Skin cancer surgery and removal.
For most skin cancers, surgical removal is the preferred treatment. It offers the highest cure rates and, in most cases, faster healing than non-surgical options. At SkinGP, our doctors perform skin cancer surgery under local anaesthetic in the clinic, from small, straightforward excisions to larger and more complex procedures.
Three priorities in every procedure
Remove the cancer completely.
The cancer is excised with a margin of healthy skin, and the tissue is sent to pathology to confirm it has all been removed.
Protect how the area works.
Especially around the face, hands and joints, where movement and function matter.
Minimise scarring.
Careful planning and closure give the best possible cosmetic result.
Types of skin cancer we treat
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
The most common skin cancer. It grows slowly and rarely spreads, but can damage surrounding tissue if left untreated.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Often appears as a scaly, crusted or tender lump on sun-exposed skin. It's important to treat promptly.
Melanoma
Less common but more serious, because it can spread. Early removal can be critical.
YOUR APPOINTMENT
What happens on the day.
01
Your doctor talks you through the procedure, likely scar and fee, and answers your questions.
02
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. You stay awake and comfortable.
03
The cancer is removed and the wound is closed.
04
You're given aftercare instructions and a follow-up appointment.
You'll take home a written aftercare guide and spare dressings. How long you'll need to keep the wound dry and avoid strenuous exercise depends on the size and location of the procedure. A small excision usually means a few days of keeping it dry and a couple of weeks off strenuous exercise; larger procedures, flaps and grafts can need longer. Your doctor will give you instructions specific to you.
After Your Surgery
Follow-up is part of the care pathway at SkinGP. Your doctor will review the pathology results with you, check how the wound is healing, remove stitches if needed (at SkinGP, timed to suit the size and location of the wound), and advise on scar care and future skin checks. Because your images and history are on file, every future check builds on what came before.
Costs
Procedure fees vary depending on the time and complexity of the surgery. Your doctor will explain the fee before proceeding. Concession fees apply for eligible patients. Medicare rebates on eligible procedures are processed on the spot, and pathology is included in the procedure fee. View all fees >
Specialist Referrals
While our Accredited Skin Cancer Doctors are qualified to diagnose and treat the majority of skin cancers, there are circumstances where a referral to a specialist is the most appropriate course of action. For example, where a lesion is in a complex anatomical location or requires specialist reconstructive surgical expertise.
What if I need to be referred to a specialist?
When a referral is made, SkinGP provides the receiving specialist with precise, comprehensive documentation, including biopsy results and high-quality photographic records of all relevant lesions so your care continues without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Procedures at SkinGP are done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb but you're awake and comfortable.
A small excision is usually booked as its own appointment of around 20 to 30 minutes. Larger or more complex procedures take longer, and your doctor will give you an estimate when booking.
It depends on the size and location of the cancer. Most wounds are closed with stitches. Larger or more complex removals may need an advanced technique such as a local flap or skin graft. Your doctor will discuss the approach recommended for your case.
Any surgery leaves a scar, but our doctors plan each procedure to keep it as small and discreet as possible, and advise on scar care afterwards.
The removed tissue is sent to pathology, which checks the edges for cancer cells. Your doctor will go through the results with you.
No. You can book directly with SkinGP. If your case needs a specialist, we'll arrange the referral.
Ready to
book your appointment?
No referral required. Book directly online via AutoMed or call us on (03) 9969 5000. New patients are welcome.