SERVICES

GENERAL PROCEDURES

Foreign Body Removal

What is foreign body removal?

Foreign body removal involves resection of a harmful foreign object from the body, including the skin, soft tissue, arms, wrists, and hands. For example, a foreign body in the skin can be anything from a glass shard to a fishhook to a wood splinter. Serious, deep wounds can pose a greater risk of excessive bleeding or infection, underscoring the importance of seeking urgent treatment, especially when the foreign body is deeply embedded within the skin or muscle.


Plastic surgery may be necessary in some cases of foreign body removal. This could be when the foreign body is causing further irritation to the area or when there is an increased risk of infection or abscess. In such situations, plastic surgery can help to effectively remove the foreign body and promote healing.

How do you remove foreign bodies from the skin?

The region around the foreign object is aestheticized, and imaging studies such as a CT scan or X-ray are used to find the foreign body. If the foreign object is a hook, a needle is used to converge over the barb, or a string is used to cover the curve of the hook. An incision is then made with meticulous care around the foreign body, and traction is implemented to remove it. A vacuum-like technique ensures the foreign object is removed completely, highlighting the precision and care involved in the process.

How important is evaluation and localization?

Penetrating injuries can be serious as they may affect the nerves and blood vessels. This is why assessing the patient’s circulation and sensation is crucial. While superficial foreign bodies are easily visible or can be felt, deeper wounds may require advanced visual assistance, such as endoscopy or ultrasound, to locate the objects and determine the severity of the penetration.


FAQ

1What are the associated risks of foreign body impaction and removal?
  • Lacerations
  • Bleeding
  • Abscess
HAND SURGERY
Congenital Hand Deformities Replantation and Trauma of the Hand Soft tissue masses and Cancers of the hand Burns and Reconstructive Burns surgery Peripheral nerve surgery Spasticity Spasticity Surgery Tendinopathies
BREAST SURGERY
Breast Reduction Breast Reconstruction Breast lift Breast Augmentation Male Breast Reduction Revision of Breast Surgery
PAEDIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY
Cleft Lip/Palate Repair Otoplasty
COSMETIC SURGERY
Liposuction Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty – Mini Thigh Lift Arm Lift Labiaplasty Fat Grafting/Transfer Blepharoplasty Lip Lift Non-Surgical Procedures
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Keloidectomy Skin cancer removal Biopsy Lipoma Excision Scar Revision Skin Tag Removal Ear Lobe Repair Foreign Body Removal Nailbed Repair Trauma Lacerations Cyst Excision

Dr Phalafala’s Commitment

Dr Phalafala's success lies in her collaborative, detail-oriented approach to complex surgery. She develops personalised treatment plans focused on each patient’s unique needs, supported by a foundation of empathy, communication, and clinical excellence. Her goal is to provide transformative outcomes through reconstructive and cosmetic surgery that not only enhance form and function but also restore confidence and quality of life.

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