Skin
Procedures
Benign lesions, Malignant skin cancers & Scar revision
MALIGNANT SKIN LESIONS
Australia has a high incidence of skin cancer, and it is the most common cancer group in Australia. The most common type of skin cancers are:
basal cell carcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma
melanoma
Dr Adrian Knox will discuss your treatment options and determine the best course of treatment. Typically, malignant lesions are removed by surgical excision. In some instances, he may refer you on for radiation treatment rather than surgical intervention.
BENIGN SKIN LESIONS
Benign skin lesions are lesions that are not cancerous in nature, and patients usually have them removed because they cause irritation or for aesthetic reasons.
These commonly include:
moles
cysts
skin tags
sun damage
Dr Adrian Knox will discuss your treatment options and determine the best course of treatment. Typically, the benign lesions are removed by surgical excision. In some instances, he may be able to shave the lesions or he may recommend no surgical intervention as the best treatment option.
SCAR REVISION
Scars are a natural part of healing; however, sometimes there are problems during the healing process that can cause the following:
hypertrophic scars: raised and thickened scars that are within the boundary of the original wound
keloid scars: raised and thickened scars that grow outside the original wound boundary
contractures: scarring that restricts movement due to tightening of the skin
Revision of these scars can provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Dr Adrian Knox will discuss your treatment options and determine the best course of treatment, typically, scars are revised by surgical excision. However, in some cases it can be treated with Steroid injections & massage of the scar.
PROCEDURE INFORMATION
Dr Adrian Knox will advise whether he can excise the malignant skin cancer, benign lesion and scar by primary closure. This means he excises malignant skin cancer, benign lesion or scar and sutures the skin back together. These procedures typically take 30-60 minutes and can often be done in our outpatient theatre which is located in our practice rooms. If you require a general anaesthetic, he will recommend have the procedure in a hospital operating theatre as a day case procedure.
If Dr Adrian Knox is excising a malignant skin cancer, benign lesion or scar that does not permit a primary closure, he will recommend a secondary closure, e.g. flap or skin graft. These procedures usually take 1-2 hours and more commonly is performed in a hospital operating theatre, this is due to requiring a general anaesthetic, and can be a day case procedure or overnight or longer admission where required.
Regular post-operative consultations will be arranged with Dr Adrian Knox to allow him to monitor your healing and progress.
It is important to understand that post-operative recovery can be different for each person, but you can expect the following:
Anticipate a day in hospital or attending Dr Adrian Knox’s practice.
You may or may not have some sutures which are not dissolvable.
If you have full-thickness graft repair expect a rubber sponge sewn to the site of the graft.
Keeping site dry for 48 hours.
Unable to drive for 24 hours (if you have had a general anaesthetic).
Light activity can be recommenced 5-7 days post op.
Be prepared to take life very quietly for the first weeks.
Heavy lifting & gym can usually recommence 2-3 weeks later.
Button-up clothing is recommended for facial surgery to avoid pulling.
If on lower leg you can expect instructions to keep your leg elevated for 1-7 days.