Dr. Richard Hamilton is one of Adelaide’s most experienced plastic surgeons specialising in Skin Cancer treatment. His extensive training spans prestigious medical and tertiary institutions in Adelaide, New Zealand, Melbourne, and Sweden. With years of dedicated service, Dr. Hamilton has assisted countless patients in overcoming skin cancer and other related conditions. His expertise in skin cancer and mole removal is backed by a compassionate approach, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care and advice every step of the way. Dr. Hamilton’s surgical excellence and empathetic care for your skin cancer needs have made him Adelaide’s most trusted plastic surgeon.
Surgery is the cornerstone for effectively treating skin cancer and precancerous lesions. The approach, whether a surgical excision or a reconstructive plastic surgery procedure, is meticulously chosen to suit your cancer type and individual needs. Dr. Hamilton guarantees complete removal of the cancerous cells, prioritising minimal scarring.
Dr. Hamilton understands the challenge of skin cancer. A diagnosis is undeniably daunting, but we will support you from consultation to recovery. Our goal at Dr. Hamilton’s clinic is to not only rid you of cancer but also to preserve or restore your appearance to its pre-diagnosis state.
Early intervention is critical, and we encourage you to reach out for an initial consultation upon diagnosis. A referral from your GP or Dermatologist is necessary for a consultation at our clinic. Once you receive a diagnosis, book your initial consultation with Dr. Hamilton as soon as possible.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer worldwide, making it the most prevalent form of cancer among Australians. People with fair skin, particularly older adults, are at higher risk, as are those who live in sunny coastal areas and have significant sun exposure during work or leisure activities.
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer, grow uncontrollably due to DNA damage that leads to mutations. These mutations cause the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours.
The primary cause of this damage is exposure to harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun, or from UV tanning beds. Early detection of skin cancer can lead to successful treatment. It’s important to watch for new spots, freckles, or moles that look different from others on your skin, as these could be signs of skin cancer.
Skin cancer often presents as a new, unusual-looking spot or as changes in an existing spot, including changes in colour, size, or shape. If you observe any of these changes, it’s crucial to consult your doctor immediately.
Prevention is always the best form of treatment. Reducing sun exposure is fundamental in minimising your risk of skin cancer. There are several key recommendations, including:
Following these precautions may help reduce the risk of skin cancers. However, should skin cancers develop, it is important to know what to do next.
Our clinic offers in-depth guides on the types of skin cancer. Your initial consultation will further help you understand the specific type of cancer you have. However, here are a few of the types you may be diagnosed with:
Understanding the specific nature of your skin cancer is crucial in selecting the appropriate treatment pathway. Read our guide for further information on the various types of skin cancer and for details on the available treatments.
Before your surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation with Dr. Hamilton. During this meeting, he will thoroughly examine the lesion, provide a diagnosis, and review your overall skin condition. He will explain the type of skin cancer you have and discuss the necessary treatment to remove it. Dr. Hamilton will also enquire about any pre-existing medical conditions, your history of sun exposure, allergies, and medications that might affect the treatment. He will inform you of what to expect during and after the procedure.
There are two main types of skin cancer surgery employed today. The first method, used for smaller skin cancers, involves traditional excision—removing the cancerous lesion and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. This is typically followed by suturing the wound closed if the adjacent skin is healthy and sufficiently lax. However, a skin graft or flap may be necessary to close the wound properly in areas where the skin is too tight or fragile, such as on the nose, eyelids, ears, scalp, hands, or lower legs.
Dr. Hamilton conducts all surgeries at Hamilton House Day Surgery, a licensed day hospital facility adhering to state and federal regulations. Hamilton House is affiliated with all major hospital funds and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Most skin cancer surgeries are performed under local anaesthesia, although twilight sedation may be required in some cases.
Recovery from skin cancer surgery is usually brief. Most patients can resume light activities on the day of the surgery. You will be given instructions on how to care for your wound. Healing typically takes one to two weeks, although it may take longer for scars to fade completely.
Listen to Dr. Hamilton discuss skin cancer and the skin cancer surgery procedures he performs at his clinic in Adelaide.
For facial and sensitive area moles, consulting a plastic surgeon like Dr. Hamilton ensures the best aesthetic outcomes with minimal scarring.
For optimal results and complete cancer removal, it’s essential to seek treatment from a highly experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Hamilton’s expertise in skin cancer surgery minimises scarring and maximises aesthetic outcomes, particularly for sensitive areas like the face and neck.
To accommodate country patients, Hamilton House Plastic Surgery offers a “See and Treat” clinic, enabling same-day consultation and surgery, significantly reducing travel inconvenience.
Explore how Dr. Hamilton’s surgical treatments can help you overcome skin cancer with minimal impact on your appearance. Contact Hamilton House Skin Cancer Surgery in Adelaide to discuss the most effective treatment and reconstructive options for your condition.
At Hamilton House, we specialise in the surgical removal of skin cancers. As a plastic surgery clinic, we diagnose and excise skin cancers using advanced surgical techniques to achieve optimal results. If you have been referred by a doctor for skin cancer removal, we can provide expert surgical treatment.
Yes, a referral from a GP or dermatologist is required for skin cancer diagnosis and surgical removal at Hamilton House. Patients cannot self-refer for skin cancer checks.
Dr. Richard Hamilton specialises in the surgical removal of:
Each procedure is tailored to ensure complete removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Skin cancer removal is performed through surgical excision. Depending on the size and location of the lesion, Dr. Hamilton will remove the cancerous tissue with precision, ensuring minimal scarring. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be required for the best aesthetic outcome.
Surgical excision is performed under local or general anaesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort. Mild soreness and swelling post-surgery are common and can be managed with pain relief.
Recovery varies depending on the size and depth of the excision. Most patients resume daily activities within a few days, while larger excisions may require a longer healing period.
Medicare may provide a rebate for medically necessary skin cancer excisions. Additional fees may apply, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Our team can assist with any queries regarding costs.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer by a GP or dermatologist, they will provide a referral for surgical excision. If you have concerns about a suspicious skin lesion, consult your GP for an initial assessment.
No, Hamilton House does not provide routine skin cancer checks or mole mapping. If you need a skin cancer screening, please visit a GP or skin cancer clinic. If removal is required, a referral can be made for surgical excision at Hamilton House.