Skin Lesions

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Australia, and timely, effective treatment is essential to prevent complications and recurrence. Dr. Baxter provides expert surgical management of skin cancer and other suspicious skin lesions, offering both straightforward and more complex procedures tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Surgical Treatment Options

Dr. Baxter performs operations for skin lesions that range from simple excisions to more intricate procedures. A simple excision involves removing the lesion with a margin of surrounding healthy skin to ensure complete removal. This technique is commonly used for small, well-defined lesions that are easily accessible and where there is minimal concern for cosmetic impact or recurrence.

In cases where the lesion is larger, located in a cosmetically or functionally sensitive area (such as the face, neck, or hands), or where the excision leaves a significant defect, more advanced surgical techniques may be required. These include:

• Skin flaps – a technique where nearby healthy skin and tissue are partially lifted and moved to cover the wound, maintaining blood supply and aiding healing.

• Skin grafts – where skin is taken from another part of the body (donor site) and used to cover the excision site.

These procedures are used to achieve optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes, especially when lesions are removed from areas with limited tissue flexibility.

Referral Process and Diagnosis

In most cases, your General Practitioner (GP) will be the first to assess any concerning skin lesion. They may perform a biopsy to determine the nature of the lesion or even a preliminary excision of a suspicious spot. If the lesion is confirmed or suspected to be cancerous — such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma — your GP will refer you to Dr. Baxter for definitive surgical management.

Dr. Baxter will carefully evaluate the site, review your medical history, and determine the appropriate surgical approach. The primary goal of surgery is to remove the lesion completely with adequate margins, reducing the risk of recurrence. The extent of these margins depends on the type, size, and aggressiveness of the skin cancer.

Outpatient and Hospital-Based Procedures

Many skin lesion surgeries can be performed safely and comfortably as day procedures, meaning you can return home the same day. These are typically conducted under local anaesthesia and require minimal downtime. However, certain situations may necessitate hospital care or an overnight stay, such as:

• Larger or deeper lesions

• Complex flap or graft reconstruction

• Patient-specific health considerations

• The need for general anaesthesia

Dr. Baxter will thoroughly discuss your surgical plan during the consultation, including what type of anaesthesia will be used, expected recovery time, wound care instructions, and whether a hospital admission is necessary. Any risks or possible complications will also be explained, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions before proceeding.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

Postoperative care is an important part of your treatment. You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including wound management, signs of infection to watch for, and when to resume regular activities. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing, remove sutures if required, and review pathology results. If further treatment or monitoring is necessary, this will be coordinated as part of your ongoing care.