Do I need a referral for the appointment?
You do not require a referral from your GP to make an appointment with us. Appointments can be made directly by either calling us or via our website.
However, if you have a complex medical history, or take many medications, a copy of your medical history or a letter from your doctor would be very useful.
We will usually write a letter back to you GP after your treatment with us so that important skin diagnosis and treatments are communicated back to your GP for continuity of care.
If you have a valid Medicare card you will be eligible for applicable Medicare rebates for your consultation and procedures.
What to expect during my full body skin check?
When you come for your skin check we kindly ask you to remove all make up and tinted moisturiser/sunscreen as it makes assessment of skin lesions difficult. Nail varnishes ideally should be removed as well to allow examination of nails. Untinted sunscreen and moisturiser are ok to use on the day of your skin check.
You will be asked to undress to your underwear to allow examination of your whole skin. Genital area are not routinely examined, however if you have concerned lesions in this area please let your doctor know so the doctor can examine those for you.
If we find suspicious lesions we may take photos to store in your medical record and or take a biopsy of the lesion/s to be sent away for analysis to determine its exact nature.
How long will my full skin check take?
At our practice, you can expect your skin to be thoroughly checked and this takes time. Your appointment is always booked for 30 minutes. However, depending on the number of moles and sun damage you have on your skin, your skin examination may take more or less than the allocated time.
We always try to run on schedule but sometimes some people will require more time for their skin to be checked. We aim to provide the same quality time required by each individual. Therefore if we’re running behind, we kindly ask you to be patient with us. As much as possible, our receptionist will try to give you the heads up by either a courtesy phone call or text message.
What if I wish only to have a few spots checked?
If you have only 2-3 spots that you would like to be checked you can make a ‘spot check’ appointment with us. This appointment if helpful if concerning lesions arise in between your scheduled full skin check appointments. This is usually a 15 min appointment. You can make this appointment online or by calling us.
What is a biopsy?
A skin lesion biopsy is sampling of a suspicious skin lesion and sending it away to the pathologist to find out exactly what the lesion is. This is an important process as correct treatment depends on a firm clear diagnosis. There are many ways to biopsy skin lesion and your doctor will advise you on the most suitable way of biopsy pending on your circumstance.
The doctor may perform single biopsy after your skin check if time allows. If multiple skin biopsies are required, we will organise a separate appointment to get this done for you as soon as possible – usually within a few days.
What skin cancer treatment do you provide?
Treatment may be surgical or non-surgical, depending on what is most suitable for you and may depend on the type, the site, size, and depth of the skin cancer.
We provide both surgical (i.e. excision and curettage of skin cancers) and non-surgical (topical cream, cryotherapy and PDT treatment). There is no one treatment fits all. Your doctor will discuss with you the appropriate options for the particular skin canceryou have, taking into consideration of your general health, medical history and medications you may be taking.
What can I do to make my skin heal faster after EFUDIX or Photodynamic therapy treatment?
Avoiding direct sun exposure for as much as possible and protecting your skin will help with the recovery process.Our clinic also offers Yellow light therapy which can significantly help in:
Our clinic also offers Yellow light therapy which can significantly help in:
- Accelerating wound healing process
- Reducing skin inflammation (redness & swelling)
- Reducing pain
- Skin rejuvenation
It is pain free, non-surgical and non-invasive treatment. Adding yellow light therapy as part of your treatment or after care plan will help optimise healing result, accelerate wound healing, reduce pain & inflammation and therefore reduce your downtime. This treatment is delivered by our trained nurses and bookings can be made through our reception team.
How often will I need a full body skin check?
This will depend on your risk factors for developing future skin cancers. On your first full body skin check appointment a thorough history is taken to assess your risk factors, including your age, history of previous sunburns, history of previous skin cancer diagnosis, family history and other risk factors such as how many moles you have.
Your doctor will then advise you on how often you should have a full body skin check. Some patients will need a full skin check every 3-6 months, others every 12 months and those with low risk may be recommended to have a skin check every 2-3 years.
What if I notice a concerning lesion before my next due full skin check?
It is important to check your skin regularly and know your skin well, as skin cancers can develop between full skin check visits. If you notice the following symptoms please contact us to organise an urgent appointment:
- Significant change in a lesion (colour, shape, size)
- Sore that bleeds easily and not healing
- Tender raised lumps
- New moles if you are over 45 years of age