Skin Cancer Surgery
Excision & Reconstruction
Skin cancer surgery involves the removal of cancerous or potentially cancerous skin lesions. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, making early diagnosis and appropriate treatment extremely important. If you have a suspicious lesion, please seek prompt medical assessment.
Important: In accordance with AHPRA guidelines, a minimum 7-day cooling-off period applies between your initial cosmetic surgery consultation and any procedure. The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. A consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is required to discuss your suitability.
What may be addressed
- Complete removal of basal cell carcinoma
- Complete removal of squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma excision
- Functional and cosmetic reconstruction after excision
- Minimising recurrence risk
Who may be suitable
This procedure may be considered for patients who meet the following criteria. Suitability is highly individual and must be assessed through a consultation with Dr Anavekar.
- Have suspicious skin lesions
- Have biopsy-confirmed skin cancers
- Have changing moles or skin spots
- Have non-healing lesions
The procedure
Skin cancer surgery may involve surgical excision, flap reconstruction, skin grafting, or complex facial reconstruction depending on lesion size and location. The goal is complete cancer removal with optimal functional and cosmetic reconstruction.
- Surgical excision with appropriate margins
- Flap reconstruction where required
- Skin grafting where appropriate
- Complex facial reconstruction for larger or complex lesions
- Technique tailored to lesion size and location
Recovery
Recovery timeframes are approximate and vary between individuals. Dr Anavekar will provide personalised guidance on what to expect during your recovery.
Mild discomfort and temporary swelling
Most wounds healing well
Regular skin checks essential
Risks & considerations
As with all surgical procedures, skin cancer surgery carries risks. These will be discussed in detail during your consultation, and Dr Anavekar will explain how they apply to your individual circumstances. Potential risks include, but are not limited to:
- Scarring
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Delayed healing
- Recurrence of skin cancer
- Changes in sensation
Frequently asked questions
Will I have a scar?
Any surgical excision will leave a scar, though careful surgical planning aims to minimise visibility. Individual outcomes vary.
How important is follow-up?
Regular skin checks are extremely important after treatment for skin cancer. Your surgeon will discuss an appropriate follow-up plan.
Arrange a consultation
The right approach to any surgical procedure begins with a thorough, personalised consultation. Dr Anavekar will assess your individual circumstances and discuss all available options with you.
Book a ConsultationCall 03 9075 0005Your Surgeon
Dr Namrata Anavekar
MBBS (Hons) · FRACS · Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Anavekar is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons with international fellowship training in Switzerland and France, including experience with world-leading reconstructive and aesthetic surgical teams.
Learn more about Dr Anavekar →Clinic Locations
Bulleen (Main)
26 Manningham Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105
Sunbury
Goonawarra Medical Centre, 1-5 Dornoch Dr, Sunbury VIC 3429
Educational information only: The content on this page is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Individual results vary: Surgical outcomes vary between individuals and depend on a range of personal factors. No specific outcome can be guaranteed.
Cooling-off period: In accordance with AHPRA guidelines, a minimum 7-day cooling-off period applies between an initial cosmetic surgery consultation and any procedure. No cosmetic surgery will be performed during or immediately after an initial consultation.
Related procedures
Take the first step
A consultation with Dr Anavekar is the first step in understanding whether skin cancer surgery may be appropriate for your individual goals and circumstances.