MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
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About Spot Check Clinic
Learn about our independent skin clinic, dedicated to detecting, treating and preventing skin cancers, sun-damaged skin and other aesthetic skin concerns.
At Spot Check Clinic, you’ll be treated by a doctor or registered nurse. All of our treating staff are registered with AHPRA and comply with professional and ethical codes of practice.
Choosing the right person or clinic for a mole check or skin check is a crucial step in detecting skin cancer. Your own GP might have experience in diagnosing and treating skin cancers. If not, a skin cancer clinic can...
An accredited skin cancer doctor is a GP who has completed significant additional studies and passed rigorous assessments in the diagnosis, treatment and management of skin cancer.
Learn about our wide range of evidence-based therapies and aesthetic treatments for healthier and better-looking skin.
Cold sores are a known side effect of surgical, laser and IPL treatments. You can reduce the risk by taking antiviral medication before treatment, or immediately if you notice the onset of cold sore symptoms after your treatment.
Some medications used in the treatment of skin conditions can cause irritation of the stomach and oesophagus. This can usually be prevented by taking the medication carefully.
Studies have shown that the Dermasensor is as accurate as a dermatologist in detecting skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. When combined with a doctor performing a dermoscopic examination and taking a medical history of...
Biopsy and excision procedures for suspected skin cancers frequently cause scarring. Other adverse effects include bleeding, bruising, pain and infection. In cases where your doctor believes your lesion is most likely not skin cancer, spectroscopy can provide further evidence that...
The success rate of treatment with cryotherapy is variable. Gentle treatment (to avoid scarring and depigmentation) is less successful; more aggressive treatment is effective but can lead to more complications.
For simple procedures on very superficial lesions, you might only need a single visit. For deeper moles with a higher risk of scarring, you may require multiple treatments over several months.
The number varies according to the risk of side effects, the degree of discomfort, the risk of scarring, the appearance of the wounds while they are healing and the time available for treatment.
It’s often possible to remove a mole or skin lesion at home using products purchased online or from pharmacies. However, just because you can remove a mole yourself, it doesn’t mean you should.
The fee varies widely, depending on the type of lesion we remove, how many visits your treatment requires and whether we include ancillary treatments such as scar mitigation and LED treatments to improve wound healing.
We use local anaesthetic for potentially painful surgical procedures to reduce discomfort. Many of the procedures we use are almost painless or the pain is extremely brief.
Avoid known photosensitising drugs and chemicals before light-based treatments such as laser, IPL/BBL and LED light therapy. If you are taking these medications, be sun smart every day.
Downtime varies according to the procedure. It’s important to keep treated skin out of water until it’s watertight (usually about 3 days, or up to 21 if there are stitches) and avoid stretching surgical wounds for up to a month....
At Spot Check Clinic, you’ll be treated by a doctor or registered nurse. All of our treating staff are registered with AHPRA and comply with professional and ethical codes of practice.
Raised moles can be removed in several ways, including radiofrequency surgery, shave excision, excision with stitches and cryotherapy (freezing). Removing a mole, whether flat or raised, should be done by a skin cancer doctor or dermatologist to reduce the risk...
Moles can be removed from the face using surgical excision, laser surgery, radiofrequency surgery, shave excision, or cryotherapy. A qualified and experienced skin cancer doctor should perform the procedure, as they can rule out skin cancer before proceeding with treatment.
A flat mole is a type of pigmented skin growth that is typically benign (non-cancerous). If a flat mole needs to be removed, there are several methods that may be used, including surgical excision with stitches, shave excision, and laser...
Several methods are available for mole removal, including surgical excision, radiofrequency ablation, shave excision, cryotherapy, electrocautery and laser ablation. The best method will depend on the diagnosis, location and size of the mole or skin lesion, and the patient's cosmetic...
Removing a mole cannot cause skin cancer. However, sometimes when a doctor removes a "suspicious mole" and has the tissue examined by a skin pathologist, the diagnosis is skin cancer. In other words, the procedure didn't cause the skin cancer...
In Australia, Medicare covers certain types of mole removal if it is considered medically necessary. This typically includes moles that are cancerous or at high risk of becoming cancerous, as well as moles that are causing functional problems or causing...
The cost of mole removal in Australia can vary widely depending on many factors, such as the type, size and location of the mole, the method used to remove it, and whether the "mole" is actually a skin cancer.
Doctors use multiple methods to remove moles and other skin lesions. The method varies according to the likely diagnosis, size and type of skin lesion, location on the body and patient preferences including cost and minimisation of scarring risk. Common...
