At Advanced Skin Doctors, we focus on skin cancer diagnosis and treatment in Melbourne, helping patients take control of their skin health with skilled, personalised care. Catching and treating skin cancer early can make a world of difference, and our experienced doctors focus on precise removal while keeping your comfort and recovery in mind.
Whether it’s a small lesion that needs monitoring or a more advanced case requiring surgical removal, we make the process clear, efficient, and stress-free. From your first consultation to post-surgery care, we provide tailored treatment plans and ongoing support to ensure the best possible outcome.
Explore our full range of skin cancer services including skin cancer checks and mole mapping.
When Should You Consider Skin Cancer Surgery?
Surgery may be recommended if:
You’ve had a biopsy confirming skin cancer – If testing confirms a lesion is cancerous, removing it promptly reduces the risk of it spreading.
A mole or lesion is changing – If you notice a mole growing quickly, developing uneven borders, or changing colour, it should be assessed for removal.
Skin cancer has returned – If a previously treated area shows signs of regrowth, excision may be needed to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Early intervention is key. If you’ve noticed changes in your skin, it’s best to seek professional advice as soon as possible. Regular skin monitoring with mole mapping can help detect concerning changes before they become serious.
Surgical Skin Cancer Treatments
Tailored Treatment for Every Patient
Every skin cancer case is unique, which is why we take an individualised approach to treatment. Your doctor will assess factors such as your age, overall health, cancer type, size, and location before recommending the best surgical plan for you. Our focus is on thorough removal, effective healing, and preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Surgical Excision: The Most Common Treatment
Surgical excision is the gold standard for treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
- Performed under local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable.
- The cancerous tissue is carefully removed, along with a small margin of healthy skin to lower the risk of recurrence.
- If needed, reconstructive techniques like skin grafts or local flaps may be used to achieve the best cosmetic and functional outcome.
- Stitches are placed, and a protective dressing is applied to support healing.
- For larger or more complex cases, sedation or general anaesthesia may be required. Your doctor will guide you through what approach suits your situation best.
Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Surgery
In some cases, removing skin cancer leaves a larger wound that needs additional care. Our doctors use reconstructive techniques to help the area heal naturally while minimising scarring:
- Direct closure – The wound is stitched together for a smooth recovery.
- Skin grafts – A thin layer of skin from another area is placed over the wound to support healing.
- Local flaps – Healthy skin from a nearby area is repositioned to cover the wound and maintain skin function and appearance.
Before your procedure, your doctor will discuss the best reconstructive option for your case and what to expect during recovery.
Lymph Node Surgery (If Cancer Has Spread)
If skin cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, surgery may be required to remove them and stop further spread. This involves removing affected lymph nodes from the neck, armpit, or groin as part of a broader treatment plan.
Facts You Should Know
Skin Cancer Facts in Australia
- 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70.
- Over 2,000 deaths occur each year from preventable skin cancers.
- 1 in 4 men and 1 in 6 women will face melanoma in their lifetime.
- UV exposure is the primary cause, making sun protection essential year-round.
- Annual skin checks are critical for high-risk individuals, with self-screening every 3 months.
- 95% of cases are treatable with early detection.
- Melanoma is the most common cancer for Australians aged 15-39.
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