Skin conditions

Skin is a working organ. It replaces itself continually, protects what is underneath, and carries a record of everything it has been exposed to. When that process is disrupted - by sun, by hormones, by genetics, by inflammation, by age - the result shows on the surface.

Me Clinic has treated skin conditions in Melbourne for over 35 years. This page lists what we assess and treat, and says which of these are medical problems rather than cosmetic ones.

Assessment first

A consultation is necessary before treatment, for a practical reason: several of the conditions on this list look like each other. A flat brown patch can be a freckle, a solar lentigo, a seborrhoeic keratosis, melasma, or an early melanoma. Redness on the cheeks can be rosacea, telangiectasia, or a photosensitivity reaction to a medication you are taking. The treatment that helps one of those can make another worse.

Anything that could be a skin cancer is assessed - and if it needs removing, removed whole and sent to pathology - rather than lasered or frozen off. Destructive methods leave nothing to test.

Pigmentation and sun damage

Redness and vascular conditions

Vein and vascular work is led by Dr Tim French (MED0001790529), a phlebologist with AHPRA specialist and general registration and over a decade of clinical experience in venous medicine.

Acne and texture

Ageing skin

Lesions

How these conditions are treated

The treatments are covered in detail under skin treatments: laser, skin needling, peels, microdermabrasion, epidermal levelling, LED, cryotherapy, curettage, electrosurgery, cosmeceutical skincare, depigmenting preparations, cortisone injections and surgical excision.

Most skin conditions respond to a course of treatment rather than a single session, and many - melasma, rosacea, acne - are managed rather than cured. Maintenance and sun protection are usually part of the plan, not an optional extra.

What results to expect

Results vary between individuals, and depend on the condition, its severity and duration, your skin type and how consistently you follow the plan. A realistic outcome for most pigmentation and redness work is reduction, not erasure. Your practitioner should tell you what degree of change is reasonable to expect in your case before you start.

Risks

Risks differ by treatment and include redness, swelling, blistering, crusting, changes in pigmentation (lighter or darker, sometimes persistent), scarring, infection, flare of the underlying condition, incomplete response and recurrence. Darker skin types carry a higher risk of pigment change with light-based and ablative treatments. Some treatments are unsuitable during pregnancy or with certain medications - tell your practitioner what you take.

See risks and complications of cosmetic surgery.

Cost

As at September 2024 and including GST, a skin assessment is $50 and a consultation with a Cosmetic Doctor is $150. Dermal skin treatments start from $130. Cost for a course depends on the condition and the number of sessions; you are quoted before you commit.

Cosmetic treatment is not covered by Medicare. Medically indicated treatment - for example of solar keratoses or venous ulcers - may attract a Medicare rebate. Me Clinic is not a no-gap provider.

Who treats skin conditions here

Dr Gordon Ku, Cosmetic Doctor (MED0001169203). Dr Tim French (MED0001790529), phlebologist, for vein and vascular conditions. Michelle Casey, Paramedical Aesthetician, for treatment-room skin work.

Booking

Me Clinic is at 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the online consultation form.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

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