After mole removal, the skin surface is normally water resistant after 3 days. There may be a crust or scab over the wound for 1-3 weeks, and when it separates the skin should normally be intact and level wth the...
Facial moles can be removed, often with minimal scarring. The procedure varies according to the type of mole, whether it's flat or raised, and if a sample of skin needs to be sent to a laboratory for examination.
Laser treatment is most commonly used to remove flat, benign skin lesions such as lentigines (also known as "age spots") and angiomas (small, benign tumours made up of blood vessels). It can also be used to remove capillaries, which are...
Laser mole removal of a single spot can be relatively inexpensive, especially if the spot responds to a single treatment. However, most spots treated by laser require several treatments (typically 3 or 4) and this increases the cost.
Laser mole removal is generally considered safe when performed by a trained doctor, nurse or dermal therapist with laser safety training and qualifications. However, like any medical procedure, there are certain risks and complications that may occur.
Doctors can remove moles and other skin lesions for people considering mole removal. Doctors (specifically accredited skin cancer doctors and dermatologists) are experienced in examining moles, skin cancers and other skin lesions and can provide the appropriate medical or surgical...
A mole can come back after removal, usually if some mole tissue is left in place during the mole removal procedure. This can occur for various reasons, such as insufficient treatment width, depth or duration.
Black moles can be removed by a doctor using a variety of methods. If the mole resembles a melanoma (a type of skin cancer which is often black or partially black) it must be completely cut out and sent to...
You can have a mole removed while you are pregnant. This would normally be done for medical rather than cosmetic reasons (i.e. the mole resembles a skin cancer and should be removed as soon as possible).
You can wash your hair after mole removal as long as the area is kept as dry as possible for 3 days. If stitches are in place, the area should not be completely submerged in water.
IPL can remove some flat pigmented moles (mainly lentigines – also known as freckles or age spots). It's not usually recommended for actual moles because it might not penetrate deeply enough to remove the entire mole and there is a...
Moles can be removed without scarring. Unfortunately, not all moles are suitable for removal using low-scarring techniques and even these techniques can result in scarring in certain cases. An experienced skin cancer doctor or dermatologist can usually examine the mole...
Moles can be removed without surgery. This can be a quick, relatively painless and low-scarring way of removing moles. Non-surgical techniques include IPL, laser, cryotherapy, radiofrequency, and electrosurgery. These procedures aren't suitable for all moles. Any mole that resembles a...
In Australia, private health insurance rarely covers or contributes to the cost of mole removal. In order to qualify for a payment from private health insurance, the mole must be removed for medical and not cosmetic reasons, and the removal...
Laser treatment removes moles and other skin lesions permanently as long as the skin lesion is selected carefully and the treatment course is adequate. This often means that multiple treatments are required.
Removing moles does not usually prevent skin cancer. The most common skin cancers (basal and squamous cell carcinomas) and most melanomas grow from areas of normal skin. A small number of melanomas develop in pre-existing moles, but it's usually not...
Moles usually grow back after removal because the entire mole hasn't been completely removed. This can happen for several reasons including removing inadequate margins during excision, not treating deep enough into the skin during radiofrequency surgery or shave biopsy, and...
Laser hair removal can affect moles. It doesn't make moles develop into skin cancer, but it can cause visual changes to the mole which can make it look like a skin cancer.
Moles can be removed for cosmetic reasons. There are several methods for removing moles that give excellent cosmetic results, often with little to no scarring. These methods may not be suitable for all moles, and are usually not appropriate for...
Spider veins (also known as capillaries or telangiectasia) on the face are a common concern. In themselves they aren't dangerous although in some cases they can be a sign of an underlying medical or skin condition.
Treatment options for small veins on the face include laser, IPL (intense pulsed light), diathermy and possibly prescription creams if the veins are caused by rosacea.
One main symptom of rosacea is rosy cheeks, which can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Treatment options for rosacea include topical and oral medications, lifestyle changes, and skincare strategies. Identifying and avoiding triggers, using gentle skincare products, and protecting skin from...
There are many causes of spider veins, including sun damage, rosacea, ageing, damage or trauma to the skin and possibly some circulatory system disorders. In many cases, treating the underlying cause (e.g. rosacea) can reduce their appearance, but often specific...
Spider veins, also known as "broken capillaries" or telangiectasia, are small dilated blood vessels that appear as red, blue, or purple web-like patterns on the skin's surface. They don't usually go away on their own over time. In many cases,...
Laser treatment for broken capillaries in Melbourne generally costs between $120 to $500 per session, depending on the size of the area to be treated. In certain circumstances, if the treatment is provided by a doctor it may be partially...
