Cairns has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Australia, and for many locals, sun damage sustained over years in the Far North Queensland climate eventually calls for professional treatment. At Cairns Plastic Surgery, Dr Isolde Hertess offers skin cancer surgery for patients who have been diagnosed with, or are concerned about, a suspicious lesion.
As a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with more than 30 years of surgical experience, Dr Hertess brings both careful cancer management and reconstructive skill to every case, so that removal and healing are considered together from the very first consultation.
What Is Skin Cancer Surgery?
Skin cancer surgery involves surgically excising cancerous tissue, along with an appropriate margin of surrounding skin, to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Once the lesion has been removed, the wound is closed in the way best suited to its size and location. This might mean a direct stitched closure, a local skin flap, or a skin graft taken from elsewhere on the body.
Because skin cancer removal surgery can affect both how an area looks and how it functions, planning is important. This is particularly true on the face, where the nose, eyelids, lips and ears are delicate structures that need a considered surgical approach.
Dr Hertess's dual focus on oncological safety and aesthetic outcome is central to how she approaches every case of skin cancer plastic surgery, whatever part of the body is affected.
Types of Skin Cancer We Treat
Our Cairns skin cancer clinic sees and treats the three most common forms of skin cancer:
-
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) the most common form, usually slow-growing
-
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can grow more quickly and, in some cases, spread if left untreated
-
Melanoma, the most serious form, where treatment depends heavily on staging and pathology
The type of cancer diagnosed will guide the required surgical margin, the urgency of treatment, and whether any additional investigations are needed before or after surgery.
Before and after. Individual results may vary.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery is generally recommended when a skin cancer has been confirmed by biopsy, when a lesion looks suspicious and needs to be removed for both diagnosis and treatment, or when the location or depth of a lesion makes non-surgical options less suitable.
Other treatments, such as cryotherapy, topical creams, or curettage, may be appropriate in some circumstances, and this will be discussed with you based on your individual diagnosis.
Your Consultation With Dr Hertess
Every treatment plan starts with a thorough assessment. Dr Hertess will examine the site, size and characteristics of the lesion and review any existing biopsy results. If a biopsy hasn't been performed yet, it is often the recommended first step.
From there, planning covers several key areas:
-
The surgical margin required (particularly important with melanoma, where margins are guided by thickness and staging)
-
The best method of reconstruction for the site
-
Whether local anaesthetic, sedation, or general anaesthetic is the safest option for your case.
Where a lesion lies near the eyes, nose, lips, or other functional structures, extra care is taken to protect both movement and appearance. You'll leave your consultation with a clear understanding of what to expect, including realistic information about scarring. Every excision leaves a scar, and its appearance will depend on the site, the size of the lesion, and how your skin heals.
After Your Skin Cancer Removal Surgery
Once removed, the tissue is sent for pathology testing to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the margins are clear. If margins aren't fully clear, further treatment, which may include additional surgery, could be recommended. Your results and next steps will always be explained to you clearly and without unnecessary delay.
Recovery timeframes vary depending on the size of the excision and the type of repair used. Most wounds heal over several weeks, while final scar maturation takes longer. You'll be given tailored aftercare instructions covering wound care, activity restrictions, and sun protection, and follow-up appointments allow our team to monitor healing and remove stitches if required.
If you notice any increase in redness, swelling, pain, or discharge at any point, please contact our clinic promptly.
A Trusted Plastic Surgeon in Cairns
Dr Hertess is a plastic surgeon in Cairns with FRACS qualification and membership of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you've noticed a new or changing spot or have a confirmed skin cancer diagnosis, our Cairns skin cancer clinic is here to guide you through your options.
Dr Hertess’s practice extends well beyond skin cancer care to further facial and body procedures, including breast augmentation surgery, breast lift surgery, and breast reduction surgery. Whatever brings you to Cairns Plastic Surgery, you'll be treated with the same level of care and attention to detail.
Skin Cancer Surgery FAQs
How do I know if I need skin cancer surgery?
If a lesion looks suspicious, a biopsy is usually the first step. Where skin cancer is confirmed, surgery is often recommended as the primary treatment. Your specific plan will depend on the type of cancer, its location, and your pathology results.
Will the skin cancer be completely removed in one operation?
In many cases, yes, but not always. Removed tissue is sent for pathology to check the margins are clear. If they aren't, further treatment may be needed, and this will be discussed with you once results are available.
Will I have a visible scar after surgery?
All skin cancer excisions leave a scar. Its size and appearance depend on the lesion, its location, and the repair method used. Dr Hertess will talk you through what to expect for your specific case, and scar care advice is provided once healing is underway.
How long is recovery after skin cancer removal surgery?
Recovery depends on the size of the excision and the reconstruction method used. Many patients heal within a few weeks, though full scar settling takes longer. Follow-up appointments help track your progress.
Do I need ongoing skin checks after treatment?
Yes. Having one skin cancer increases the likelihood of developing another, so regular skin checks and sun protection remain important long after your surgery has healed.
CAIRNS PLASTIC SURGERY
-
Level 1, Suite 12A,
193-197 Lake Street,
Cairns, QLD, 4870 - 07 4031 5755
- enquiry@cairnsplasticsurgery.com
DR HERTESS MEMBERSHIPS
