Minor Surgery: Skilled Care, Same-Day Recovery
Minor surgery refers to a range of procedures that are less invasive than major operations, typically performed under local anaesthesia. At The Village Medical Practice, these procedures are designed to be "walk-in, walk-out," allowing you to recover in the comfort of your own home on the same day.Our practitioners combine surgical precision with a focus on long-term health and cosmetic outcomes.
1. Advanced Toenail Surgery (PNA)
For chronic or painful ingrown toenails, we perform Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) with chemical matricectomy.
The Procedure: Rather than removing the whole nail, we remove only the narrow offending sliver (usually 2-3mm).
The "Permanent" Fix: We apply a specialized chemical (Phenol) to the "root" of that sliver. This prevents the edge from ever growing back, boasting a 95% success rate in preventing recurrence (RACGP, 2026).
Recovery: Most patients experience immediate pain relief and can return to light activity within 24–48 hours.
2. Skin Procedures & Cryotherapy
Whether for medical necessity or cosmetic improvement, we manage a variety of skin lesions using the most appropriate modality for the tissue type.
Surgical Excision: Used for moles, cysts, and lipomas. The lesion is removed with a small margin, and the site is closed with fine sutures to minimize scarring.
Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen): A "cold surgery" technique used for skin tags, viral warts, and sunspots (actinic keratoses). It involves a controlled "freeze" that causes the lesion to lift and fall off over several days, often requiring no local anaesthetic (PMC, 2026).
3. Skin Cancer Treatment (Excision & Biopsy)
In Australia’s high-UV environment, early surgical intervention for skin cancer is life-saving.
Suspicious Lesions: If a lesion shows features of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), or Melanoma, we perform a formal excision.
Pathology: Every specimen removed is sent to a laboratory for histopathology. This ensures we have achieved "clear margins" (removed all the cancer) and determines if any further specialized care is required.
The "Mel-MarT-II" Influence: Our practice stays aligned with the latest Australian-led trials (2025-2026) regarding optimal excision margins to ensure maximum safety with minimal tissue loss (MASC, 2026).
4. Contraceptive Procedures
We offer quick, straightforward procedures for Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC).
Contraceptive Implants (e.g., Implanon): A tiny rod inserted just under the skin of the inner upper arm. It provides highly reliable birth control for up to 3 years.
Insertion & Removal: Both procedures take only a few minutes under local anaesthetic. The "subdermal" placement ensures it is discreet and effective immediately if timed correctly with your cycle.
What to Expect on the Day
Consultation: Your GP will explain the procedure, risks, and benefits, and obtain your informed consent.
The Procedure: Performed in our dedicated treatment room using sterile equipment and local anaesthesia to ensure you feel no pain.
Aftercare: You will receive clear instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and when to return for a "wound check" or suture removal (usually 7–14 days later).
Australian Resources & Support
Cancer Council Australia - Skin Cancer: Detailed guides on what to expect after a skin cancer diagnosis.
RACGP - Patient Information: Ingrown Toenails: A deep dive into the PNA procedure and what to expect during healing.
Family Planning Australia: Comprehensive resources on contraceptive implants and other LARC options.