Skin Cancer Surgery, treatment, operation
Most small skin cancers can be removed surgically in our clinic under local anesthesia. The advantage of removing skin cancers in our clinic is that it is economical and convenient for patients, and the surgery can be completed on the same day as the consultation.
However, larger and more complex skin cancers will be referred to surgical centres in the hospital.
The cost for the standard skin cancer surgery is a $150 gap fee.
Skin Cancer Surgery Case Studies
The following skin cancers are very aggressive and they must be removed by surgery:
- Melanoma and related skin cancers
- Basal Cell Carcinoma – morphoiec, sclerosing, infiltrative types
- Squamous Cell Carcinomas – moderately or poorly differentiated
- Recurrent cancers
Dr Peter Kim routinely uses the following surgical techniques to remove skin cancers to produce cosmetically and functionally satisfying outcome:
- Simple excision (elliptical excision)
- S plasty
- Skin flap surgery
- Skin graft surgery
Surgeries are bulk billed for Health Care Card Holders. Otherwise, there is $150 faciltiy fee.
90% of skin cancers can be removed effectively under local anaesthesia our Minor Skin Surgery Centres. We have performed thousands of these surgeries. Dr Kim will refer you to a specialist units if you have a more complex and lifethreatening cases.
The following are the cases that were satisfactorily performed by Dr Peter Kim at Eastwood Skin Cancer Clinic.
Case studies involving Simple (Elliptical) excision
BCC from the side of the nose was removed using simple excision and sutured. The cosmetic result was satisfactory at 3 months follow up.
S-plasty is a type of procedure that differs from a simple (elliptical) excision. Instead of removing skin in an elliptical shape, skin in an S shape is cut out. The purpose of this procedure is to effectively manage the tension on the wound’s surface. Having better control over skin tension is especially crucial when dealing with contoured areas. Additionally, it can result in a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Dr Kim’s S-plasty was published in 2009 in both in the journal of Australian Family Physician and in the textbook. <link>
Prophylactic Z-plasty Correcting helical rim deformity from wedge excision
Z plasty is a skin flap surgery commonly used in dermatologic surgery. Dr Kim applied this surgical technique to prevent a helican rim deformity after a wedbge excison of skin lesion in the ear.
Dr Kim’s Z-plasty was published in 2009 in both in the journal of Australian Family Physician and in the textbook. <link>
Retroauricular cutaneous advancement flap
Abstract
Background: Excisional surgery of the ear, such as that following a skin cancer excision, often produces a smaller ear postoperatively.
Objective: This article describes the various uses of a retroauricular cutaneous advancement flap to repair surgical defects of the ear following a skin cancer excision, without miniaturising the ear.
Discussion: A retroauricular cutaneous advancement flap is an option for patients who require cosmetically satisfying reconstruction of the ear post skin cancer excision. The technique can avoid the miniaturisation of the ear that may occur with other techniques.
Dr Kim’s Retroauricular flap was published in 2010 in both in the journal of Australian Family Physician and in the textbook. <link>
Our policy is to fully disclose the inherent reisk of the surgery so that patients can decide as to whether to proceed with skin cancer surgery.
Following are the risks associated with any skin cancer surgery:
- infection
- scar
- numbeness
- swelliing
- bleeding
- hematoma
- suture granuloma
- unsightisyiing cosmetic outcome
- incomplete removal of cancer rquireding second surgegy
- recurrence of cancer
- may require to refer to a specialist surgeon
While most of these risks are apparent, if you have any questions about them, please bring them to the attention of Dr. Peter Kim.
Financial Consent:
The cost of the surgery depends on the type of procedure. The doctor’s fee is bulk billed. However, there is a small facility fee covering the local anesthetic injection, assistant, suture materials, sterile instruments, gauzes, antiseptics, etc. A simple elliptical excision costs $150, while more complex flap surgery or graft surgery will cost $300. These fees are waived for HCC holders and pensioners.