Our approach to your care
Queensland has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world due to our climate, geographical location, and the Celtic heritage of many Queenslanders.
Early detection and treatment are important for the best outcomes.
Facial Skin Cancer Surgery
As a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr O’Mahony has particular expertise in the surgical treatment of skin cancers, especially when they’re on the face or when reconstruction is needed.
She understands that a skin cancer diagnosis can be worrying, but in most cases skin cancers can be fully treated with one surgery. She is also very aware of the concerns many of her patients will have about surgery to the face. Dr O’Mahony is very experienced in removal and reconstruction of facial skin cancers, always focusing on both complete clearance of the cancer and maximising the aesthetic outcome of the reconstruction.
What is facial skin cancer surgery?
There are several types of skin cancer, and most are best treated with surgical removal.
Patients with biopsy proven facial skin cancers, particularly those that require reconstruction, may benefit from Dr O’Mahony’s expertise. In most cases she will require your referring Doctor to perform a biopsy prior to seeing you. This is to ensure you have the correct diagnosis and she can formulate the correct treatment plan for you.
The most common types are:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanoma (the most common form of skin cancer)
BCC is a very common form of skin cancer, There are different subtypes of BCC, and most require surgical removal and reconstruction. If left untreated, BCC can spread within local tissues but typically doesn’t spread to other parts of the body unless it attaches to small nerves in the area. For most people however surgery is the complete treatment.
There’s a spectrum from non-invasive, pre-cancerous lesions (called ‘in situ’ or intraepidermal SCC) to invasive SCC of varying severity.
Invasive SCC requires surgical treatment, while some non-invasive types can sometimes be treated with creams (usually by a dermatologist).
More aggressive SCCs can spread to local lymph nodes and elsewhere in the body, requiring more extensive treatment. However, similar to BCC most of the SCC that we see in the facial region are completey treated with surgery.
This is less common than BCC or SCC but is still the fourth most common cancer in Australia. When identified and treated early, survival rates are very high. However, if melanoma is more advanced or has spread, it can be more difficult to treat although a number of new therapies are emerging for melanoma treatment.
Dr O’Mahony treates early melanomas but those that require examination of lymph nodes are referred to a different specialist. New para: Occasionally non surgcal methods are an option to treat early BCC or SCCs. As a surgeon Dr O’Mahony does not offer these treatments, where appropriate she can disucss them with you and refer you back to your dermatologist or skin cancer doctor
The specific procedure depends on the type, size, and location of the skin cancer.
Dr O’Mahony will discuss the surgical approach and any necessary reconstruction during your consultation. new para: More simple excisions can be performed under local anaesthetic in Dr O’Mahony’s office thetre. On some occasions by prior arrangement this can be booked to be done on the same day as your initial consultation to save you two visits. For more complex reconstructions, or if you would prefer to be asleep for the procedure Dr O’Mahony would book your surgery in a Hospital, usually as a day case.
Recovery varies depending on the type and extent of the skin cancer and the reconstruction required.
Dr O’Mahony will discuss what to expect during your consultation but as a minimum most people would need to avoid vigorous exercise for a week. Following sedation you cannot drive a car, make any important decisions or work for 24 hours. The amount of time off work will depend on what your role involves and how extensive the procedure is.
Does Dr O’Mahony need to see me after my surgery?
Dr O’Mahony’s nurse Chris will look after your suture removal one week after surgery. You will have written instructions as to how to manage your scars going forward. If you cancer is all clear and was not a melanoma or more aggressive subtype of BCC or SCC Dr O’Mahony will advise you continue regular skin check with your Dermatologist or GP. She is always happy to consult with you again if you have any concerns regarding your scars. If you have been treated for melanoma, or a more aggressive subtype of skin cancer it’s important to have regular follow-up appointments to check for any recurrence. This would usually be shared between Dr O’Mahony and your Dermatologist or skin cancer Doctor and Dr O’Mahony will discuss your follow-up schedule with you.
Does Dr O’Mahony do skin checks?
No Dr O’Mahony specialises in the removal and reconstructon of facial skin cancers. Skin checks are undertaken by Specialist Dermatologists, Skin Cancer Doctors or GPs.
Can Dr O’Mahony remove my cancers without leaving a scar? Unfortunately scarless surgery does not exist. However, Dr O’Mahony is very skilled at minimising and hiding scars when reconstructing facial skin cancer wounds. There are some situations where that is more challenging, for instance where cancer is more extensive or in a site that requires a skin graft to be performed. However, with surgical expertise along with intensive scar massage and other techniques that we can teach you to perform after you surgery scars can always be minimised
Health Fund Coverage
Skin cancer surgery is usually recognised by Medicare and health funds as it’s medically necessary. The level of cover depends on your policy and there maybe gap payments also. Dr O’Mahony’s nurse will provide you with a comprehensive quote following your appointment. Please note surgery in her office theatre is recognised by Medicare but not helath funds. For simple procedures if you have an excess on your policy there maybe very little difference in cost however we can provide you with quotes to help you decide.
