Skin Cancers

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia. Almost two in three in Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70, and approximately 2000 Australians die from skin cancer each year.

The types of skin cancers we treat

A good candidate for a facelift, or rhytidectomy, typically includes individuals who meet the following criteria:

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC's)

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC's) are the most common type of skin cancer and account for almost 70% of skin cancer.  They are commonly found on the head and neck area, and other areas of the body that are exposed to the sun over the years.  Whilst the most common type of skin cancer, it has an excellent prognosis if treated early as they do not typically spread (or metastasize) to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body.  

Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC's)

Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC's) are then next most common type of skin cancer, and account for just under 30% of skin cancer diagnoses.  They are most commonly found on the head and neck, forearms, and lower legs, but can also occur in the mouth and throat.  If left neglected for a period of time, they have the capacity to infiltrate into local nerves and travel quickly, or to metastasize, typically to the draining lymph node basin.  

Melanoma

Melanomas make up only 1-2% of skin cancer diagnoses in Australia but account for the majority of skin cancer deaths as they can be very aggressive and spread quickly to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones and brain.

The process of treating skin cancers.

Regular Skin Checks

Regular self-examinations are crucial for early detection of skin cancer. Check your skin for new moles, growths, or changes in existing moles, focusing on asymmetry, irregular borders, color changes, diameter over 6mm, and evolving features (ABCDEs of melanoma). Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas or ask for assistance. Additionally, schedule regular professional skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or high risk factors

See your GP

If you notice any suspicious changes, book an appointment with a dermatologist. During the initial consultation, the dermatologist will use a dermatoscope to evaluate any lesions. If a suspicious lesion is identified, a biopsy may be performed to remove a small sample of skin tissue for laboratory analysis

Confirm diagnosis

The biopsy sample is examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine whether the lesion is benign or malignant and to identify the type of skin cancer. This histopathological examination is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

Excision / Removal

Excisional surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. It involves removing the tumour along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure clear margins. 

At The Coastal Clinic, we provide exceptional surgical care and patient-centred end-to-end service to our clients on their journey to becoming the most confident, authentic version of themselves.

Recovery & Aftercare

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You will usually be discharged home from hospital the same day.  You are required to have someone pick you up from the hospital and remain with you for the first 24hours. You will be placed in a surgical bra which is to be worn at all times for the first 6weeks.  Surgical garments provide compression to the site and assist in reducing swelling and support healing. 

Patients are monitored in the surgical recovery room at the hospital immediately after their operation.  Patient’s go home on the same day.  

You will have an initial review with our nurse during the first post-operative week, and at each week until your incisions are healed. 6 weeks post-operatively you will have a review with Dr Sparks. 

Depending on where your skin cancer has been removed, your surgeon will advise you when it is safe to resume normal activities. 

Patients are advised on proper scar care techniques to minimise scarring. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If we haven’t addressed your inquiries yet, here are some frequently asked questions that may provide the information you’re looking for. However, if you still have any remaining questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic at 07 5683 0820 or via email at admin@thecoastalclinic.com.au. Our team is ready to assist you.

Yes you will need a referral from your GP or dermatologist to see Dr Sparks.

Yes you will need a referral from your GP or dermatologist to see Dr Sparks.

There are three types of breast implant surfaces available.:

Smooth breast implants have a smooth, non-textured surface.  They move feely within the breast pocket and feel very soft.  However they have been found to have a higher risk of capsular contracture and rupture.

Nano-textured implants have a very fine, uniform texture created using advanced manufacturing techniques. They are most commonly used by Dr Cronin as the fine texture promotes better tissue integration, helping to stabilise the implant and reduce the likelihood of movement or rotation.  There is also a reduced risk of capsular contracture compared to smooth implants.

Textured– Micro textured breast implants have a more pronounced and rougher surface which improves the stability of the implant. Micro-textured implants have also been shown to reduce capsular contracture compared to smooth breast implants.  Macro textured implants are no longer available in Australia.

During your consultation with Dr Cronin, he will suggest the most appropriate implant type for you.

Dr Cronin is not currently seeing new skin cancer patients.  Dr Sparks is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon currently seeing all new skin cancer patients out of The Coastal Clinic. 

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Risks of Surgery

As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, we aim to provide you with comprehensive information regarding the general risks associated with surgical procedures, anaesthesia, and procedure-specific risks.

  • Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
  • Death
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
  • A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
  • Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
  • Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
  • Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
  • Wound discharge
  • Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
  • Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
  • Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
  • Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
  • Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
  • Adverse scarring
  • Revisionary surgery
  • Psychological impact of change in appearance
  • Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
  •  
  • Skin necrosis
  • Haematoma
  • Seroma
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Asymmetry
  • Alopecia
  • Movement of ears
  • Parathesia (may be numbness or tingling)
  • Facial nerve injury
  • Extended drainage period
  • Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
  • Death
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
  • A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
  • Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
  • Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
  • Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
  • Wound discharge
  • Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
  • Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
  • Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
  • Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
  • Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
  • Adverse scarring
  • Revisionary surgery
  • Psychological impact of change in appearance
  • Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
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