suspected skin malignancy, cosmetically significant facial lesions, and other procedures requiring specialist input do require a referral, which we can arrange.
Will the procedure hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used for almost all in-rooms procedures. The injection itself is briefly uncomfortable; once the anaesthetic takes effect (1 to 2 minutes), the procedure itself is typically painless. Some pressure or movement sensation is normal. Post-procedure pain is usually mild and well controlled with over-the-counter analgesia.
How long does a minor procedure visit take?
Most minor procedure visits run 30 to 45 minutes total, including consent, anaesthetic onset, the procedure itself, and post-procedure dressing and instructions. The procedure itself is usually 5 to 20 minutes; the rest is preparation and aftercare.
Can I drive myself home after a procedure?
Yes for almost all in-rooms procedures done under local anaesthetic. We do not use sedation or general anaesthesia at the practice, so you are safe to drive immediately after most visits. Procedures involving sedation are referred to a hospital setting.
Will my medical aid cover the procedure?
Most major South African medical aid schemes cover medically-indicated minor procedures under standard primary care benefits. The cost depends on the specific procedure code, materials used (sutures, dressings, biopsy fees), and whether histology is sent. Reception confirms expected cost at booking and any out-of-pocket gap is payable on the day. Aesthetic procedures (when launched Q3 2026) are typically self-paid.
Will the lesion you remove be sent for histology?
Any lesion where histology is clinically indicated is sent. This includes lesions that are changing, atypical, or where the clinical assessment cannot definitively say whether they are benign. Routine skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses, and clearly benign lesions are typically not sent for histology unless requested. The doctor discusses this with you at the visit.
What if the histology shows something concerning?
We contact you to discuss results within 5 to 7 working days of receiving the histology report. If the report shows malignancy or pre-malignancy, we explain the findings, refer to a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or oncologist as appropriate, and provide the referral notes. Where wider excision is needed, the specialist coordinates that next step.
Can I have multiple lesions removed in one visit?
Often yes, depending on size, location, and total local anaesthetic dose. For multiple small lesions, removing 2 to 4 in one visit is reasonable. For larger lesions or more than 4 small ones, we usually split across two visits to keep within safe local anaesthetic dosing and maintain post-procedure comfort.
For women's-health-specific procedures (cervical screening, IUDs, contraception, antenatal), see our women's health service page.
Who performs this service
Both doctors perform in-rooms minor procedures across the practice. The doctor you see depends on your existing care relationship and the type of procedure; reception will guide which booking type fits.
Dr Ethan Chellan
MBChB (Stellenbosch University). Performs in-rooms minor surgical procedures including wound care and suturing, abscess drainage, skin lesion removal, and punch biopsy. He assesses each procedure for suitability or referral and coordinates onward management where wider excision or specialist input is needed. Read more about Dr Chellan.
Dr Claudia Lakay
MBChB (Stellenbosch University), Basic Surgical Skills. Performs in-rooms procedures including pap smears and cervical screening, IUD insertion and removal (copper and hormonal), abscess drainage, punch biopsy, skin lesion excision, and other women's-health-related minor surgical procedures. Aesthetic medicine services launch under Dr Lakay from Q3 2026. Read more about Dr Lakay.
Book your minor procedure visit
Book online or call reception. Mention the procedure type at booking so we can plan the visit length appropriately. For wound care, walk-in availability is offered when capacity allows; call ahead.
NeoHealth
Suite 12, Prince Vintcent Square
Gloucester Avenue, George Central, 6530
Western Cape, South Africa
Walking distance from Mediclinic George. Undercover parking available in Prince Vintcent Square.