FAQ

How long do I need to wait for an appointment?

An urgent appointment may be seen within the same week. A more routine matter may take six weeks as a general rule. In every case a referral from your GP helps to prioritise appropriately.

Do I need a GP letter?

A letter from your GP always helps decide clinical priority. It may also help Dr Purcell understand your underlying health or medical conditions. Particularly if you have a complex medical history.

Where will I get the quickest appointment?

Dr. Purcell’s office is in Naas and clinics are held there every week. The location is easy to access on the N7 just a short distance from the millennium ball.

My elderly Mum is unable to travel. Can she be seen in clinic locally?

Yes she can. Dr. Purcell holds some clinics on site at Aut Even hospital for people unable to travel. The waiting time for an appointment may be a little longer.

I don’t want to travel outside Dublin. Can I get an appointment in Dublin?

Yes you can. Dr. Purcell holds clinics at Suite 6, Beacon Consultants Clinic.

Can I have my procedure at the same time as my appointment?

Some very minor procedures may be suitable to be done in the office, for example a preliminary biopsy. Where instrumentation, lighting etc. are required a theatre booking will be necessary.

Can I drive after my procedure?

As a broad guideline it is okay to drive after a local anaesthetic procedure. If you have a general anaesthetic or sedation it is advised not to drive for twenty four hours.
Specific aspects of your own particular procedure may alter this, for example if a local anaesthetic procedure were near your eye.

Do I need to stop my anticoagulant medication for a skin cancer surgery?

Probably not. If you are on Warfarin Dr. Purcell may ask you to take a blood test two days before your planned procedure. If you require a skin graft, Dr. Purcell may ask you to come off anticoagulants if it safe for you to do so.
Your preoperative clinic visit will help to clarify your own particular situation.

How long will I have sutures?

As a general guide:
On face 5-7days.
On the body 10 days.
On moving parts 12-14 days.

This is a general guide only and Dr. Purcell will give you specific instructions after your own particular procedure

Will I need to change my dressing?

You will receive specific advice at the time of your procedure. In most cases dressings do not require to be changed prior to suture removal.

Where will I get my sutures removed?

The vast majority of sutures are suitable to be removed by the nurse at your local clinic or GP practice. The facility also exists to re-attend at the hospital if you prefer.

Will I have a scar?

All surgical procedures incur a scar and helping this to become hidden over time is an important aspect of your plastic surgery procedure.

Can I swim after my procedure?

No. You must wait until after your wound has healed completely before swimming in a pool, usually a few weeks.

How long will I have sutures?

10-14days.

How long will I have a plaster of Paris?

Usually one week.

Will I need to see a physiotherapist?

Dr. Purcell will guide you at your pre-operative visit about attending hand therapy in the postoperative period.

Can I play golf after my surgery?

Usually it is best to wait until wound healing is complete and plan to be a few weeks off the course.

What payment methods do you accept?

Payment may be made by cash, cheque or credit or debit card.

Will my insurance pay for my consultation?

You will need to pay upfront when you attend your clinic appointment. Depending on your individual plan your insurance company may or may not reimburse for some or all of this payment.

If I book a procedure will my clinic visit fee be deducted from the payment?

No. Your clinic visit is paid either way and no inducement is offered to encourage you to book a procedure.

When do I need to pay for a clinic visit?

You may pay on arrival at the time of your visit.

When do I need to pay for my procedure?

You must settle your account in full prior to your admission.

What does my clinic fee cover?

Your clinic fee covers your consultation with Dr. Purcell, processing of any recommendations or bookings following on from that and follow up advice regarding any biopsy reports.

When will I get my biopsy report?

In general it takes three weeks to progress your tissue sample through the processes of tissue preparation, examination, reporting and follow up.

Will you send the report to my doctor?

Yes. Dr. Purcell will always send a copy to your own doctor.

Will I need to attend clinic again after my procedure?

This depends on the procedure, the biopsy report, the healing wound / scar and what follow on care may be recommended. If you are requested to re-attend at clinic this is not necessarily a bad thing which should cause you worry.

How many lesions can I remove at once?

Generally your insurance will pay for each item to be removed independently. Sometimes where two lesions are close together it may be possible to remove a second item.