Coastal Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa — Erina NSW Skin Cancer Surgery
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Our FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons have extensive experience in the surgical removal and reconstruction of skin cancers, with particular expertise in cosmetically sensitive areas.
Skin cancer surgery in Australia
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, accounting for approximately 80% of all new cancer diagnoses. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, largely due to high UV exposure combined with an outdoor lifestyle.
Most skin cancers are the result of cumulative sun exposure over time, though skin cancers can also develop in areas that have not been directly sun-exposed. Early detection significantly improves outcomes — when treated correctly and at an early stage, surgical removal of most skin cancers results in complete cure.
If you notice any changes in a mole or area of skin — including changes in size, shape, colour, texture, or any new lesion that bleeds, itches, or does not heal — seek advice from your GP promptly. Your GP may perform a biopsy or refer you to one of our specialist plastic surgeons for assessment and treatment.
The three most common skin cancers
There are many different types of skin cancer, varying considerably in their behaviour, risk level, and required treatment. The three most frequently encountered types are described below.
BCC
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common skin cancer and fortunately the least aggressive. Approximately 90% of BCCs occur on the face, neck, or head, though they can develop on any sun-exposed area. BCCs are slow growing but, if left untreated, will progressively invade and destroy surrounding tissue. An older term for BCC was "rodent ulcer" due to its gnawing appearance on the skin.
Lower aggression
SCC
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common skin cancer. SCCs tend to grow more rapidly than BCCs and, if not treated appropriately and promptly, can spread to other parts of the body including regional lymph nodes, and may be life-threatening. They occur predominantly on sun-damaged and sun-exposed areas of skin.
Moderate risk — requires prompt treatment
Melanoma
Malignant Melanoma
The most dangerous form of skin cancer, and the most common cancer in Australians aged 15 to 44. Melanoma can occur in skin that has not been sun-exposed and can develop from a pre-existing mole or in an area of apparently normal skin. While the rate of melanoma in Australia has been rising, death rates have been falling due to improved awareness, earlier detection, and advances in treatment.
High risk — early detection is criticalClinical photographs shown for educational purposes. Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Images are illustrative examples only and may not represent all presentations of each cancer type. If you have any concerns about a skin lesion, please consult your GP.
How skin cancer surgery works
Surgical removal of skin cancer — when performed by a specialist with appropriate margins and technique — usually results in cure when the cancer is diagnosed early. The primary goal is complete removal of the cancer with clear surgical margins.
Our FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons have extensive training and experience in both the excision of skin cancers and the reconstruction of the resulting defect. This is particularly important when skin cancers occur in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas, where precise reconstructive techniques are required to minimise scarring, preserve function, and achieve the best possible outcome.
Specialist plastic surgeons are uniquely trained in both oncological excision and reconstruction. After removing a skin cancer, the defect left behind may require closure using local flaps, skin grafts, or other reconstructive techniques — skills that sit at the core of plastic surgical training.
This means your skin cancer is removed and reconstructed in a single specialist-led procedure, with the goal of minimising scarring and preserving appearance and function.
Cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas
When skin cancers develop in certain areas of the body, specialist plastic surgical expertise is particularly important. These include cosmetically sensitive areas of the face, as well as areas that present particular challenges for healing or where function must be carefully preserved.
Face (nose, ears, eyelids, lips): These areas require delicate and precise reconstructive techniques to minimise visible scarring, preserve symmetry, and maintain normal function such as eyelid closure and lip movement.
Lower legs and shins: These areas have a poor blood supply relative to other body regions, resulting in slower and more complex healing. Specialist management is required to achieve reliable wound closure and reduce the risk of complications.
Hands: Skin cancers on the hands must be managed carefully to preserve vital function, tendon integrity, nerve supply, and range of movement.
Our specialist plastic surgeons
Skin cancer surgery at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by our three FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons. All hold the specialist qualification required to perform surgery in accredited Australian public and private hospitals and have extensive training in oncological excision and reconstructive techniques.
All practitioners at Coastal Plastic Surgery are registered with AHPRA. You can verify the registration and specialist status of any surgeon at ahpra.gov.au.
Common questions
General information about skin cancer surgery at Coastal Plastic Surgery. For questions specific to your situation, please book a consultation.
If you notice any changes in a mole or area of skin — including changes in size, shape, colour, or texture, or any new or existing lesion that bleeds, itches, crusts, or does not heal — seek advice from your GP. Your GP may perform a biopsy or refer you to one of our specialist plastic surgeons for assessment. Do not delay seeking advice if you have concerns.
A referral from your GP or dermatologist is recommended before your consultation, particularly if a biopsy has already confirmed a diagnosis. However, you may also contact our rooms directly to discuss your situation. Our team will advise you on the most appropriate next step.
Any surgical incision will result in a scar as part of the normal healing process. Our specialist plastic surgeons are trained to minimise scarring and to position incisions in the least conspicuous locations wherever possible. In cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, specialised reconstructive techniques are used to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome alongside complete cancer removal.
The location will depend on the size and complexity of the procedure. Smaller excisions may be performed under local anaesthetic in our Erina consulting rooms. Larger or more complex procedures are performed in an accredited private or public hospital. Your surgeon will advise on the most appropriate setting at your consultation.
Skin cancer surgery is a medical procedure and may attract a Medicare rebate depending on the nature and extent of the surgery. A detailed cost estimate will be provided following your consultation, including applicable Medicare item numbers. Out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on the procedure, hospital, and individual health fund coverage.
You will be seen in our rooms approximately one week after surgery for wound care and suture removal. Your surgeon will then review you at regular intervals for a period of three to six months depending on your procedure. There are no additional charges for post-operative follow-up visits at Coastal Plastic Surgery.
Specialist plastic surgeons are trained in both the oncological excision of skin cancers and the reconstruction of the resulting defect. This is particularly important in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ears, nose, and eyelids, or in challenging areas such as the lower leg and hands. Our surgeons' reconstructive expertise means that the removal and repair of your skin cancer is managed by a single specialist team with the skills to achieve the best possible outcome in terms of both cancer clearance and appearance.
Concerned about a skin lesion?
Contact our Erina practice to book a consultation with one of our specialist plastic surgeons. If you have been referred by your GP or already have a biopsy result, please bring this with you to your appointment.