Minor Procedures

Sometimes patients require some more interventional care. Bluff Road Medical has doctors who provide a range of minor procedures that may require special equipment and/or local anaesthetic. Common procedures done in general practice include; Ear wax removal, Long-acting contraceptive implants and Iron infusion.


Implanon 
Implanon is a contraceptive implant that’s about the size of a matchstick. It releases a hormone called Etonogestrel, which is similar to a hormone your body naturally produces. This hormone can prevent ovulation, thin the lining of your uterus, and thicken mucus to stop sperm from fertilizing an egg. Implanon is effective for up to three years.

Before the procedure, you’ll need a consultation to determine if Implanon is right for you. You’ll fill a prescription at your pharmacy and bring the implant to your appointment. A trained doctor will numb your arm and insert the implant under your skin. Avoid lifting with that arm for 24 hours after the procedure. It can be removed anytime.


Mirena
Mirena is a small, T-shaped device that’s inserted into your uterus by a trained doctor. It releases a hormone called Levonorgestrel, which is similar to a hormone your body naturally produces. This hormone thins the lining of your uterus and thickens mucus, making it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg. It’s effective for five years.

The insertion process is similar to having a Cervical Screening Test. You may experience mild discomfort and spotting afterward, but you can usually return to work the next day. Your GP can remove Mirena at any time.

To discuss whether Mirena or Implanon is suitable for you and learn about possible side effects, call us at 9598 6244. Bookings for insertion must be made over the phone, as our reception will need to provide important details before your appointment.

For more information, please visit the official family planning website (Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au))

An iron infusion is a treatment option for individuals with iron deficiency. While iron supplements are typically taken orally, some people may experience side effects such as stomach discomfort and constipation. In cases where oral iron is ineffective, intolerable or when a rapid increase in iron stores is needed due to severe deficiency, an iron infusion may be recommended.

Our clinic offers iron infusions in our Treatment Room. The procedure involves administering the infusion through an intravenous (IV) cannula inserted into a vein in your elbow crease. The infusion process takes about 10-15 minutes, but you should allow for an hour in total as our nurses will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature at regular intervals throughout the procedure.

Before receiving an iron infusion, you’ll need a consultation to determine if this treatment is suitable for you and to discuss potential side effects. If an iron infusion is deemed appropriate, your doctor will give you a prescription to purchase the necessary medication from your pharmacy, which you’ll bring to your infusion appointment. Please note that new patients must have an initial consultation with a doctor before scheduling a procedure.

Ear wax buildup can become problematic. Bluff Road Medical offers both ear syringing and micro suction to remove ear wax.
Bluff Road Medical nurses as well as a number of the Skin Cancer Doctors can assess and treat wounds with a variety of products and techniques
Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful. The doctors can assess and treat these with a variety of techniques. Please make an appointment with Dr Jason Lam to consider your options.
Other procedures that Bluff Road Medical doctors offer include:

  • Ear lobe repair/ Reconstruction
  • Laceration Repair
  • Scar/keloid Management
  • Plaster Application/ Removal

Dr Jason Lam offers a range of procedures under ultrasound guidance.

Implanon is an excellent long acting contraceptive device. Very rarely they can be difficult to remove and ultrasound is used to help locate and remove Implanon.

Some people have trouble giving blood or having a canula for IV infusions, Ultrasound can be used to help guide the canula insertion for iron infusions or blood tests.

Foreign body removal – similar to Implanon, splinters or other foreign bodies can be difficult to locate and ultrasound is used to help find and remove.

FAQs

We are a privately billing practice and each procedure will be may have variable out of pocket expenses; your doctor will discuss the costs with you at your consultation prior to the procedure.

You generally can return to work and/or certain activities with care, the day of or day after your procedure. Your Doctor will advise you with further specific instructions.