Skin Check / Consultation with Dr Brent Krivan
Dr Brent Krivan is a Fellow of the Australian College of Aesthetic Medicine, Fellow of NZCAM, Member of the Australian Society of Cosmetic Medicine with a Diploma from the Australian College of Skin Cancer Medicine.
- Initial Consultation* $188
- Follow up Consultations *$108
- Cryotherapy (Per lesion) $18
- Surgical procedures and treatment costs (if required) to be advised. Prices valid 2024.
Recommendation for Skin Checks:
Regular self-checks accompanied with visits to a Skin Cancer Doctor is a must in NZ’s harsh UV climate. After sun screen, early detection of problem spots or moles is your best form of defence. See Dr Krivan if you see or feel something that’s new on your skin, that’s different from other moles, or if you notice a mole that’s changed from the last time you checked – this could include a change in the colour, shape or size, or if it is bleeding or itchy.
What happens during your consultation?
Your initial consultation at Clinic Eleven involves a discussion with Dr Krivan about your general health, a visual examination of your skin, identification of any spots or moles which are new, sore, changing or unusual. This is not a ‘mole map’ where photos are taken and sent off site, but rather an ‘eyes on’ consultation where problem areas can be immediately identified and the appropriate treatment arranged.
Equipment used:
A dermascope (like a torch with a magnifying glass) is used by Dr Krivan to magnify and focus on spots of concern. Photographs may be taken and securely stored electronically in your file as a reference tool for future comparisons and to track any changes in appearance.
What happens if the Dr Krivan finds a potential skin cancer?
The benefit of having an ‘eyes on’ consultation allows Dr Krivan to immediately identify any moles or spots which require testing. A small biopsy (sample) will be taken or excised (cut out) in our fully equipped clinic under local anaesthetic and sent straight away for testing. In many cases another appointment is made to remove the abnormal mole or spot. These minor surgeries are carried out in comfort at the Clinic Eleven premises. Test results take from five to ten days to come back.
If test results in a confirmed Skin Cancer?
In most cases, if found early, skin cancer can be easily and successfully treated with surgery or some with non-surgical treatment such as cream, radiotherapy, light therapy depending on the type of skin cancer found. Most skin cancers are cured once they are removed.
On-going checks?
Depending on your level of risk for developing skin cancer and your history, Dr Krivan may recommend follow ups at regular intervals. This may vary from every few months to every year or two. You will receive a reminder but it’s also good to keep your own record of when you’re due for a follow up.
Should you require a treatment following your skin check Clinic Eleven is equipped for many surgical and non surgical treatments.
Surgical Skin Biopsy Procedures
Local anaesthetic is injected; a piece of tissue will be removed and then the wound closed with sutures if necessary. Depending on the specifics of your case (location, nature of the lesion along with any suspected diagnosis), Dr Krivan will select from the following biopsy options:
Punch Biopsy
Circular piece of tissue is removed, with all layers of skin extracted for full bservation in the laboratory. Stitches may be required.
Shave Biopsy
If a rash or lesion is only in the top layers of your skin, Dr Krivan will shave off a piece of skin, no stitches are necessary.
Incision Biopsy
When a larger piece of tissue is needed, a scalpel will be used to excise the tissue, creating a full-thickness biopsy. Stitches are required.
Excision Biopsy
Complete Removal of the lesion, local anaesthetic of the area, removal of the lesion with a scalpel. Stitches will be required.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Cryotherapy Liquid Nitrogen
Extremely cold gas is used to destroy skin cancers, pre-cancerous lesions, warts and other skin growths. A short stinging sensation is felt but resolves quickly. Treated skin reddens, and blisters may appear within a few minutes or hours, this will eventually scab and lift, healing within 5 – 10 days.
PDT Treatment
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) uses a cream and a light source to make the cancer sensitive to light. Used to treat sunspots, superficial BCCs and squamous cell carcinoma.
For your Skin Cancer treatment costs please talk to a staff member at Clinic Eleven.
