Skin Checks are the ‘core’ of good skin cancer management and takes 15-20 minutes to complete. Your entire skin will be examined by a skin doctor with dermoscopy so we ask our patients to avoid wearing make up, remove nail polish and wear easily removable clothing on the day which will allow adequate exposure for a detailed skin check.
Skin cancers requiring urgent assessment can be biopsied immediately with a punch or shave sample under local anaesthetic on the day. Stitches are usually not required and you will be sent home with a dressing that can be removed after two days. The underlying scab should then be cleaned and dressed daily until completely healed.
Do you have a mole which is changing in size, shape or colour? We can assess your mole and formulate an individualised management plan which may include simple reassurance, photography/monitoring or urgent excision.
Our skin cancer doctors are also experienced in cosmetic mole removal under local anaesthetic with minimal down time and good cosmesis. If you have an unsightly mole and would like to consider surgical removal then speak to one of our doctors.
Some thin, early skin cancers and sun spots can be treated in the comfort of your own home with creams such as ‘5-Fluorouracil’ and ‘Imiquimod’ avoiding the risks of surgery. Speak to one of our skin cancer doctors who can advise you on the available options for your skin cancer.
Excision is usually the most effective treatment for skin cancer. Our leading skin cancer facilities use the latest equipment allowing us to excise your skin cancer under local anaesthetic. Most excisions are completed using a simple ellipse that may require stitches. These are usually removed after 1-2 weeks.
Advanced, large and aggressive skin cancers can often require special surgical techniques. Our doctors are experienced in advanced procedures such as skin flaps, skin grafts, wedge excisions and ‘DRAPE’ (Delayed Reconstruction After Pathological Examination)
Skin cancers commonly occur in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears and cheeks. Our skin doctors are experienced in removal of challenging skin cancers whilst maintaining a good cosmetic result. Our doctors can orientate your scar into skin creases which allows the scar to blend with facial lines over time.
Warts, sun spots and some low risk skin cancers (in limited circumstances) can be treated by applying liquid nitrogen to the lesion which freezes and destroys the abnormal cells. The treatment is immediate and completed within seconds with minimal impact on cosmesis.
We can treat some superficial skin cancers with curettage where the lesion is ‘scraped off’ the skin surface under local anaesthetic. This results in a small shallow ulcer that heals naturally leaving a small pale scar and avoids the risks of surgical excision.
When smiling and frowning the overlying skin creases. Anti-wrinkle injections are designed to block the nerve signal to the muscle which relaxes the face and reduces wrinkles. We can treat frown lines, crows feet, forehead lines and more. The results start to appear after 2-3 days and can last 3-5 months.