After laser treatment for capillaries, it's normal to experience some redness and a mild sunburn-like sensation. Less commonly, swelling, and bruising might occur. The time it takes for the broken capillaries to disappear after laser treatment can vary; some people...
Liver spots, also known as age spots or solar lentigines, are dark, pigmented patches that appear on the skin. They are caused by excess melanin production due to sun damage and the natural aging process. Although they are not harmful,...
Dark patches on the skin can be caused by various factors, including age, sun damage, and hormonal changes. These patches are commonly known as liver spots or sun spots, and they can make the skin appear dull and uneven. Fortunately,...
Lentigines, often called "sun spots", "age spots" or "liver spots" are dark patches that appear on the face, hands, chest and other areas exposed to the sun over a long period. They are a cosmetic concern rather than a health...
BBL (also known as BroadBand Light), is a type of laser treatment that is commonly used to address a variety of skin concerns, including pigmentation, sun spots, age spots, rosacea, capillaries, lax skin and more. This non-invasive procedure uses intense...
Laser, intense pulsed light and BBL (BroadBand Light) are effective ways of treating skin pigmentation. The time it takes for pigmentation to fade following treatment varies according to skin type, the darkness and the type of pigmentation.
BBL and laser are both light-based treatments used in facial rejuvenation, treating pigmentation, unwanted blood vessels and rosacea. In practical terms, BBL is a good general treatment for a large area of skin, allowing therapy of multiple skin concerns in...
Dark patches on the skin have many causes including sun exposure, dermatological and medical conditions. Treatment for lightening dark patches varies according to the cause. Light-based treatments such as laser, IPL and BBL can be useful, but in some cases,...
It's often possible to permanently remove a specific age spot with treatment, but further sun spots are likely to appear in the future without proper sun protection. However, laser, IPL and BBL treatments are effective options for lightening dark patches...
BBL is a form of intense light treatment that targets unwanted pigment and other skin structures. It's a quick and relatively comfortable compared with some other treatments such as laser. BBL can be successfully used in the management of age...
Sun spots (lentigines, age spots, liver spots and solar keratoses) are common patches on the skin resulting usually from long-term sun exposure. Most sun spots are normal and a cosmetic concern only, but some are potentially pre-cancerous.
IPL (intense pulsed light) is a treatment for skin conditions which uses multiple light wavelengths at high energy to target and destroy unwanted skin structures. BBL is a relatively new and more advanced form of IPL with several advantages including...
The number of BBL or laser treatments required to achieve optimal results varies depending on skin type and the condition being treated. Small lesions such as angiomas can be treated with a smaller number of treatments, while long-established skin conditions...
The “best” treatment for facial pigmentation depends on various factors, including the cause of the pigmentation, the cost of the treatment, the number of sessions required, and the location of the treatment. Patients should consult with an experienced doctor to...
Beauty spots are clusters of pigmented cells on the skin. Some people like them, some don't. There are different ways to remove them, such as surgery, laser, cryotherapy, or electrocautery. BBL is a type of laser that can treat beauty...
The cost of BBL treatment in Melbourne varies according to multiple factors including the size of the area to be treated, the number of treatments required and the experience and qualifications of the treatment provider.
Some skin improvement starts within a few days of IPL treatment, but the complete effects may take weeks to appear. Treatments usually need to be repeated over a period of months for maximum benefit.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser therapy can effectively treat broken capillaries, prominent facial veins and redness of the face. We use BBL (BroadBand Light) IPL and vascular laser treatment to target capillaries, reduce redness and improve complexion with minimal...
IPL skin rejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment using bright light pulses to treat skin conditions like sun damage, rosacea, age spots, and wrinkles.
Learn about skin cancer – a cluster of skin cells which continues to grow and possibly spread to other organs.
Studies have shown that the Dermasensor is as accurate as a dermatologist in detecting skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. When combined with a doctor performing a dermoscopic examination and taking a medical history of...
Biopsy and excision procedures for suspected skin cancers frequently cause scarring. Other adverse effects include bleeding, bruising, pain and infection. In cases where your doctor believes your lesion is most likely not skin cancer, spectroscopy can provide further evidence that...
The success rate of treatment with cryotherapy is variable. Gentle treatment (to avoid scarring and depigmentation) is less successful; more aggressive treatment is effective but can lead to more complications.
It’s often possible to remove a mole or skin lesion at home using products purchased online or from pharmacies. However, just because you can remove a mole yourself, it doesn’t mean you should.
