Skin Cancer Clinic in Sutherland Shire, Sydney
Skin cancers check, detection and treatment
- Early skin cancer screening
- Body Mole checks
- Body Photography
- Dermatoscopy examination
- Medical topical treatments to treat early skin cancers
- Surgical modalities with histopathological examination
- Latest techniques in skin cancer prevention and treatment including skin resurfacing to repair damaged skin cells
- Gentle treatment options including sedation with the option of general anaesthetic at major accredited Private Hospitals
- Treatment with a focus on aesthetic outcomes and scar minimisation
Skin Cancer Clinic
Skin cancer surgery involves removing the tumor and then reconstructing it. Depending on the size and location of the tumour the skin can either be pulled together and closed. If the skin cancer is larger and depending on the location, you might need a skin flap or graft.
A graft is skin and sometimes cartilage that is disconnected from its blood supply and moved to a different location. It survives by in growth of blood supply from the recipient bed. Grafts need to be kept dry for 1-2 weeks depending on the location of the graft.
All scars need to be protected from the sun for about one year after surgery to prevent them getting darker. This can be with taping, sunscreen or barrier clothing as necessary.
How can I prepare for surgery?
What you do is vital to the success of the operation. Before the operation:
- Stop smoking as this significantly increases complications rates. You cannot smoke for 6 weeks prior and 6 weeks after surgery.
- Stop all blood thinners unless previously discussed with Dr Hadi. Please stop any over the counter medications that might thin the blood. You will be given an extensive list during your consultation. Please check any over the counter medications to see whether they contain these ingredients.
- Shower the morning of surgery with a medicated soap. These reduce the bacteria living on the skin and there is evidence it reduces chance of infection.
Where will the procedure be performed?
The procedure can be performed at The Swan Clinic or at Kareena Hospital depending on your preference and the extent of the procedure.
How long will the procedure take
You will need to be fasted at least six hours before surgery. The procedure usually takes around 1-2 hours.
After the procedure you will be given something to eat and drink and we will look after you to ensure you are feeling well. You will be given antibiotic tablets and pain relief tablets to take home so that you can be comfortable. You will be given Dr Hadi’s number to contact her if you have any concerns or questions post operatively.
What about showering?
You can generally shower from the next day. We will confirm this with you.
When can I go back to work?
You generally need 1-2 weeks off work. If it is a leg skin cancer, you might need longer depending on its size and location.
What about exercise?
Please avoid heavy exercise for two to four weeks after the procedure.
What about Swimming?
Generally 2 weeks of swimming avoidance is preferred depending on what type of reconstruction you have had.
What about the sutures?
Sutures will need to be removed around 1 week for flap repair. Graft sutures are generally dissolvable.
What about scar management?
Initially all flaps need to be taped to help with healing. Silicone gel is then usually applied from two weeks post operatively for six weeks, depending on how the wound heals.
Grafts need to have moisturised for a few months after surgery.
What can you do after surgery?
Your part in the operation is essential. You can help achieve the best possible outcome by:
- Keep the operative area elevated.
- Keep the area clean
- Take tablet antibiotics as prescribed to avoid infection
- Do not smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery
- Come back for regular review as detailed in the next section to ensure your healing is progressing at each stage.
What about post-operative visits?
As a minimum, you will be seen by Dr Hadi one week after surgery, two weeks after surgery, six weeks after surgery and twelve weeks after surgery. Further follow up depends on how the wounds are healing. Some patients come back to see us at the one-year mark. This is so that you can have the best possible outcome.
Please call the Swan Clinic on 9526-6885 following your surgery to ensure we have booked all your follow up appointments.
As our patient at the The Swan Clinic, you will be well looked after and can count on our honesty, as we always have your wellbeing in mind.
Please feel free to contact us if you have further questions.