Minor Surgical Procedures in Point Cook

Cuts and minor injuries

Healthdirect advises seeing a doctor or nurse within 2 to 6 hours for a wound that will not stop bleeding, is gaping or more than a few millimetres deep, is dirty, sits over a joint, or comes from a bite. Gaping or deep wounds may need stitches, glue or staples.

You should also see a doctor within a day if it has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccine, or you cannot remember. The suture and minor injuries page covers wound care afterwards.

Ear wax and ear irrigation

Wax normally clears itself, but it can build up and block the ear, causing muffled hearing or a full feeling. Healthdirect warns against cotton buds, which push wax further in. Wax-softening drops from a pharmacy can help, and if the ear stays blocked a doctor or practice nurse may use a syringe with body-temperature water to float the wax out.

Read the ear irrigation page before booking, as some people with past ear surgery or a perforated eardrum need a different approach.

Iron infusions

When iron tablets have not worked, cannot be absorbed or cause problems, your doctor may suggest an iron infusion, which delivers iron straight into a vein. Healthdirect notes that infusions are also used when levels need to rise quickly, such as before surgery or late in pregnancy, and that a second dose, if needed, is usually given at least a week later.

A recent blood test confirming low iron is needed first, and Dorevitch Pathology collects on site.

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail that keeps coming back, or becomes red, swollen and painful, may need a small procedure under local anaesthetic to remove the edge of the nail. The ingrown toenail surgery page explains the procedure and recovery.

Minor surgery services: preparing and fees

Mention the procedure when you call or book online, so the right appointment is booked. Tell the doctor about blood thinners, allergies to local anaesthetic or dressings, diabetes and any problems with healing. Wear loose, open footwear for toenail surgery, and before you leave, ask about pain relief and when to return for a dressing check or stitch removal.

Juniper is a mixed billing practice and each doctor sets their own fees. Iron infusions and ingrown toenail removal have set procedure fees, listed on the fees page.

When to go to hospital instead

Call 000 or go to an emergency department for heavy bleeding that pressure does not stop, a deep wound to the face, hand or eye, a suspected broken bone, or any injury with loss of consciousness.

Common questions

Minor Surgical Procedures

• Suture and Treating Minor InjuriesStitches and wound care for cuts and minor burns.
• Ear Syringing / IrrigationClearing blocked ears with warm-water irrigation.
• Iron InfusionTopping up low iron stores directly through a vein.

Other services

• Immunisation Services
• Preventive Healthcare
• Family Planning
• Women’s Health
• Heart and Lung Care Services
• Chronic Disease Management
• Skincare and Treatments
• Mental Health Services