For larger more complex skin cancers, we have Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr James Finkemeyer, MBBS FACS. He is available for consultation for the full breadth of skin related surgery as well as cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body. Dr James Finkemeyer consults patients and performs surgery in our surgical theatre within the comforting surrounds of our clinic. This means all aftercare and suture removal can be performed in one familiar place. Some patients still prefer to go to hospital to have their skin cancers treated with sedation which can easily be facilitated by out team.
Despite the fact that all surgeries will likely result in some form of scar, most are unlikely to be visible. Occasionally however, despite the best surgical techniques, scars can develop that are unsightly. At Skindepth we have a number of laser and light based modalities equipped to treat scars and give you the best outcomes possible. We also have light based treatments that can be used in the early phase of healing to lead to better outcomes.
Medicare rebates apply for surgical procedures performed with a current GP referral. A gap fee applies — please contact the clinic for current fee information.
Referral required.
There are three main classes of skin cancers that we treat here at Skindepth Dermatology. These include Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs), Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC) and Melanomas.
Depending on the diagnosis, there may be other modalities available to treat your skin lesion. However, this is determined following your consultation with a dermatologist.
For example, treatment of superficial skin cancers (BCCs) or precancerous Bowen’s Disease (SCC insitu) may include:
What length of downtime can I expect following a surgical procedure?
Yes – stitches promote optimal wound healing post-lesion removal. In larger excisions, you will leave with two layers of suturing. The innermost layer being dissolvable and the outermost layer being non-dissolvable.
We ask you return to clinic 7-14 days (or as directed) following your procedure for a complimentary wound assessment and stitch removal with our nursing team.
Please contact our nursing staff to discuss your options when it comes to scar management
A skin biopsy may be performed as a punch biopsy, shave biopsy or curettage. These methods, only remove a small percentage of the lesion for the purpose of diagnosis. However, if the pathology necessitates complete excision, further surgery is required.
A full surgical excision involves removing deeper layers of tissue to ensure complete clearance. Therefore, an excision will require multiple layers of stitches and will leave a larger scar than a biopsy. The recovery period is also greater following a surgical excision.
Surgical excisions are a day procedure performed at our St Kilda East clinic. For this reason, you will not require a general anaesthetic for surgery. Our doctors and nurses will ensure that you are comfortable throughout your procedure utilising local anaesthetic injections. The local anaesthetic delivered will provide further pain relief for 2-3 hours following the procedure.
How do I prepare for my surgical procedure at Skindepth Dermatology?
Unfortunately, any trauma to the skin surface will result in a scar (including surgery). At Skindepth Dermatology we have many methods for minimising the appearance of post-surgical scarring, including atrophic and keloid scarring. We offer a post-procedure pack to all our surgical excision patients to ensure post-operative wound care reduces the development of scarring.