general faqs

Do i need a referral for a skin cancer check?

No referral is required!
You can book directly for a full skin check with our GP who has additional training in dermoscopy and skin cancer medicine.
Whether you are an existing patient, or a new patient, you are welcome to book in via our online booking system or by calling us.

what happens during the mole check?

The doctor will begin by discussing any spots you’re concerned about, as well as your skin and sun history.
A full skin examination is then performed using our MoleMax camera, a specialised magnifying tool that helps detect early skin cancers.
​This system may also be used to photograph and monitor moles in detail.
​If any lesions need further assessment, your doctor will explain the next steps clearly.

how lon​g does it take?

A standard mole and skin check usually takes around 20 minutes.
This allows enough time for a thorough full-body examination using the MoleMax machine or a high resolution dermascope

how often should i have it?

We recommend a full skin check once a year, unless your doctor advises more frequent reviews based on your skin type, history of sun exposure, or previous skin cancers.

is mole mapping safe?

Yes. Mole mapping is a non-invasive, safe process that uses high-resolution photography and imaging to document your moles over time. It doesn’t use radiation and is suitable for all patients. It simply helps your doctor detect subtle changes earlier and track your skin health more accurately.

what treatment options are available if skin cancer is found?

Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the skin cancer. Common options include:

• Simple surgical excision – the most common treatment, removing the lesion with a margin of healthy skin, and sending for histology testing to confirm complete removal.
• Cryotherapy – freezing small, superficial lesions with liquid nitrogen.
• Curettage and cautery – scraping and sealing certain superficial cancers.
• Topical medications – for specific early or superficial skin cancers.
• Referral to a specialist – for more complex cases or advanced treatments.

Your doctor will explain the most appropriate option and guide you through each step.

are biopsies painful?

Most patients feel only a quick sting from the local anaesthetic, which numbs the area within seconds.
​The biopsy itself is usually painless. You may experience mild tenderness afterward, but this typically settles quickly and is manageable with simple care.

can skin lesions that are not cancer be treatED? How?

Yes. Many benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions can be treated if they’re causing discomfort, irritation, or cosmetic concern. Treatment options depend on the type of lesion and may include:

• Cryotherapy – freezing sunspots, warts, or benign growths.
• Shave or simple excision – removing raised or bothersome lesions.
• Topical treatments – for certain sun-related or inflammatory spots.

Your doctor will assess the lesion first to ensure treatment is safe and suitable.

how do i prepare for my first appointment?

To help your skin check run smoothly and thoroughly:

• Wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to remove for a full-body examination.
• Avoid makeup or fake tan, if possible, as these can obscure lesions.
• Bring a list of any spots you’re concerned about, including when you first noticed them.
• Know your medical and family history, especially regarding skin cancer.
• Remove jewellery that may cover areas needing assessment.

This ensures the doctor can complete a clear, accurate skin examination.

skin surgery FAQS

how long will the wound be painful for?

There may be some soreness after the anaesthetic has worn off. How long you might feel pain for differs for each procedure and person. If this happens, you may take paracetamol (if you are not allergic to it). If you have been prescribed antibiotics, you should take them. They can be taken at the same time as paracetamol. If you are unsure, please ask the Doctor or nurse. 

what happens if my wound starts to bleed?

It is normal for a small amount of blood to come through the dressing, but if it does not stop and the dressing becomes saturated, you should press firmly over the dressing for 15 minutes. This will usually be enough to stop any bleeding. If bleeding continues, you can try applying a dry ice pack to the bandaged area for 15 minutes, as to not wet the bandage. If bleeding still continues, you could contact your Doctor. 

what are the risks of infection?

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. 
Signs that your wound may have become infected usually begin 48 hours after surgery. You should see help if you notice any of the following:

• Increased redness around the wound
• The wound becomes more painful, even after taking painkillers
• The wound and surrounding skin feel hot and start to throb
• The wound begins leaking, oozing or starting to bleed again
• You have a raised temperature and feel generally unwell

If you have any of these signs, you may require a course of antibiotics. Please contact your Doctor if this occurs. 

What about work, exercise and other activities? 

You may need some time off work depending on the type of surgery you have had and the type of work you do. As far as possible, you should relax and take it easy following the surgery. After simpler procedures, this should be for a few hours and after larger procedures, a few days. The Doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly at the time of your operation. It is quite normal for you to feel tired after an operation. You should: 

• avoid vigorous exercise, such as swimming, running, contact sports or going to the gym until the stitches have been removed and the affected area has healed
• avoid bending, straining or lifting heavy objects as these may cause the wound to open and bleeding to start

when can i have a bath or shower?

You will need to keep the wound and dressing dry for 48 hours. After this, you can take a bath or shower, but you should not hold the wound directly under the shower or soak it in the bath for a long time. After bathing, you should dry the area by patting it gently with a towel rather than rubbing it dry.

when can i remove the dressing?

Each dressing and circumstance is different, but as a general rule, you should keep the dressing on for 48 hours. The Doctor and nurse who applied the dressing will advise how long it should stay on for and if you are required to return to the surgery for a re-dressing. 
If you are advised to remove yourself, and it is difficult to remove, you may need to wet it to allow it to come of more easily. You can leave the operation site uncovered, but if it is likely to get dirty or be rubbed by clothing, you can apply a light dressing or plaster, which should be changed daily. 

If you have steri-strips (adhesive paper strips) across the wound, please remove these after five days if your wound is on the face, or 10 to 12 days if the wound is on the body or limbs. If shorter or longer than these suggested times are required, the Doctor or nurse will advise. 
The steri-strips will begin to peel off gradually. If you have been given more, please reapply as your nurse advises. 
These can be left in place until your stitches are taken out. 

Your wound may have been closed with dissolvable stitches. The time for these to dissolve can vary. Most will start to dissolve or fall out within a week or two. However, sometimes they may need a little encouragement. If your wound is on the head, face or neck, gently massage the area when showering after five to seven days if the stitches are still in place. This will help them to dissolve. If your wound is on the body/limbs, please gently massage the are when showering after 12 to 14 days if the stitches are still in place. 

will i have a scar?

Most surgical procedures leave a permanent scar. The stitch line will look red at first. The redness can take a number of months to fade to a pale pink colour. The stitches may look raised in the first week. The redness may take a few months to fade. You will have a permanent scar in this area - this usually fades to a pale line.

Some scars can become hypertrophic or keloid.

• Hypertrophic scars are raised but do not extend beyond the edges of the original wound
• Keloid scars are raised, sometime itchy, and keep growing even after the wound has healed. They can become pink, red, the same of darker in colour than the surrounding skin. Keloid scars can be difficult to treat but may improve with application of a steroid ointment, silicone gel-sheet or steroid injections. 

what other things should i be aware of?

• In the first week, your wound may feel tender and may bleed slightly
• Your wound may be swollen and bruised, especially if it is on the face or around the eyes. This should settle down as the wound heals. 
• The area around the wound may be numb for a few months
• You may feel sharp pain from time to time as the wound heals

All of the above are part of the normal healing process. 

when will i get my results?

After your procedure, all skin specimens are sent to the laboratory for analysis.

You will either be given a clinic appointment to come take to the Doctor about your results (this can occur when you return to get your stitches removed). Otherwise, your Doctor may telephone you to advise you of the result. Please be aware that it can take up to six weeks before you receive the results.