Avoid known photosensitising drugs and chemicals before light-based treatments such as laser, IPL/BBL and LED light therapy. If you are taking these medications, be sun smart every day.
If you can't take nicotinamide due to side effects or potential medical risks, alternatives include topical therapies, fractional laser treatment and some medications.
Downtime varies according to the procedure. It’s important to keep treated skin out of water until it’s watertight (usually about 3 days, or up to 21 if there are stitches) and avoid stretching surgical wounds for up to a month....
Removing moles does not usually prevent melanoma. Some moles can develop into melanoma, but this is unusual for normal moles and even the most odd-looking moles. The best medical intervention for reducing the risk of melanoma in people with many...
Removing moles does not usually prevent skin cancer. The most common skin cancers (basal and squamous cell carcinomas) and most melanomas grow from areas of normal skin. A small number of melanomas develop in pre-existing moles, but it's usually not...
Both sun spots and skin cancer can be caused by prolonged sun exposure, and both may appear as flat brown patches on the face, hands, chest and other areas of sun-exposed skin. Skin cancer can grow and sometimes spread to...
Learn how we use a combination of clinical experience and technology to detect melanoma and other skin cancers at an early stage.
Redness, swelling, blisters and sores are often a common result of aesthetic and skin cancer treatments. In most cases, they can be managed easily and settle gradually over the following weeks. However, it’s important to notify the clinic if you...
After clicking the button to add a photo, you can select between taking a photo with your device, or uploading a photo that's been taken and saved earlier.
Mole mapping photos is a method where an organised system of digital images are taken of your skin and moles, which is sometimes referred to as mole mapping. You can get help on how to access your images on the...
You don't need to wait to receive the results of your skin check and mole mapping. Because a doctor is performing your examination, they will inform you immediately if they notice any suspicious spots, lumps or likely skin cancers.
If you've booked a full body skin check in conjunction with your mole mapping appointment, your skin will be examined by an experienced skin cancer doctor and individual moles or lesions will be examined and photographed dermoscopically.
Your photos are stored in MoleScope, a shared medical record accessible to you and the Spot Check Clinic team. You can view your photos using a web browser or the MoleScope app, which also allows you to photograph your own...
Mole mapping costs around $150 in addition to the cost of a full body skin check. This is subject to change; the most up-to-date information is available on our pricing page.
Your skin doctor will closely examine any moles or other skin changes detected during mole mapping. If suspicious lesions are detected, we can take a biopsy or perform an excision at our clinic, often on the same day.
Mole mapping assists in early melanoma detection. It can help identify changes in your spots, and can work as an extra way of highlighting which of your spots or moles might need closer examination or removal.
Mole mapping is the process of photographing and documenting the entire skin surface and all the moles and lesions on it. Mole mapping is not the same as a full body skin examination, where a doctor examines and diagnoses your...
Unless your risk is very low, or you have recently had a full body skin check, we usually recommend you have a full body skin check by an accredited skin cancer doctor.
After your skin check, you should have a plan to manage current issues (e.g. skin cancers, suspicious spots, rashes), enable early diagnosis of skin cancers if they occur, reduce your risk of new skin cancers developing and treat existing sun...
Laser hair removal can affect moles. It doesn't make moles develop into skin cancer, but it can cause visual changes to the mole which can make it look like a skin cancer.
Mole mapping adds to the cost of a skin cancer check and people often feel uncomfortable being photographed while they are nearly naked, so it's understandable to ask if molemapping is worth the expense and trouble. The answer isn't always...
Choosing the right person or clinic for a mole check or skin check is a crucial step in detecting skin cancer. Your own GP might have experience in diagnosing and treating skin cancers. If not, a skin cancer clinic can...
An accredited skin cancer doctor is a GP who has completed significant additional studies and passed rigorous assessments in the diagnosis, treatment and management of skin cancer.
If you have a very high risk of melanoma and more than 100 moles, you should consider having mole mapping every year. There is evidence that mole mapping can allow earlier detection of melanoma in high-risk patients and therefore improve...
In a single mole check, a doctor closely examines a spot or lump of concern that you've identified. Typically, the doctor will examine it using a dermoscope and possibly high-magnification digital photography to aid in diagnosis. At Spot Check Clinic,...
Unfortunately, there's no known cure for rosacea, but it can be managed successfully with a combination of trigger avoidance, good skin care practices, and medical treatments.
Lupus rash and rosacea are two different skin conditions that can cause redness and inflammation on the face. Lupus is a generalised disorder, while rosacea is mainly confined to the skin and eyes.
