Skin cancer surgeon Brisbane
“In order to stop skin cancer, we have to spot it on time”
Plastic surgeon Brisbane
When to see a skin cancer surgeon?
Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, and Queensland is infamously known as the “skin cancer capital of the world”.
It’s all good and well to label our state with a fancy title. The message I want to get across is a different one. Most skin cancers are curable and early prevention is key. Get checked regularly.
Skin cancer surgeon Brisbane
In Australia we recommend to get your skin checked every year. In cases of early detection where the skin cancer is small, minor surgery can be performed by a GP or dermatologist. If the removal is more complex – because the lesion is large, or is on your face – then you need a skin cancer surgeon.
As a plastic surgeon, I have years of experience in all types of reconstructive surgery for skin cancer excisions. The complexity of the surgery varies based on the size and location of the lesion being removed. For example, if the skin cancer is on your face you’re in excellent hands with a plastic surgeon, because we have been trained to minimise scarring.
Skin cancer surgeon Brisbane
Delaying your annual skin check may have serious consequences. When there is cancer present, even if it’s just dermal, taking an extra centimetre of skin off makes a big difference when it’s on your eyelid or nose.
Skin cancer surgery
The impact of the pandemic on skin cancer
Sadly, one in seven cancer patients missed operations due to pandemic lockdowns. In June 2022, 109 new patients presented with skin cancers to my rooms, compared to 50 patients in June 2019.
Those numbers will only grow because the backlog from both the public and private hospital systems are starting to collide. Queensland Health is sending public patients to private skin cancer surgeons because the public ones are fully booked.
Skin cancer surgeon Brisbane
It’s particularly worrying for patients with melanoma or a squamous cell carcinoma. These tumours grow more aggressively compared to a basal-cell carcinoma which might only slowly progress over a year or so.
But whatever the underlying cancer, delaying diagnosis and treatment may have serious implications for patients. If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, you then have to go through chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy on top of the surgery to remove the skin cancer.
Skin cancer surgeon Brisbane
With COVID-19 restrictions having eased, now is the time to book an appointment and get your skin checked.
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Plastic Surgery Queensland
Suite 2.01
Mater Private Clinic
550 Stanley Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Gold Coast
109 W. Burleigh Road
Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
Skin cancer prevention Brisbane
So what can I do now?
There are things that you can do to prevent skin cancer.
Seek shade: Shade is the best place to go when the sunshine is at its peak, usually between 8am and 5pm.
Wear protective clothes: If you know you’re going to be spending time in the sun, protext your skin and eyes; wear long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses.
Use sunscreen: A little bit of cream, spray or gel can save your skin.
Self-Exam: Check your skin every 3 months. Take advantage of the fact that your skin is the most visible organ of the body.
Where do you operate?
Cosmetic surgery procedures Brisbane
Types of cosmetic surgery I can help with
As a cosmetic plastic surgeon I perform a range of cosmetic procedures:
It’s important to know that I see many women seeking breast reconstructing following mastectomy after a cancer diagnosis. I can honestly say that witnessing the emotional relief following restoration is one of the most satisfying aspects of my career. The experience in those complex procedures flows through to my other work in less complicated situations and always benefits you as a patient.
If you would like to book an appointment, please get in touch.
