When a skin check finds a spot that needs more than watching, the doctors who consult from Launceston Skin Clinic can biopsy or remove it in the clinic’s treatment room under local anaesthetic, usually within days. This page explains the three procedures used most often, what they cost and what to expect afterwards.
Skin Biopsy
A biopsy takes a small sample of skin so a pathologist can examine it under the microscope. Depending on the spot, the doctor uses a punch biopsy (a few millimetres wide, closed with a stitch or two), a shave biopsy (the raised part is shaved level with the skin, no stitches) or an excisional biopsy (the whole lesion is removed). It takes about 10 to 15 minutes under local anaesthetic. Every sample goes to a pathology laboratory, and the doctor tells you when to expect the result and what happens next.
Skin Cancer Excision
- The skin cancer is removed with a margin of normal skin under local anaesthetic and the wound is closed with stitches
- Done in the clinic’s treatment room; you go home the same day
- Every specimen is sent for histopathology to confirm the diagnosis and check the margins
- Larger or complex sites may be referred to a surgeon or specialist
What It Costs
- Procedures are quoted before they are done. The out-of-pocket cost depends on the type and size of the procedure and is up to $400 after the Medicare rebate, with a discount for pension and health care card holders
- The fee covers the procedure room, consumables and nursing support, which Medicare does not cover; the rebate for the procedure itself depends on the item number, which the doctor explains
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy freezes a lesion with liquid nitrogen so that the treated skin blisters, crusts and peels away over one to two weeks. It is used for:
- Sunspots (solar keratoses) and some superficial skin cancers where the doctor considers it appropriate
- Skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses and other benign lesions removed for comfort or appearance
- Common and plantar warts, sometimes over more than one session
Aftercare and Recovery
The doctor explains aftercare on the day. In general:
- Keep the dressing dry for the first 24 hours and avoid heavy exercise or swimming until stitches are out
- Stitches are removed at the clinic, usually after 7 to 14 days depending on the site
- Some redness, swelling or a small scar is normal; call the clinic if there is spreading redness, increasing pain or fever
- Results are discussed at a follow-up appointment or by phone, and further treatment is arranged if needed
Biopsies and excisions are booked after a consultation, so the doctor has assessed the spot first. Book a skin check online or call 03 6351 5610.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a skin biopsy hurt?
The local anaesthetic injection stings for a few seconds; after that the area is numb. Most people describe the procedure as uncomfortable rather than painful, and simple pain relief is usually enough afterwards.
Will I have a scar?
Any cut through the skin leaves a mark. The doctor places incisions along skin lines where possible and explains what to expect for the site; most scars fade over 6 to 12 months.
Do I need a referral or a separate appointment?
No referral is needed. Procedures are usually booked as a separate appointment after your skin check so that the right time and room are set aside; small biopsies can sometimes be done on the day.
Are the procedures covered by Medicare?
Biopsies and skin cancer excisions attract Medicare rebates. You pay the fee on the day and the rebate is claimed for you; the out-of-pocket amount is quoted before the procedure.