Plastic & Reconstructive surgery for Skin Cancer

Dr Rughani performs skin cancer removal procedures in south-east Queensland, and has over 15 years experience performing major surgery for cancer and trauma patients.

Dr Rughani has always been passionate about skin cancer and is currently leading a study on scalp Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs) in Queensland, with active research interests including; Melanoma, advanced SCC, and in Facial and Scalp reconstruction.

Medicare rebates are generally available for skin lesion excision procedures. To qualify for medicare rebates, all patients are required to obtain a GP or doctors referral prior to attending a consultation.

Learn more about skin cancer

THREE MAIN TYPES OF SKIN CANCER

Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs)

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common type of skin cancer and are typically found on the face, ears, neck, scalp, legs, and back. They rarely spread but can invade deeply if left untreated for too long. While some early BCCs can be managed without surgery, the majority are best treated through surgical excision.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs)

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are the second most common type of skin cancer and are more aggressive than BCCs. Although the majority of SCCs do not spread, they can occasionally spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph glands.

Melanoma

Melanoma typically presents as a dark lesion and is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer. If detected early and surgically removed, it can be cured. However, if detected late, melanoma may spread to nearby lymph glands or other organs. All melanomas are treated with surgical excision, and sometimes the nearby lymph nodes are also removed. Patients with melanoma require long-term monitoring to check for cancer recurrence.

(All medical procedures carry risks and outcomes can vary. A consultation is required to determine suitability. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.)

Frequently Asked Questions

While plastic surgery is generally safe when performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon in an accredited facility, it does carry general and specific risks, like any surgery.

How do I book an initial consultation with Dr Rughani?

For patients seeking to discuss a skin cancer concern, or explore cosmetic or reconstructive surgery and are wanting to learn more about their options, a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon is your first step.

To book an initial consultation with Dr. Rughani, please call the clinic and our patient care team will be able to book your appointment for you.

You can also email us or you can request a consultation with Dr. Rughani via our referrals page.

Our clinic hours are Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm and 8:30am – 4pm on Fridays.

Do I need a referral for an initial consultation?

All patients wishing to consult with a specialist plastic surgeon are required to obtain a GP or Specialist referral to consult and proceed with skin cancer, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, under AHPRA regulations for cosmetic and medical procedures.

A referral is not required to book a consultation, however, you will need to obtain a GP or Specialist referral prior to attending your consultation. If you do not have a valid GP referral at the time of your consultation, you will not be able to proceed with your appointment and we will have to reschedule your consultation.

In order to qualify for a rebate from Medicare, patients must have a written referral from their GP or Specialist. GP referrals are valid for 12 months and Specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.

How much is an initial consultation with Dr Rughani?

Skin Cancer Consultations
You will be required to attend an initial consultation with Dr. Rughani for any skin lesion/s concerns. The fee for this consultation is $250.

If you have a Medicare card you may be eligible for a medical rebate (approximately $80) if you have a valid referral letter from you GP or Specialist

Reconstructive & Cosmetic Consultations
You will typically have two (2) consultations with Dr. Rughani for any reconstructive or cosmetic surgery procedure. Your first consultation will take approximately 40 minutes depending on the procedure you are interested in and will cost $300.

Your second consultation is an opportunity to ask your surgeon any additional questions you may have pertaining to your upcoming surgery. This appointment will be shorter than your initial appointment and is at no extra cost.

Which hospitals does Dr Rughani operate at?

Dr. Rughani operates at the following private hospitals:

Northwest Private Hospital
North Lakes Day Hospital
Herston Private Hospital

These are all fully-accredited hospitals with Queensland Health.

What are the general risks of surgery?

Anaesthesia Complications: Anaesthesia may cause adverse reactions such as allergic responses, breathing difficulties, or cardiac complications.
Infection: Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure, which can occur at the incision site or internally. It may require antibiotics or further treatment.
Bleeding: There may be excessive bleeding during or after the surgery, which could necessitate additional medical intervention or a blood transfusion.
Scarring: Scars are an inevitable part of most plastic surgeries. Although plastic surgeons minimise visible scarring through careful incision placement, surgical technique and wound closure, some scarring can be more noticeable or raised.
Blood Clots: Post-surgical blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), are serious risks, especially during longer surgeries or in patients with specific risk factors.

What are the specific risks of surgery?

Wound Healing Problems: Delayed or improper wound healing can occur, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, smoking or immunecompromise, which may lead to infections or poor cosmetic outcomes.
Vessel or Nerve Damage: Temporary or permanent nerve damage may occur, leading to changes in sensation or movement, particularly in facial or body contouring surgeries.
Asymmetry or Further procedures: Dr Rughani takes time to discuss patient goals and expectations in advance, so there is mutual agreement prior to surgery. Despite this revision surgery may be needed to address these concerns in the future. In skin cancer operations here is always a small risk of needing further procedure or adjuvant treatment if the cancer involves a margin of removed tissue or it is very severe.
Changes in Skin Sensation: Some procedures may cause numbness or altered sensation around the surgery site. These changes can be temporary but may also persist long-term.
Fat Necrosis: In procedures like liposuction, fat cells may become damaged and lead to irregularities in skin texture, lumps, or changes in contour.

Further questions?

For further information please click here or reach us at contact@drmrughani.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Dr Milap Rughani FRACS (Plastic) is a qualified specialist plastic surgeon in Brisbane. Medical Registration: MED0002086570 | DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results will vary and are not a guarantee of any surgical outcome. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Book a consultation to determine whether a surgical procedure is suitable for you. Always seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding.