Procedures & Skin Surgery (Biopsy, Excision, Grafts)
Procedures & Skin Surgery at BayMed Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic
Skin surgery is often the next step when a mole or lesion needs closer assessment or removal. At BayMed Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic in Cheltenham, our doctors perform skin biopsies, excisions and small skin grafts under local anaesthetic for confirmed or suspected skin cancers, as well as some precancerous and benign lesions when removal is advised.
We provide skin surgery for patients from Cheltenham, Mentone, Highett, Moorabbin, Hampton, Sandringham, Beaumaris and the wider Bayside and south-east Melbourne areas, along with patients who travel from across Victoria for skin cancer checks and treatment at our Cheltenham clinic.
When Is Skin Surgery Recommended?
Your doctor may recommend a biopsy or excision if:
- A mole or spot has features that could indicate skin cancer
- A lesion has changed in size, shape, colour or behaviour
- A previous biopsy has shown a skin cancer that needs complete removal
- A benign lesion is causing symptoms or is likely to become a problem
The type of procedure depends on the size, depth and location of the lesion, as well as the pathology result (if already known).
Types of Skin Procedures at BayMed
At BayMed, our skin cancer doctors perform several types of skin procedures in the clinic:
Skin Biopsy
A biopsy removes part or all of a lesion so it can be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Biopsies help confirm whether a spot is benign, precancerous or cancerous, and guide the next step in your treatment.
Excision
Excision involves removing the lesion along with a margin of surrounding normal-looking skin under local anaesthetic. The wound is usually closed with stitches. This is a common treatment for many basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and some melanomas, depending on size and location.
Skin Grafts (and Sometimes Flaps)
If a larger area of skin needs to be removed, your doctor may take a small piece of skin from a nearby site (a graft) to help close the wound. In some cases, local flap techniques may be used to achieve a better functional or cosmetic outcome, depending on where the lesion is.
Your doctor will explain which option is recommended in your case and why.
What Happens Before the Procedure?
Before any skin surgery at BayMed, your doctor will:
- Review your medical history, medications and any conditions that might affect healing
- Examine the lesion and discuss why surgery is recommended
- Explain the procedure, alternatives and possible risks in plain language
- Obtain your consent and answer any questions you have
You’ll also be told whether you need to:
- Adjust any blood-thinning medicines (only under guidance)
- Arrange for someone to drive you home, if needed
- Avoid heavy lifting or certain movements while the wound heals
What to Expect on the Day
- Preparation The area is cleaned and marked. Local anaesthetic is injected to numb the skin; you may feel a brief sting, then pressure but not sharp pain.
- Procedure
- For a biopsy, a small section or the entire lesion is removed.
- For an excision, the lesion and a margin of surrounding skin are removed.
- For larger wounds, a graft or flap may be used to help close the area.
- Closure and Dressing The wound is closed with stitches (or left to heal in a specific way, if appropriate) and covered with a dressing. You’ll receive written instructions on how to care for the area.
- Aftercare and Follow-Up Before you leave, you’ll be told when to return for stitch removal (if required) and how you’ll receive your pathology results.
Pathology Results and Next Steps
All biopsies and excisions are sent to a specialist pathology laboratory. Once the report is back, your doctor will:
- Confirm whether the lesion was benign, precancerous or cancerous
- Explain whether the skin cancer has been fully removed, or if further treatment is needed
- Discuss whether wider excision, additional tests or referral to another specialist is recommended in rare or more complex cases
- Advise you on how often you should return for ongoing skin checks, especially if a skin cancer has been treated
These results are also used to refine your individual skin cancer risk and follow-up plan.
Healing, Scarring and Risks
Any skin surgery will leave a mark, but our aim is to achieve effective cancer treatment with sensible cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Your doctor will discuss:
- Expected healing time for your particular site (for example, face vs leg)
- How to care for the wound and minimise infection risk
- What kind of scar you’re likely to have, and when it should start to fade
- Things to avoid while healing (for example, stretching the area, swimming or heavy exercise for a period)
Possible risks include bleeding, bruising, infection, delayed healing, scar thickening or changes in sensation around the wound. Serious complications are uncommon, but you’ll be told what to watch for and when to contact the clinic
Is Skin Surgery Always Necessary?
Not every lesion needs surgery. In some cases:
- A spot may be safely monitored with dermoscopy and photography
- Cryotherapy or other non-surgical treatments may be suitable for certain superficial lesions
- Benign lesions can be left alone if they are not causing symptoms
Your BayMed doctor will talk through all reasonable options, including doing nothing, so you can make an informed decision that fits your situation.
Book a Skin Surgery Consultation in Cheltenham
If you’ve been advised that a mole or lesion needs removal—or you’ve had a skin check and your doctor suspects a skin cancer—it’s important to have a clear plan.
You can book a Skin Cancer Clinic appointment at BayMed Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic in Cheltenham to discuss biopsy, excision or skin grafts with one of our skin cancer doctors.
Bookings can be made online or by calling our reception team. Please mention that you’ve been advised you may need a skin procedure or skin surgery, so we can allocate appropriate time and support for your visit.
