Skin cancer surgery

Dr Jenaleen Law caring female Plastic Surgeon Sydney Chatswood Darlinghurst

How common is skin cancer?

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. More than 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
Early detection and treatment are key to getting the best results. If you have concerns about a spot or lesion on your skin, it’s important to get it checked early.
Skin cancer removal surgery can be done under local anaesthetic, though larger and more complex cases may need to be done in hospital, usually as day surgery.

Common types of skin cancer we treat

BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma)
SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)
Melanoma

View All Skin Procedures

Surgical treatment

Surgery is one of the most common and effective treatments for skin cancer.

Surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic (by numbing the area), local anaesthetic with sedation medications, or general anaesthesia (you’ll be completely asleep). It is usually performed as a day only procedure in hospital.
The skin cancer is removed with a margin of normal tissue to ensure the excision is complete.
After the skin cancer is removed, reconstruction is performed to restore the area. Dr Law will explain the best option for you before the procedure. The main goal is to remove all cancer while leaving as little scarring and deformity as possible.

Non-surgical treatment

Non-surgical treatments may be suitable for some types of skin cancer, and these include the use of:
- Creams to treat superficial types of BCC or SCC, which works by triggering the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy.
- Immunotherapy.
These treatments may be used after surgery or, in some cases, before surgery to shrink the cancer and make removal easier.

Reconstruction options

After your skin cancer is removed, Dr Law will select the most suitable way to restore the area for the most effective and cosmetic outcome.

Primary repair

Approach: The area is stitched closed. The wound edges are brought together in a line that follows natural skin creases.

Local Flaps

Approach: A small block of neighbouring skin is borrowed to help close the wound, providing a good match in colour and texture.

Skin Grafts

Approach: A thin layer of skin is taken from another area of your body and sewn into the wound.

Anaesthetic options

Skin cancer surgery can usually be done using one of three types of anaesthesia. Dr Law and her anaesthetist will recommend the one most suitable for you.

Before & Afters

This patient underwent excision of a large lower lip squamous cell carcinoma. This resulted in a defect involving two-thirds of the lip. The patient underwent reconstruction by Dr Law using a local flap, restoring both the shape and natural border of the white and red lip. Photo taken pre-op & 6 weeks post-op.

Why choose Dr Law for your skin cancer procedure?

Specialist plastic surgeon

Fully qualified plastic surgeon (FRACS)
Focus on the aesthetics

Locally and internationally trained, with a strong focus on achieving the best cosmetic outcome after complete cancer excision.
Experience & volume

Dr Law regularly performs a wide range of skin cancer removals and reconstructions across two public hospitals and several private hospitals.
Flexible treatment options

Offers procedures under local or general anaesthesia in rooms & in accredited private hospitals.
Comprehensive post-operative care

Ensures optimal healing for patients and gives advice to optimise the scar result.

Risks & complications

All surgery carries risks and may include:
- Drug reactions.
- Allergic reactions.
- Infection.
- Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot).
Risks specific to skin cancer surgery will be discussed with you during your consultation and will also be provided in your consent paperwork. These include:
- Incomplete excision: Any skin cancer surgery carries a small risk of incomplete removal of the cancer. Occasionally, re-excision of the skin cancer is required.
- Poor wound healing: This can be influenced by the location of the surgery, the specific procedure performed, and your overall health.
- Scars.