Body
The body, unique to you and amazing in its function. If you are considering surgery to correct excessive skin after weight loss, first it is essential to have a consultation.
A consultation is an opportunity to have a conversation with a surgeon to learn more about a procedure, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. In 2024 over 18,000 cases of melanoma were diagnosed in Australia. Melanoma starts in the skin cells called melanocytes and can spread to other areas of the body such as lymph nodes, brain and liver. The earlier melanoma is found, the more successful treatment can be. Melanoma is diagnosed by a biopsy. If a diagnosis of melanoma is confirmed, surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Additional treatments and investigations may be required if melanoma is advanced such as Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy.
Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC’s) make up the majority of skin cancers. They tend to grow slowly, can ulcerate or bleed, but rarely spread to other areas of the body. The earlier a BCC is found and diagnosed the easier it is to manage. However, if left untreated, BCCs can be locally destructive, grow deeper into surrounding tissues and treatment can be more difficult. Some BCCs can be treated with topical ointments and some with surgery. The diagnosis of BCC is confirmed with a biopsy.
SCCs, which make up 30% of NMSCs, are usually quicker growing. They appear in the areas of the body that have had the most sun exposure. They can grow over a period of weeks to months and if left untreated they can spread to other areas of the body. Most SCCs are treated with surgical excision. The diagnosis of SCC is confirmed with a biopsy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in-situ or Bowen’s disease is an early form of skin cancer which if left untreated can develop into an invasive SCC. It is diagnosed with a biopsy and can often be treated with a topical ointment.
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons is the peak body for Plastic Surgeons in Australia
Their website provides further detailed information about surgical procedures.
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