In some cases, it may be appropriate to perform removal on the same day as the consultation. This depends on clinical factors such as the size, location, subtype, and complexity of the lesion, as well as your medical history and any medicines you take.
Lesions that are larger, complex, in high-risk areas, or require more extensive reconstruction may be referred to a surgical centre or hospital-based service.
For procedures that are suitable for in-clinic removal, the standard out-of-pocket (gap) fee is $150. Any additional costs (if applicable) are explained before proceeding and depend on the clinical complexity of the case.
Medicare rebate may apply (about $50 back).
A definitive diagnosis for many skin lesions is confirmed by histopathology (laboratory examination). If a lesion is removed, it is commonly sent for analysis, and follow-up is arranged to review results and discuss next steps if required.
The following skin cancers are very aggressive and they must be removed by surgery:
90% of skin cancers can be removed effectively under local anaesthesia in our Minor Skin Surgery Centres. We have performed thousands of these surgeries. Dr Kim will refer you to a specialist unit if you have a more complex and life-threatening case.
Cases satisfactorily performed by Dr Peter Kim at our clinics are shown in the Case Studies gallery below.
Our policy is to fully disclose the inherent risk 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:
While most of these risks are apparent, if you have any questions about them, please bring them to the attention of Dr Peter Kim.
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 anaesthetic 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.
These photos show real patients treated by Dr Peter Kim and are provided for educational purposes only. Individual results vary.
Dr Peter Kim routinely uses the following surgical techniques to remove skin cancers to produce cosmetically and functionally satisfying outcomes:
Surgeries are bulk billed for Health Care Card Holders. Otherwise, there is a $150 facility fee.
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 both in the journal Australian Family Physician and in the textbook. Read the S-plasty article in Australian Family Physician (RACGP)
Z-plasty is a skin flap surgery commonly used in dermatologic surgery. Dr Kim applied this surgical technique to prevent a helical rim deformity after a wedge excision of a skin lesion in the ear.
Dr Kim’s Z-plasty was published in 2009 both in the journal Australian Family Physician and in the textbook. Read the prophylactic Z-plasty article in Australian Family Physician (RACGP)
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 both in the journal Australian Family Physician and in the textbook. View the retroauricular cutaneous advancement flap article on PubMed
To arrange a skin cancer assessment with Dr Peter Kim, call (02) 9411 4880, SMS 0433 284 880 or email peter@peterkim.com.au.
Dr Kim consults at our Chatswood (4/9 Railway Street) and Cabramatta (227 Railway Parade) clinics, Wednesday to Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. See clinic locations and contact details.
After surgery, please follow our wound care instructions after skin surgery.
Call us on 9411 4880
Chatswood & Cabramatta
