Surgical Treatment

What Happens If I Need Surgery?

For some cancers, surgical intervention will be the best method of treatment and prevention from further growth. Your doctor will discuss surgery options with you and you are encouraged to ask questions. The most common surgical treatments are excisions, where the skin cancer and a margin of surrounding tissue is cut out of the skin to prevent further growth.

The tissue is then sent off for further inspection to ensure that the cancer cells have been removed entirely. Some excisions may require more complex reconstructive surgery techniques, utilising skin grafts or flap procedures, which in most cases can be performed in our clinic under local anaesthetic. For most surgical procedures there are Medicare rebates available that can often cover more than half the surgical fees.  

Most of the identified skin cancers can be removed in the comfort of our clinic by our trained doctors without the need for any referral to hospital.

If any additional care or treatment is required to treat advanced or especially difficult skin cancers, your doctor will refer you directly to the appropriate specialist to give you the best care possible in the shortest possible time.

What Should I Expect During My Appointment?

When you arrive at the clinic you will be taken into a treatment room and prepared for the surgery. Local anaesthetic will be injected to the excision site ensuring the area is fully numb before the doctor proceeds. The length of the surgery will depend on several factors such as the lesions' size and location on your body, but most surgeries are complete within 20-30 minutes. Where applicable, excisions that require a reconstructive flap or graft technique can be expected to take a bit longer—usually one hour.

The primary goal of skin cancer surgery is to remove the cancer, but the second is to minimise scarring and preserve cosmesis for the patient. There is always the reality of a residual scar post-surgery, though most patients are very satisfied with their results. You will be awake during the surgery and are encouraged to chat with your doctor about any questions you may have. Once the surgery is complete you will be given a post-operative care information sheet to guide you on how to care for the surgical area and arrangements for follow up care made before you leave the clinic on the day.

How Can I Best Prepare For My Appointment?

Whilst your doctor will discuss any specific requirements in the appointment prior to surgery, here are some general guidelines that will help you best prepare:

• Wear loose fitting clothing that will make accessing the lesion as simple as possible.
• Make sure you shower before your procedure as you will be asked to keep the area completely dry for the first 48 hours.
• If the excision is in a sensitive location and may impair your ability to drive, please arrange alternative transportation or a chaperone who may drive you safely home.
• Familiarise yourself with the post-procedure care instructions. This may include details on wound care, medication usage, and when to schedule follow-up appointments.