The “best“ prescription cream for rosacea would be effective in reducing symptoms, causing minimal side effects and result in a long-lasting or permanent improvement in symptoms. Unfortunately, no cream meets all these criteria and the best cream for any individual...
Perioral dermatitis and rosacea both cause redness of the face. While rosacea tends to affect the nose and cheeks, perioral dermatitis is most common around the mouth. Both conditions can respond to oral antibiotics, although topical treatments differ.
Redness around the nose can be caused by rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or eczema. Treatment options differ depending on the underlying cause, and may include topical or oral antibiotics, vascular laser treatment, or topical creams and gels.
Rosacea and eczema are two chronic skin conditions that can be easily confused due to similar symptoms. Rosacea causes redness around the nose and cheeks, while eczema can occur anywhere on the body and often causes itching. Treatment for both...
Itching is not a typical symptom of rosacea, which more commonly causes mild discomfort or burning sensations. Itching tends to be associated with other conditions that cause facial redness such as eczema or perioral dermatitis.
To calm a rosacea flare-up, it's important to avoid triggers and use a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and skin care strategies. Using cool compresses and gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers and over-the-counter rosacea treatments containing vitamin B3 can soothe itchy, irritated...
One main symptom of rosacea is rosy cheeks, which can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Treatment options for rosacea include topical and oral medications, lifestyle changes, and skincare strategies. Identifying and avoiding triggers, using gentle skincare products, and protecting skin from...
Liver spots, also known as age spots or solar lentigines, are dark, pigmented patches that appear on the skin. They are caused by excess melanin production due to sun damage and the natural aging process. Although they are not harmful,...
Dark patches on the skin can be caused by various factors, including age, sun damage, and hormonal changes. These patches are commonly known as liver spots or sun spots, and they can make the skin appear dull and uneven. Fortunately,...
Lentigines, often called "sun spots", "age spots" or "liver spots" are dark patches that appear on the face, hands, chest and other areas exposed to the sun over a long period. They are a cosmetic concern rather than a health...
Both sun spots and skin cancer can be caused by prolonged sun exposure, and both may appear as flat brown patches on the face, hands, chest and other areas of sun-exposed skin. Skin cancer can grow and sometimes spread to...
Dark patches on the skin have many causes including sun exposure, dermatological and medical conditions. Treatment for lightening dark patches varies according to the cause. Light-based treatments such as laser, IPL and BBL can be useful, but in some cases,...
It's often possible to permanently remove a specific age spot with treatment, but further sun spots are likely to appear in the future without proper sun protection. However, laser, IPL and BBL treatments are effective options for lightening dark patches...
Sun spots (lentigines, age spots, liver spots and solar keratoses) are common patches on the skin resulting usually from long-term sun exposure. Most sun spots are normal and a cosmetic concern only, but some are potentially pre-cancerous.
The “best” treatment for facial pigmentation depends on various factors, including the cause of the pigmentation, the cost of the treatment, the number of sessions required, and the location of the treatment. Patients should consult with an experienced doctor to...
Intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser therapy can effectively treat broken capillaries, prominent facial veins and redness of the face. We use BBL (BroadBand Light) IPL and vascular laser treatment to target capillaries, reduce redness and improve complexion with minimal...
IPL skin rejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment using bright light pulses to treat skin conditions like sun damage, rosacea, age spots, and wrinkles.
Learn how we promote skin health including tips for healthy skin and protection from sun damage.
Nicotinamide has been taken by many pregnant women and women of childbearing age without an increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the foetus having been observed. It’s safe for your baby if...
If you can't take nicotinamide due to side effects or potential medical risks, alternatives include topical therapies, fractional laser treatment and some medications.
Abnormal scars may be raised, hard and discoloured, or thin and soft. They are common after skin procedures, but can usually be treated to improve their appearance and associated discomfort.
At Spot Check Clinic, you’ll be treated by a doctor or registered nurse. All of our treating staff are registered with AHPRA and comply with professional and ethical codes of practice.
Avoiding excessive ultraviolet exposure is by far the most effective way to reduce the risk of skin cancer. But there are other risk factors, and other ways of reducing skin cancer risk and improving skin health.
After your skin check, you should have a plan to manage current issues (e.g. skin cancers, suspicious spots, rashes), enable early diagnosis of skin cancers if they occur, reduce your risk of new skin cancers developing and treat existing sun...
There’s no single “best” sunscreen for everyone in all situations. Use a broad spectrum product with SPF 30 or more, and apply it properly and regularly, and you should be well protected, and reduce your skin cancer risk. The “best”...
