There are many ways a person can be exposed to the sun in Australia, such as those who work outside, sports enthusiasts or those who spend time tanning. Prolonged exposure to the sun or sunburn can heighten your risk of skin cancer, so a full body check for moles helps to identify and potential dangers and head off any serious skin conditions that may occur in the future.
Within our Melbourne practice, Dr. Shobhna Singh is Skin Cancer College Accredited, which means she has successfully completed high-level training with Skin Cancer Australasia, and has proven knowledge and skills in diagnosing and managing skin cancer.
Before and After Gallery
Check out some of our results In our before and after gallery.
The majority of moles found on the body are harmless. Moles are brown or black growths that develop on your skin throughout your life. Most moles begin growing during childhood through to your thirties; they often change in appearance throughout life, and may grow hair as you age.
In our Melbourne clinic, the mole check is designed to identify any suspicious moles. Moles can turn into a dysplastic mole, which can get a ragged look and change pigmentation. We use a Molemax HD System to take a dermoscopy image to help analyse these moles. Anything that appears questionable can be taken for a biopsy, and moles that are malignant can be removed.
Understanding melanoma and skin cancer
There were an estimated 13,000 or more melanomas diagnosed in 2016 in Australia alone. It is more common for men to develop melanoma than women. It accounts for roughly 10 per cent of cancer diagnoses every year in Australia. Melanoma can be deadly.
Australian Government statistics estimate that the chances of an individual being diagnosed with a melanoma by their 85th birthday is roughly 1 in 14 for men and 1 in 23 for women. The older you are, the more your chances increase. The chances of surviving a melanoma are roughly 90 per cent.
Skin cancer develops when skin cells see an abnormal spurt of growth, which includes DNA damage. The skin cells replicate with the damaged DNA and perpetuate the problem, causing a cancerous growth.
There are three main categories of skin cancer:
– Melanoma
– Basal cell carcinoma
– Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell are known as non-melanoma skin cancers, and are the most common skin cancers in Australia. These non-melanoma skin cancers do not pose a high risk of death. Over 750,000 Australians are treated for non-melanomas each year with a good survival rate.
Melanomas are a very serious form of cancer whereby the pigment-producing cells in your skin overgrow. The melanin cells are found in the outer layer of your skin and produce the dark pigment that causes tanning and dark skin tones.
Melanin is protective, as it absorbs UV light and prevents it from entering further into our bodies, preventing deeper cells from being damaged. Those with darker skin are much less likely to be damaged by UV rays than those with lighter skin.
Melanoma growths can be non-cancerous and appear as a common mole or freckles. Melanomas are classified by how far they’ve spread, for example ‘in situ’ means the cancer is only on the skin, ‘invasive’ means the tumour has spread to other layers of skin, and ‘metastatic’ means the cancer has spread to deeper tissue.
What is mole mapping?
Full body mole mapping works well as you age, as it gives your doctor a reference in order to identify any new moles or lesions. This will help your doctor to see what growth may be taking place and make it easier to find potential risks. Each mapping can be overlaid to compare with later versions; however, mole mapping alone is not enough. A thorough exam should be performed in conjunction with mole mapping for the most effective skin cancer detection.
Though it is believed that skin cancer only occurs in people over 50 years of age, any constant exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer in teens. Mole checks and mole mapping at our Victoria, Melbourne clinic can help keep an eye on any skin concerns.
To receive more specific advice and costs, we recommend making an appointment with one of our doctors at our Melbourne clinic.
How to check for moles at home?
It is best to do a full body mole check in front of a mirror so you can see all parts of your body. It is important to pay attention to all parts of your skin, even if they are not exposed to the sun.
Do not forget to about your back, scalp and the back of your neck. It can be helpful to have a friend or partner to help you check more difficult places. You should even check areas such as between your toes, soles of your feet and the backs of your knees.
You should check with a doctor is if your mole displays any of the following signs:
– Asymmetry – one half of the mole does not match the other
– Border – the edges or border of the mole are blurred, ragged or smudgy
– Colour – the mole has different colours
– Diameter – the diameter of the mole is more than that of a pencil
– Evolving – the mole looks different from the others or is changing in colour, shape or size
The last point is the most important – any changing or new moles should be checked. The best way to check is to photograph your moles regularly or get your moles mapped. The most common place for men to develop melanoma is the back and the most common place for women is the lower leg.
Mole check partners
A study has shown that those who have a mole checking partner post-melanoma are more likely to find new melanomas quickly. Having a partner or friend who is able to spot skin cancers or what could develop into skin cancer on areas of your body that you cannot see means that any suspect moles can be spotted more easily.
