Minor Surgery & Skin Procedures in Singapore
Same-Day Assessment & Treatment by a Plastic Surgeon
Small problems don’t always need big surgery.
Many skin and soft tissue conditions can be assessed and treated on the same visit, without hospital admission. At Doctor Stitch, all procedures are performed by Dr Ng Zhi Yang, our dual-accredited UK and Singapore plastic surgeon, under local anaesthesia in a clinical setting.
Whether you have a lump that needs removing, a suspicious lesion that needs a biopsy, or a hand condition causing pain or catching, we aim to keep management simple and straightforward where the clinical situation allows.
1. Skin Cancer
A new or changing lesion - one that bleeds, itches, grows, or simply looks different - warrants prompt assessment. Dr Ng is trained in the full surgical management of skin cancer, from initial biopsy through to wide local excision and reconstruction where required. For cases needing more extensive reconstruction, Dr Ng can manage continuity of care through ZNG Plastic Surgery.
Learn more about skin cancer assessment and excision.
2. Scar Revision
Established scars, whether from trauma, surgery, burns, or poorly healed wounds, can often be improved with the right combination of treatments. At Doctor Stitch, scar assessment and revision are led by a plastic surgeon with specific training in wound healing. Treatment ranges from steroid injections and silicone therapy through to surgical revision, laser, and nanofat grafting depending on the scar type and clinical history. Not all scars are suitable for the same treatment however, so an accurate assessment is the essential first step.
Learn more about scar revision.
3. Trigger Finger & Hand Conditions
Common hand conditions including trigger finger, ganglion cysts, De Quervain's tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can often be managed in clinic with injection or minor surgery under WALANT (wide awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet), without the need for hospital admission.
4. Cysts & Lipomas (Lumps & Bumps)
Sebaceous cysts (aka epidermal cysts) and lipomas are among the most common soft tissue lumps we treat. Both can be removed under local anaesthesia in a single visit when straightforward. Closure is performed with care to minimise scarring. Excised tissue is sent for laboratory analysis as appropriate.
Learn more about removal of such lumps and bumps.
5. Abscesses
Facial and hand abscesses require timely drainage to prevent spread and protect one's appearance and function. Assessment by a plastic surgeon is particularly important for hand abscesses, where knowledge of the underlying anatomy reduces the risk of damage to tendons and nerves during treatment.
6. Moles & Skin Tags
Moles and skin tags can be removed for cosmetic reasons or where there is clinical concern about the appearance or growth pattern of a lesion. If it gets in the way, gets caught and bleeds, that is also a medical indication for removal. All removed moles are sent for laboratory analysis to make sure there is no skin cancer. Surgical excision with cosmetic closure is the preferred approach for lesions where appearance matters.
Learn more about mole removal.
7. Ingrown Nails
Ingrown toenails and fingernails causing pain or recurrent infection can be managed surgically under local anaesthesia. Partial or total nail avulsion with phenolisation is offered where appropriate, with a low recurrence rate.
What to Expect
All consultations begin with a focused assessment by our specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Ng Zhi Yang. If same-day treatment is appropriate, this is offered at the same visit. You will be advised clearly if a separate procedure booking or further investigation is needed before treatment. There is NO hospital admission for any of the procedures listed above - you attend clinic, are treated under local anaesthesia, and go home the same day.
Fees & Medisave, Insurance
Minor surgery fees in Singapore are governed by the MOH Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). At Doctor Stitch, all fees are transparently discussed before any procedure is agreed. As per MOH, consultation fees, medications and tests, if required, are charged separately. Below is a worked example to help you understand what to expect.
Worked Example - 2cm Lipoma Removal
A typical breakdown at Doctor Stitch in a clinic procedure room setting (before GST):
-
Surgeon fee = $1,400 - $2,000 (MOH recommended range for SA730S (Table 1C)
-
Consultation = $150
-
Histology = $350
-
Supplies/consumables = approx. $100 (e.g. local anaesthetic, syringe, needles, dressings, sutures)
-
Follow-up +/- stitch removal = $150
-
Estimated total = $2,150 - $2,750
-
Medisave claimable for surgeon fee (Table 1C) = $490
Estimated total out-of-pocket (from consult to surgery and follow-up) = $1,660 - $2,260
If eligible for Flexi-MediSave (see below), then estimated total out-of-pocket = $1,260 - $1,860
Further deduction through CHAS = approx. $1,200 - $1,800
If the same procedure were performed at a day surgery centre, facility fees add around 20% to the overall bill. While Medisave allows up to $830 to be used to offset such fees, the total bill rises proportionally, resulting in a similar or higher out-of-pocket amount for most patients.
If the lipoma procedure above was done in day surgery (before GST):
-
Surgeon & facility fees = $1,400 - $2,000 + approx. $1000 = $2,400 - $3,000
-
After Medisave deductions = ($2,400 - $3,000) - $490 - $830 = $1,080 - $1,680
-
Consultation, follow-up, histology, consumables = $150 + $150 + $350 + $300 = $950
Estimated total out of pocket (from consult to surgery and follow-up) = $2,030 - $2,630
If eligible for Flexi-MediSave (see below), then estimated total out-of-pocket = $1,630 - $2,230
Further deduction through CHAS = approx. $1,570 - $2,170
In most cases, a clinic procedure room via Doctor Stitch is more cost-efficient than day surgery, with the same surgical standard and significantly less administrative complexity. Given the above example, the final out of pocket difference is around 20-30% (e.g. $370/1200 = 31%; $370/1800 = 21%)
For those with personal medical insurance, coverage (up to 100%) depends on your individual policy. We can assist to help with your insurance claims.
A Note on Medisave
Medisave can be used to offset the claimable portion of eligible procedures. However, for minor surgery typically falling under Table 1A to 2A, the claimable amount is in the range of $240 to $760 (please see the link for claimable amounts for procedures that increase in complexity, from Table 2B onwards)
For older patients (60 and above), we generally recommend preserving your Medisave for major procedures or hospitalisation, and instead utilising the Flexi-MediSave scheme which can be applied towards outpatient costs for consultation and follow-up visits. Up to $400 a year from the patient's or the spouse's Medisave can be used to reduce immediate out-of-pocket costs. Further reduction of outpatient costs is possible through CHAS.
We are happy to discuss fees and Medisave applicability at your consultation before any decision is made. There is no obligation to proceed.
Please note that the above are for illustrative purposes and do not constitute a financial quote
Book an Appointment
Come in for assessment. If it’s simple, we treat it simply.
All procedures and minor surgeries are performed by Dr Ng Zhi Yang, dual-accredited (UK & SG) plastic surgeon practising in Singapore. For more complex reconstructive cases, continuity of care is available through ZNG Plastic Surgery.
