Skin Cancer Surgery With Dr Hertess On the Gold Coast

Dr Isolde Hertess has ongoing work in reconstructive surgery linked to skin cancer treatment and consults with patients on the Gold Coast. If you have a confirmed diagnosis or a lesion that needs assessment, the first step is a careful review, so you understand what type of surgery is being considered, what scarring may look like, and what follow-up is required.

What Is Skin Cancer Surgery?

Skin cancer surgery is performed to remove cancerous tissue with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue when required. After removal, the wound may be closed directly, repaired using a skin flap, or repaired using a skin graft, depending on the size and location of the defect.

The face is a common location for skin cancers. Where skin cancers occur on the face, planning often needs a reconstructive approach that protects function as well as appearance. Areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, and ears often require more detailed planning because the skin is thinner and the structures are more delicate.

Types Of Skin Cancer That May Be Treated With Surgery

The most common skin cancers treated surgically include:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Melanoma (in selected cases, depending on staging and treatment plan)

The type of skin cancer influences the surgical margin, the urgency of treatment, and whether additional testing or follow-up is needed. Your plan should be discussed based on what has been diagnosed and what the pathology results show.

When Is Surgery Considered?

Surgery is often recommended when:

• A skin cancer has been confirmed on biopsy
• The lesion is suspicious and needs excision for diagnosis and treatment
• The location makes other treatments less suitable
• There is concern about deeper involvement or recurrent disease

In some situations, other treatments may be discussed, such as topical treatments, curettage and cautery, cryotherapy, or radiotherapy. The most suitable choice depends on the diagnosis, the site, and the individual patient.

Planning Skin Cancer Surgery With Dr Isolde Hertess

Planning starts with understanding what the spot is and where it is located. Dr Isolde Hertess will assess the area, including the location, size, and how the tissue looks and feels, and may also review biopsy results if they are available. If a biopsy has not been done, a biopsy may be recommended first, depending on the lesion’s appearance and what is appropriate in your situation.

Key planning points often include:

Margins And Staging

Some skin cancers require a wider margin than others. In melanoma, margins are planned according to thickness and staging, which is why biopsy results and pathology details matter.

Reconstruction Method

After removal, the way the area is repaired depends on the size and location of the wound. In some cases, the edges can be stitched together directly, while other cases may need nearby skin to be moved into place or a skin graft taken from another site to cover the area.

Function And Aesthetic Considerations

When surgery involves areas around the eyes, nose, lips, or ears, function matters. The plan needs to consider eyelid closure, nasal airflow, lip movement, and normal facial expression. This is one of the reasons specialist training in reconstructive techniques is important for many facial skin cancer repairs.

Scarring

All skin cancer surgery leaves scars. Scar appearance varies between patients and depends on the site, the repair method, and your individual healing. Scar care is discussed once the wound has healed enough to begin this safely.

Anaesthetic And Setting

Some skin cancer surgeries can be performed under local anaesthesia, while other cases may be safer under sedation or general anaesthesia, particularly for larger repairs or more complex reconstruction. The safest setting is discussed during planning.

Dr Hertess consults with patients on the Gold Coast to explain the options clearly and to plan the next steps, with a focus on safety and appropriate cancer management.

What Happens After Skin Cancer Removal?

After the skin cancer is removed, the tissue is sent for pathology. Pathology confirms:

• The exact diagnosis
• Whether margins are clear
• Features that may influence follow-up or further treatment

Sometimes margins are not clear, which means there may be remaining cancer cells at the edge of the excision. If this occurs, further treatment may be recommended, which can include additional surgery. This is discussed based on your pathology report.

Recovery After Skin Cancer Surgery

Recovery after skin cancer surgery depends on the size of the excision and how the area is repaired. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort can occur early on, and this can be more noticeable after surgery on the face. You will be given aftercare instructions that suit the area treated and the repair method used.

Recovery usually involves keeping the wound clean and dry as advised, avoiding strenuous exercise for the recommended timeframe, and protecting the area from the sun when you are outdoors. Your follow-up appointments allow the team to check how you are healing and remove stitches if needed. Contact the clinic if you notice redness, swelling, pain, or discharge that is getting worse. If a skin graft is used, the donor site will also need care while it heals. If a flap is used, bruising and swelling can be more noticeable in the early stage. The area then continues to settle over time as healing progresses.