Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia.
At The Clinic Plastic Surgery, you will have confidence that you will be receiving the best treatment and the comfort in knowing that all of your treatment options have been explained to you.
The majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation irreversibly damages skin cells.
There are 3 main type of skin cancer in Australia.
BASAL CELL CANCER
Basal Cell Cancers (BCC) are the most common skin cancers diagnosed in Australia. Usually there are no symptoms. BCCs are slow growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body. If you are going to have one skin cancer, this is arguably the best one to have.
Basal Cell Cancers can be pearly or manifest as a scaly dry area that is shiny and pale or bright pink in colour. They can also look like ulcers. BCCs can be deceptively large. During your consultation, Dr Liew will show you the exact size of the lesion and the best way to reconstruct the area.
SQUAMOUS CELL CANCER
Squamous Cell Cancers (SCC) are the second most common form of skin cancer. When detected and treated early, most SCCs are curable.
Symptoms of SCC can include a thickened, red, scaly spot, a rapidly growing lump, or a sore that has never completely healed. It can also be tender to touch.
MELANOMA
Melanoma is the third most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. The first sign of a melanoma is generally a change in an existing mole, or the appearance of a new spot. If you notice a change in colour, size, shape or elevation of an existing mole, you should see your local doctor or skin specialist to exclude melanoma.
Unfortunately, melanomas are an aggressive cancer that can spread through the body quickly. If you notice a change in colour, size, shape or elevation of an existing mole, you should see your local doctor or skin specialist to exclude melanoma.
BENIGN LESIONS
Dr Liew also specialises in removing benign lesions that may be less cosmetically pleasing. These lesions can include benign moles and naevi, lipomas, cysts and skin tags. These lesions can be removed under local anaesthetic in our procedure rooms, or if larger and more complex, can be performed in an operating theatre at a later date.
YOUR PROCEDURE
Dr Liew offers both local anaesthetic “in house” procedures as well as procedures in an operating theatre under a general anaesthetic or with sedation. At the time of booking your appointment, our experienced team will ask you for a photograph of your lesion, so that we can advise which option is best for you and advise you of the costs involved. All of these options will be outlined to you in your initial relaxed and obligation free consultation with Dr Liew.
Read moreDr Liew prides himself with having a close relationship with your doctor, whether that be your general practitioner, skin cancer doctor or dermatologist. A close working team is essential to delivering the best result from your skin cancer surgery.
At your initial review, both operative and non-operative management options will be considered to give you the best possible opportunity to optimise your functional outcome.
The Clinic Plastic Surgery prioritises your clinical needs. If your condition is urgent as stated by your referring doctor, we will prioritise your appointment ahead of the usual waiting times.
Your surgical care and recovery will be personally overseen by Dr Julian Liew and his expert team at The Clinic Plastic Surgery. He will be with you every step of the way to ensure you have the best possible surgical journey.
Before
After
DISCLAIMER: All before and after photographs are actual cases of Dr. Julian Liew, and are examples only. All surgical results are subject to individual patient variability and do not constitute an implied or certainty for the result.
At The Clinic Plastic Surgery, we definitely offer “same day” procedures under local anaesthetic in our procedure rooms. When booking your consultation, our expert team will gather your medical and referral details and ask you for a photograph of your lesion. If a photograph has been taken by your doctor, please forward it to us by email.
The photograph and details of your case will be reviewed by Dr Liew before your consultation to determine whether this is the best course of action for your treatment and you will be informed accordingly.
The Clinic aims to see all referrals within 2 weeks.
For more urgent referrals, your general practitioner or specialist can contact us directly and you will be seen within 1 week.
If you are wishing to time your appointments or surgery around certain events or dates, please mention this at the time of your appointment to our friendly team and we will work hard to tailor your surgical journey around your lifestyle and commitments.
A medical referral is not required to make an appointment. However, having a referral allows you to claim a small rebate from Medicare at your initial consultation.
All non-cosmetic patients are encouraged to have a GP referral.
Dr Julian Liew is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. After completing his medical degree in 2002 at Monash University, Dr Liew trained in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery before completing his Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery training at the beginning of 2015.
During his training, Dr Liew gained extensive experience in aesthetic surgery, maxillofacial surgery and reconstructive surgery following trauma, burns and cancer treatment. After successfully gaining his Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship from the the Royal College of Surgeons, Dr Liew completed a further fellowship overseas in Microsurgery and Breast Reconstructive Surgery at the world-renowned Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, United Kingdom, which is world famous for its pioneering burns and plastic surgery.
As a skilled Microsurgeon and Specialist Plastic Surgeon his attention to detail and to the skill and precision of the procedure is only paralleled by his passion for the patient-centric experience and his complete involvement along with his talented team, through the patient’s entire surgical journey.
In 2017, Dr Liew realised his vision of combining surgical excellence with an enhanced patient journey by establishing his boutique plastic and reconstructive surgery practice, The Clinic Plastic Surgery, in East Melbourne.
Your initial consultation will be with your Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Liew. He will listen to your concerns and expectations, take your medical history and examine you. Clinical photographs will also be taken during this appointment.
Dr Liew will outline the various surgical and non-surgical options suitable for you and tailor a management plan specifically for you. He will also inform you of the potential risks and complications of a procedure, and you will have time to have all of your questions answered.
If surgery is required, you will also receive a quotation outlining expected costs.
At the time of your consultation, you will be given a detailed quotation for your procedure that will include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, surgical assistant fees and the hospital’s fees.
Please consult your health insurance provider to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your procedure.
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