Skin Cancer Plastic Surgeon Perth
Skin cancer surgery:
“Dual focus on removing skin cancer and minimising scars”

Skin Cancer Plastic Surgeon Perth
Skin cancer surgery
Western Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. BCCs, SCCs and even melanomas are common. Diagnosing and treating skin cancer early is key – so those skin checks and safety in the sun are very important.
While GPs and skin specialists play an important role in the early detection and treatment of skin cancers, plastic surgeons offer specialised skills in surgical techniques that focus on minimising scarring and optimising cosmetic outcomes.
In Australia, plastic surgeons undergo extensive training in the diagnosis and management of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, and other complex soft tissue tumours.
“Plastic surgeons can work on any part of the body, including your head and neck – areas that are important for looking good! Choosing a plastic surgeon with expertise in facial surgery, flaps, and grafts will ensure the best possible scars following your skin cancer surgery.”
Dr Jeremy Rawlins, Skin Cancer Plastic Surgeon Perth
Surgical removal is often the best treatment choice for the three primary types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma, making up 75% of the skin cancers diagnosed.
- Squamous cell carcinoma, accounting for 20% of skin cancer cases.
- Melanoma, comprising about 5% of skin cancer occurrences.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the type of skin cancer we see most often. It’s also the kind that’s least likely to be serious.
It starts from the basal or lower part of the outermost layer of skin on your body (epidermis).
Over 95% of these tumours are related to high UV radiation exposure of the epidermis.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, is the second most common type of skin cancer, coming from the mid-layer of the epidermis. It is associated with:
- Weakened immune system, which means your body’s less able to fight off diseases.
- Damage from the sun or UV radiation.
- Long-lasting wounds and scars from burns.
SCC makes up about 20% of skin cancers. SCCs may spread if they are not treated adequately. Checking the lymph nodes is especially important for people with this type of skin cancer because it helps us see if the cancer is spreading.
Melanoma
Melanoma accounts for about 5% of all skin cancers. It develops from damage to melanocytes, which are the pigment-producing cells at the bottom layer of the epidermis.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and we go to great lengths to diagnose and treat melanomas quickly. If diagnosed and treated early it has a good prognosis. If it is diagnosed late there is a chance the melanoma may have spread to lymph nodes or other organs – thus the treatment of melanoma is extremely important to get right. At Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery we work alongside dermatologists, pathologists, and oncologists to get the very best multi-disciplinary care. Melanoma surgery may include wide excisions of primary tumours, reconstruction with skin grafts and flaps, sentinel lymph node biopsies, and block dissections of the neck / axilla / groin for more advanced disease.
Skin Cancer Recovery Perth
Recovery after skin cancer surgery
Removing skin cancers usually involves day surgery. The tumour surgery involves removing the tumour and a ‘margin’ of normal tissue around the edge to reduce the chance of the tumour coming back.
At Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons always keep in mind how you’ll look after surgery when they’re planning your procedure – including the nature of the reconstruction.
“Our goal is to make incisions that not only allow us to effectively remove skin cancers but also minimise scarring as much as possible.”
Dr Jeremy Rawlins, Skin Cancer Plastic Surgeon Perth
We know how important it is for you to look good as you heal, and we do everything we can to make sure you’re happy with how you look after surgery.
What to expect after skin cancer surgery?
The first 3 days after your skin cancer surgery, you shouldn’t feel too much pain, just a bit uncomfortable. It’s really important to take it easy and rest during this time to help keep swelling and bruising down.
Getting surgery early for skin cancers usually means they can be completely removed, and the smaller the spot, the smaller the scar will be and the better the results. But it’s really important to keep up with check-ups after your surgery.
Similarly, it is important that anyone who has had a skin cancer treated continues to have regular skin checks.
Skin Cancer Clinic Perth
Why Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery in Perth?
From the moment you first contact us, through to your consultation, booking your surgery, the surgery itself, and into your recovery, we’re here to provide you with bespoke care and service every step of the way.
“We know coming to us might feel a bit intimidating. That’s why we believe our warmth and understanding truly make us stand out from other clinics.”
Dr Jeremy Rawlins, Skin Cancer Plastic Surgeon Perth
Request an appointment here.



