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Kids Health Information

External angular dermoid

  • Pain control

    Administer medications as required for pain (paracetamol or ibuprofen available from pharmacies without prescription). Local anaesthetic is injected into the area at the time of surgery; this should wear off within 24 hours and an increase in pain may occur when the local anaesthetic ceases to have effect.

    Dressings

    Keep dressings clean, dry and intact until review.

    Pathology

    The piece of tissue that has been removed is sent to pathology for identification. The results should be available at your next appointment.

    Activities

    Avoid strenuous activities to prevent damage to the suture line.

    What to expect

    The area that was cut will have a scar. Every effort is made to minimise the scarring and achieve the best cosmetic result for your child. You will be given instructions at your review appointment on what to do to prevent poor healing and bad scarring. This may include the use of tapes or massage with sorbolene cream or aloe vera. Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months and always use a strong sunscreen if sun exposure is unavoidable. The final result may not be seen for at least one year. Absorbable sutures ("stitches") are usually used although this depends on the age of your child. Any non-absorbable sutures will be removed at the follow-up appointment.

    Medical attention

    Seek medical attention in the event of:

    • Increasing pain or pain not relieved by medication
    • Persistent fever
    • General unwellness
    • Wound discharge or increasing redness
    • A sudden increase in swelling after 24 hours

    Follow-up

    Your follow up appointment will be at one of the following:

    • Plastic Surgery Outpatients (Registrar Clinic), Blue Desk, Ground Floor Royal Children's Hospital (morning appointment)
    • Consultant Clinic 
    • Consultant Private Rooms 
    • Local doctor

    If you are unable to keep your appointment please call to reschedule.

    Contact

    Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Office - 9345 5391
    Outpatient appointments - 9345 6180
    Plastic Surgery Resident or Registrar - via switchboard on 9345 5522


    Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Speech Pathology and Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

    Reviewed November 2015.

    Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.


Disclaimer  

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.