Skin Cancer Surgery & Removals
Specialist surgical care led by a FRACS Plastic Surgeon
At Heidelberg Dermatology, we aim to achieve complete removal of skin cancers while carefully considering both functional outcomes and the appearance of the skin. Treatment plans are tailored to the location, size and type of lesion, with the goal of preserving as much healthy tissue as possible where clinically appropriate.
Managing Pre-Cancerous Spots
Before a spot becomes a skin cancer, it can appear as a pre-cancerous lesion known as Solar Keratosis (or Actinic Keratosis). These are usually small, crusty or scaly patches of skin caused by years of sun exposure.
Managing these early is an important part of skin health. Surgery is not always needed for these spots, and we provide targeted medical treatments to address them.
Cryotherapy
Using liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove the damaged cells.
Topical Therapies
Specialist creams that treat sun-damaged cells over several weeks.
Specialist Surgical Removal
When biopsy findings confirm a skin cancer, our plastic surgeon performs removals in our specialised clinical rooms. This level of qualified care is important for spots on the face, neck or other visible areas where a neat scar, or scar minimisation, is a priority. We provide surgical management for:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common type of skin cancer. Surgical removal is often recommended to prevent the cancer from growing and causing further damage to surrounding tissue.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
A common type of skin cancer that may require surgical removal to ensure the cancer has been completely excised and to reduce the risk of further spread.
Melanoma
The most serious form of skin cancer. Treatment typically involves surgical removal, often with a wider margin of surrounding skin, to help ensure the cancer has been completely removed.
Atypical Moles
Spots that look suspicious and need removal to confirm they are not cancerous.
Medical Practitioner: FRACS Plastic Surgeon
The Skin Cancer Surgery Journey
Facility: On-site, Specialised Clinical Room.
Surgical procedures are usually scheduled as a separate appointment once the biopsy findings are known. Your care follows a clear, five-step process:
Step 1 | Surgical Planning
A talk about the size and location of the cancer. Your surgeon will explain the technique they will use, such as a removal or a more complex flap or graft.
Step 2 | The Procedure
Performed under local anaesthetic in our purpose designed clinical room. Our surgeon removes the cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy skin and tissue as possible.
Step 3 | Pathology Confirmation
All removed tissue is sent to a specialist lab. A pathologist examines the sample to confirm the diagnosis and verify that the edges are clear of cancer cells.
Step 4 | Wound Care & Recovery
You will receive clear instructions on how to look after your stitches. We provide support to help the healing process and manage the scar.
Step 5 | Follow-up and Review
An appointment to remove stitches and discuss the final pathology findings. We confirm the treatment is finished and set a schedule for your ongoing skin checks.
Specialist Dermatology in North East Melbourne
When was your last professional skin check?
BOOK YOUR SKIN CHECKFrequently Asked Questions
A biopsy is a small sample taken to confirm what a spot is. An excision is a surgical removal where the whole lesion is taken away, along with a small edge of healthy skin, to treat the cancer.
Any time the skin is cut, a scar is part of the healing process. Having a FRACS Plastic Surgeon perform your surgery means they use advanced techniques to make the scar as minimal as is possible.
If you have been diagnosed at another clinic, a referral from your GP or specialist is recommended. A valid referral allows you to access Medicare rebates for your consultation and helps keep your healthcare providers informed of your treatment.
If your skin cancer was diagnosed at Heidelberg Dermatology, we can coordinate your care and surgical management internally.
Pathology results are typically available within three to seven days, although turnaround times can vary depending on the complexity of the specimen. Once we receive the results, we will contact you directly or discuss them with you at your follow-up or stitch removal appointment.