Are ganglia causing you discomfort and affecting your quality of life?
If your answer is yes, the good news is you don’t have to live with it…
Because right here at Canova Medical in Wilmslow, Cheshire, we offer ganglion removal — a simple, straightforward surgical procedure that effectively helps eliminate ganglia regardless of their location on the body.
Our medical experts would be more than happy to talk to you in detail about this treatment during a one-on-one consultation, as well as recommend viable alternatives based on your specific cosmetic concerns.
Why choose Canova Medical as your clinic for your surgery?
- Enjoy VIP discretion: You’ll never see another patient at Canova Medical, so your procedure will be performed in utter confidence.
- Highly experienced team: Not only is the quality of the products important, but so is the experience of the Surgeon who will be performing your procedure. The Canova Medical team is skilled, qualified, and experienced – you can meet the team here.
- Results that you’ll love: Whether you want dramatic results or subtle results… the choice is yours. You can see what our patients say about us here.
- Pre-treatment Consultation: In order for our Surgeon to give you the results you need, he will take the time to know you and your preferences. This takes place at a one-hour treatment consultation; the entire appointment will be with the Surgeon who will be performing your surgery.
Your ganglion removal questions answered…
Here’s some information to help you decide if ganglion removal is right for you, though this will be covered in far more detail at your consultation in our North-West clinic.
If you have any other questions, please do contact us. Our friendly team is here to help guide you!
What are ganglia?
Ganglia (plural of ganglion) are small, non-cancerous lumps filled with a jelly-like fluid that often form around joints or tendons. They are most commonly found on the wrists, hands, or ankles. Although they might cause discomfort, pain, or limit movement when they press on nearby nerves or structures, many ganglia are asymptomatic and don’t require treatment unless they cause significant issues.
What is ganglion removal?
Ganglion removal, also known as ganglionectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove ganglion cysts. These cysts are typically removed if they cause pain, restrict movement, or are a cosmetic concern. The procedure can be carried out in different ways:
- Excision: The cyst is cut out along with a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath.
- Aspiration: The fluid inside the cyst is drained with a needle, although this method has a higher recurrence rate compared to excision.
The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia, and the recovery is relatively quick, with patients often returning to their normal activities within a few weeks.
Who is a good candidate for the surgery?
A good candidate for ganglion removal surgery is typically someone who is experiencing pain, discomfort, or limitation in movement due to the ganglion cyst, or finds the cyst cosmetically bothersome. It’s advisable for individuals considering this surgery to have a consultation with a healthcare professional who can assess the ganglion cyst and discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure, ensuring it’s the right choice based on the individual’s health status and personal circumstances.
What else can I expect at the Consultation?
As well as understanding the extent of your cosmetic concerns, your Surgeon will assess your overall physical health. Any medical conditions will be discussed and evaluated, to ensure that you are a good candidate for ganglion removal. The Surgeon will also pay particular attention to any skin conditions you may have. Depending on your medical history, your Surgeon may suggest other alternatives for treatment.
Are the results permanent?
The results of ganglion removal surgery are generally permanent, especially if the cyst is excised completely. However, there is a possibility of recurrence, particularly with aspiration or if the entire root of the cyst isn’t removed during excision. The recurrence rate tends to be lower when the cyst is excised surgically as compared to being aspirated. It’s important to discuss with a healthcare professional about the procedure to have a clear understanding of the expected outcomes and any potential risks of recurrence.
Who performs the surgery?
Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Dr Apostolos Vlachogiorgos MD MSc, will perform your ganglion removal in our clinic.
He has a special interest in Aesthetic Surgery and has worked for many years at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, where he has gained massive experience in Complex Skin Cancer Surgery. Over the last few years, he has also performed a great number of minor cosmetic surgeries, including mole removal, cysts, lipomas and keloids.
Dr Vlachogiorgos has a rich academic background, with a series of publications and active participation in International Plastic Surgery conferences, while he remains a Lecturer at the Queen Mary University of London. He is known amongst his patients for his holistic and detailed consultations, his perfectionism, and his precision.
Is there anything I need to do before the surgery?
You will be fully informed about what you need to do before the surgery; however, minimal preparation is usually needed prior to ganglion removal. In general, you may be asked to use antibacterial soap to thoroughly clean the treatment area(s), avoid shaving within the region, temporarily stop taking certain medications, and avoid consuming food or drinks for a couple of hours before your treatment session.
How much does ganglion removal cost?
The prices start from:
£— for the removal of ganglion
The consultation costs only £90 and lasts 30 minutes.
During your initial assessment, we will discuss your options and provide an exact cost for your procedure. And if you are interested in spreading the cost monthly, we can help you with that too. Our GoCardless options are perfect: no interests, no hidden costs. Simple!
What happens during the surgery?
During ganglion removal surgery:
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area.
- Incision: A small incision is made to access the ganglion.
- Removal: The ganglion cyst is cut out, often along with a part of its root, to prevent recurrence.
- Closure: The incision is closed with stitches.
- Bandaging: The area is bandaged to keep it clean and aid healing.
The procedure typically lasts less than an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home the same day.
What happens after the surgery?
Post ganglion removal surgery:
- Recovery: Initial recovery is quick, but full recovery might take a few weeks.
- Pain Management: Some discomfort is expected; pain medication may be provided.
- Bandage Care: Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Movement Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities initially.
- Follow-up Appointments: To monitor healing and remove stitches.
- Possible Physiotherapy: To regain full movement and strength.
It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions for a successful recovery.
What does the aftercare look like?
While you will be given all the aftercare instructions you need after the surgery, you will typically be advised to:
- Apply ice or cold compresses to the surgical site as per your Surgeon’s instructions
- Relieve discomfort by taking pain-relieving medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as prescribed
- Avoid engaging in high-intensity physical activity for at least a week post-surgery
- Massage and apply moisturiser to the treatment site regularly for about one month
- Wear sunscreen for the next 24 months to protect the area from sunburn
- Ensure the dressings are kept on at all times unless otherwise instructed and keep them clean and away from water as much as possible
- Consult your Surgeon should any pain or discomfort persist for longer than expected
Can ganglia go away on their own without surgery?
Yes, ganglia can sometimes disappear on their own without any surgical intervention. However, the timeframe for this can be quite variable, ranging from a few months to several years. It’s often a gradual process as the fluid within the ganglion cyst is reabsorbed by the body. If the ganglion is not causing any pain or discomfort and is not interfering with movement, waiting and monitoring it may be a reasonable option. Nonetheless, if the ganglion is bothersome or causing issues, discussing treatment options with a healthcare professional is advisable.
What if I have any other questions?
Please contact the friendly team at Canova Medical – we’d be delighted to help you and answer any questions you may have. Our clinic is located closed to Manchester airport and Wilmslow train station.
What’s the next step?
The next step is to arrange a Consultation. This will be with the Surgeon who’ll be performing your surgery. He will take the time to get to know you and your desired outcomes; obtain your medical history; and make recommendations based on your specific needs.
Would you like to be another one of our happy customers? Then take the next step and arrange a consultation to see what we can do for you.