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Skin Procedures

Perth-based Dr Taylor performs all skin cancer management, including local disease & regional and distant metastasis. He has over 20 years of local and international experience in the surgical management of complex skin cancer treatment, which includes training at the largest cancer hospital in Europe. He is internationally recognised for his work, publishing & presenting on skin cancer management nationally & internationally. 

 

Dr Taylor is a Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) Member of the WAKMAS Melanoma Advisory Service in Perth, meeting regularly with a team of specialists, including Anatomical Pathologists, Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeon Consultants, and Medical and Radiation Oncologists to discuss treatment plans for patients with melanoma.

Duncan has also used his extensive knowledge and interest in skin cancer management to establish a Multidisciplinary Team to coordinate health and care services to meet the needs of individuals with complex skin cancer care needs in the South and North metro regions of Western Australia.

Risks Associated with Skin Surgery

The risks outlined below are general in nature and may vary depending on individual circumstances and specific surgical procedures. Please use this information as a general guideline for risks involved in surgical procedures. 

 

During your consultation, Dr Duncan Taylor will discuss the specific risks and potential complications relevant to your unique surgical procedure.

General possible complications of any procedure

  • Bleeding

  • Infection at the surgical site

  • Allergic reaction to equipment, materials or medication

  • Blood clot in your leg or lungs

  • Chest infection

  • Poor scarring

General possible complications of skin surgery procedures

  • Numbness and tingling at the wound site 

  • Allergic reaction to the dye used to complete the SLNB or lymphoscintigram (rare) 

  • Wound healing problems - wound has delayed healing and may open up (dehiscence) 

  • Contour irregularities 

  • Recurrence of poor scarring 

  • Seroma (collection of fluid) - This is quite common and, in some cases, may require draining 

  • Lymphedema (disruption of the normal lymphatic flow, causing potentially permanent swelling of the limb) 

  • Haematoma (collection of blood; this may require draining) 

  • Potential damage to nearby structures (vessels and nerves) 

  • Skin necrosis (around the surgical site) 

  • Skin graft failure 

  • Damage to nerves that supply your skin resulting in altered sensation 

  • Incomplete margins, which may require a follow up procedure 

Consequences of these procedures

  • Discomfort, swelling and bruising (temporary) 

  • Scarring

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For risks associated with specific procedures, please download the relevant information sheet from our resources page.

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