The study split almost 500 melanoma patients and their mole checking partners into two groups: special training in skin self-examination or standard care. The training involved recognising diameter, colour and border changes in moles.
Out of the self-examination group 66 went on to develop new melanomas, and 43 of those were spotted by their mole checking partner. It is known that one melanoma means your chances of developing another is increased, so early detection can save lives.
Mole removal
Most moles do not need to be removed and can remain on your skin without causing any problems. Some may have moles removed for comfort or aesthetic reasons, or if they are deemed a risk for melanoma. Moles can be destroyed using heat, cut off completely, or lasers can be used to reduce pigmentation and lessen the appearance of moles.
If you have any pigmentation spots or moles that you are worried about, make an appointment with us at our Melbourne clinic.
Structured follow-up ensures optimal healing and early identification of any concerns:
24-48 hour check-ins for certain procedures
Scheduled review appointments
Photographic documentation
Outcome assessment
Adjustment of aftercare as needed
Safety Protocols and Risk Management
Pre-Treatment Safety Measures
Our commitment to safety begins before any treatment commences. Comprehensive screening identifies potential contraindications:
Active skin infections or inflammatory conditions
Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
Immunosuppressive medications
Blood clotting disorders
Keloid scarring tendency
Unrealistic expectations
Preparation protocols optimise treatment safety and efficacy:
Antiviral prophylaxis when indicated
Discontinuation of photosensitising medications
Skin preparation regimens
Nutritional optimisation
Smoking cessation counselling
Treatment Safety Standards
All procedures follow strict safety protocols:
Infection control measures exceed industry standards, including sterile technique,
single-use disposables, and environmental controls. Equipment maintenance ensures optimal performance through regular calibration,
safety checks, and manufacturer updates. Emergency preparedness includes staff training, emergency protocols, and immediate
access to medical support.
The Comprehensive Consultation Process: Initial Assessment:
Building Your Treatment Foundation
Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr Shobhna Singh (MED0001152019), Registered Medical Practitioner, General Registration. This comprehensive assessment extends beyond surface evaluation to understand your unique concerns, lifestyle factors, and aesthetic goals.
Medical history review encompasses:
Previous cosmetic procedures and outcomes
Current medications and supplements
Allergies and sensitivities
Skin conditions and healing tendencies
General health status and contraindications
Facial analysis employs both visual assessment and advanced imaging technology to evaluate:
This thorough evaluation forms the foundation for developing your personalised treatment strategy
Managing Expectations: Realistic Outcomes and Individual Variations
Factors Influencing Treatment Results
Individual responses and results vary significantly based on numerous factors. Understanding these variables helps establish realistic expectations:
Biological factors:
Genetic healing capacity
Collagen production rates
Skin thickness and quality
Hormonal influences
Age-related changes
Lifestyle elements:
Sun protection practices
Smoking status
Nutritional status
Exercise habits
Stress levels
Treatment compliance:
Adherence to pre-treatment protocols
Following aftercare instructions
Attending scheduled sessions
Maintenance treatment participation
Timeline of Improvements
Different treatments produce results over varying timeframes:
Immediate effects may include temporary swelling that creates fullness, immediate lifting from thread placement, or post-treatment glow from increased circulation. Short-term improvements (2-4 weeks) emerge as initial healing completes, swelling resolves, and early collagen formation begins. Progressive enhancement (1-3 months) occurs as collagen remodelling accelerates, skin quality improves, and treatment benefits accumulate. Peak results (3-6 months) manifest as maximum collagen stimulation occurs, tissue remodelling completes, and final outcomes stabilise. Maintenance phase begins once optimal results are achieved, with periodic treatments preserving and enhancing improvements.
Treatment Planning: Customised Protocols
Based on assessment findings, we develop comprehensive treatment plans that may incorporate single or combination modalities. Individualised protocols consider:
Immediate vs. gradual approaches: Some patients prefer progressive improvements, while others seek more dramatic changes
Downtime considerations: Professional and social commitments influence treatment selection and timing
Budget parameters: We structure treatment plans to maximise value while achieving desired outcomes
During this planning phase, we provide detailed information about each recommended treatment, including mechanisms of action, expected outcomes, potential risks, and recovery requirements.
Informed Consent: Understanding Your Journey
Comprehensive education ensures you understand every aspect of your treatment journey. We discuss:
Realistic outcome expectations based on your specific situation
Treatment timelines and result progression
Potential complications and management strategies
Alternative treatment options
Aftercare requirements and restrictions
Long-term maintenance recommendations
This transparent communication process empowers informed decision-making aligned with your goals and circumstances.
