All Faq

<h4><strong>Preparing for your SkinCheck is simple, but a few steps can help your doctor examine your skin more thoroughly and accurately</strong>.</h4>
<h3>Before your appointment</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong data-start="284" data-end="318">Avoid fake tan or heavy makeup</strong>, which can make it more difficult to assess skin colour and pigmentation.</li>
<li><strong data-start="395" data-end="442">Do not wear thick moisturisers or sunscreen</strong> immediately before the appointment if possible. Normal daily skincare is generally fine.</li>
<li><strong data-start="534" data-end="578">Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing</strong> that's easy to remove and put back on.</li>
<li><strong data-start="620" data-end="640">Tie up long hair</strong> or bring a hair tie so your scalp can be examined.</li>
<li><strong data-start="694" data-end="716">Bring your glasses</strong> if you wear them, as you may be asked to look at or identify particular spots.</li>
<li><strong data-start="798" data-end="843">Make a list of any spots that concern you</strong>, especially those that:</li>
<li>are new</li>
<li>have changed in size, shape or colour</li>
<li>itch, bleed or don't heal</li>
<li>look different from your other moles ("the ugly duckling").</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="1017" data-end="1035">Bring with you (if possible)</h3>
<ul>
<li>A list of your medications.</li>
<li>Details of any previous skin cancers, biopsies or treatments.</li>
<li>Information about any family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.</li>
<li>Any previous skin photography or mole mapping reports. (Don't stress if you don't have them).</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="1283" data-end="1308">During the skin check</h3>
You will be asked to remove your items of clothing to expose the skin surface for a comprehensive examination of the skin, but you can leave your underwear on. Patient modesty gowns are available and can be provided on request.

A comprehensive skin examination involves inspecting <strong data-start="1371" data-end="1399">your entire skin surface</strong>, including areas you may not normally see, such as:
<ul>
<li>Scalp</li>
<li>Face and ears</li>
<li>Neck</li>
<li>Back</li>
<li>Chest and abdomen</li>
<li>Arms and hands</li>
<li>Legs and feet</li>
<li>Between the fingers and toes</li>
<li>Soles of the feet</li>
</ul>
Depending on your history and preferences, your doctor may also recommend examining areas covered by underwear, as skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body.

Your doctor will use a <strong data-start="1789" data-end="1805">dermatoscope</strong> (a specialised high intensity magnifying light) to examine suspicious spots more closely. If anything appears concerning, they may recommend monitoring, photographing, performing a biopsy, or arranging removal. The clinic uses dermatological imaging software called DermEngine.
<h3 data-start="2433" data-end="2460">What not to worry about</h3>
<ul>
<li>You <strong data-start="2468" data-end="2492">do not need to shave</strong> body hair before the appointment.</li>
<li>You <strong data-start="2533" data-end="2556">do not need to fast</strong> or make any special dietary changes.</li>
<li>Your Comprehensive SkinCheck is <strong data-start="2631" data-end="2643">painless</strong> and typically take <strong data-start="2663" data-end="2680">15–30 minutes</strong>, depending on the number of moles and your skin cancer risk.</li>
</ul>
For the most accurate assessment, it's best to have a <strong data-start="2797" data-end="2827">full-body skin examination</strong> rather than having a Spot Check or individual lesions, as skin cancers are also found in areas patients weren't aware of.

No referral is required to book a SkinCheck at The SkinCheck Spot.
If particular specialist input is required for further management of your condition, this will be organised by your SkinCheck doctor.

Most Australian's 40 years old and over are encourgaed to have an initial SkinCheck if they haven't had one already. After this check, your doctor will advise you on the frequency, based on your risk, of how often you should have a SkinCheck.

However, we always encourage patients to do your own SkinCheck and "know your skin" as best as possible, to detect early changes which can be reviewed in clinic.

<h4>Preparing for your SkinCheck is simple, but a few steps can help your doctor examine your skin more thoroughly and accurately.</h4>
<h3>Before your appointment</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong data-start="284" data-end="318">Avoid fake tan or heavy makeup</strong>, which can make it more difficult to assess skin colour and pigmentation.</li>
<li><strong data-start="395" data-end="442">Do not wear thick moisturisers or sunscreen</strong> immediately before the appointment if possible. Normal daily skincare is generally fine.</li>
<li><strong data-start="534" data-end="578">Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing</strong> that's easy to remove and put back on.</li>
<li><strong data-start="620" data-end="640">Tie up long hair</strong> or bring a hair tie so your scalp can be examined.</li>
<li><strong data-start="694" data-end="716">Bring your glasses</strong> if you wear them, as you may be asked to look at or identify particular spots.</li>
<li><strong data-start="798" data-end="843">Make a list of any spots that concern you</strong>, especially those that:</li>
<li>are new</li>
<li>have changed in size, shape or colour</li>
<li>itch, bleed or don't heal</li>
<li>look different from your other moles ("the ugly duckling").</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="1017" data-end="1035">Bring with you (if possible)</h3>
<ul>
<li>A list of your medications.</li>
<li>Details of any previous skin cancers, biopsies or treatments.</li>
<li>Information about any family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.</li>
<li>Any previous skin photography or mole mapping reports. (Don't stress if you don't have them).</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="1283" data-end="1308">During the skin check</h3>
You will be asked to remove your items of clothing to expose the skin surface for a comprehensive examination of the skin, but you can leave your underwear on. Patient modesty gowns are available and can be provided on request.

A comprehensive skin examination involves inspecting <strong data-start="1371" data-end="1399">your entire skin surface</strong>, including areas you may not normally see, such as:
<ul>
<li>Scalp</li>
<li>Face and ears</li>
<li>Neck</li>
<li>Back</li>
<li>Chest and abdomen</li>
<li>Arms and hands</li>
<li>Legs and feet</li>
<li>Between the fingers and toes</li>
<li>Soles of the feet</li>
</ul>
Depending on your history and preferences, your doctor may also recommend examining areas covered by underwear, as skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body.

Your doctor will use a <strong data-start="1789" data-end="1805">dermatoscope</strong> (a specialised high intensity magnifying light) to examine suspicious spots more closely. If anything appears concerning, they may recommend monitoring, photographing, performing a biopsy, or arranging removal. The clinic uses dermatological imaging software called DermEngine.
<h3 data-start="2433" data-end="2460">What not to worry about</h3>
<ul>
<li>You <strong data-start="2468" data-end="2492">do not need to shave</strong> body hair before the appointment.</li>
<li>You <strong data-start="2533" data-end="2556">do not need to fast</strong> or make any special dietary changes.</li>
<li>Your Comprehensive SkinCheck is <strong data-start="2631" data-end="2643">painless</strong> and typically take <strong data-start="2663" data-end="2680">15–30 minutes</strong>, depending on the number of moles and your skin cancer risk.</li>
</ul>
For the most accurate assessment, it's best to have a <strong data-start="2797" data-end="2827">full-body skin examination</strong> rather than having a Spot Check or individual lesions, as skin cancers are also found in areas patients weren't aware of.