In brief
  • Full-body skin cancer checks at Unit 1/1065 Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe.
  • 2D total-body photography supports the doctor examination and future comparisons.
  • Around one hour, including 40 minutes with your doctor; longer appointments for more than 100 spots.
  • No referral required. Current fees and booking deposits are on the services and fees page.
  • Underground parking off Rose Street; Darebin Station is a short walk away.
  • A combined pathway adds a 3D scan at Diamond Creek before the Ivanhoe appointment.

What is included at Ivanhoe?

Your full skin check combines 2D total-body photographs with a head-to-toe doctor examination using digital dermoscopy. Images provide a baseline for comparing new or changing spots at future visits. Your doctor explains the findings and agrees a follow-up plan with you. (4)

An imaging assistant takes the photographs; the medical assessment is carried out by your doctor. Meet the doctors at our Ivanhoe clinic and follow their profile links for qualifications and areas of practice. Available clinicians and appointments are shown during booking.

A full check or a focused spot review?

Choose a full check for a head-to-toe examination. If you want up to three particular spots assessed, see our Targeted Skin Spot Check, a focused 20-minute appointment. Call (03) 8373 4646 if you need help choosing.

The services and fees page explains appointment lengths, current out-of-pocket fees after Medicare rebates and booking deposits.

Preparing for your appointment and your privacy

Bring details of previous skin cancers, biopsies and any spots you would like checked. Arrive with clean skin and avoid makeup, fake tan and nail polish so your skin can be examined clearly.

Imaging is performed in underwear and gowns are available for the doctor examination. You can keep your bra on if you prefer. The Ivanhoe preparation guide explains clothing, privacy and what to bring. Please call ahead about mobility needs or any concerns about the examination.

If a spot needs further assessment

Your doctor explains whether a spot can be monitored or needs a biopsy or other treatment. Photographs of spots being monitored are linked to your skin images for comparison. If a biopsy is taken, results are usually discussed within 7–14 days, by phone or at a follow-up appointment.

Your follow-up interval is based on your individual risk and findings. If a spot is new, changing or symptomatic, seek a review rather than waiting for your next scheduled check.

Getting to our Ivanhoe skin-check clinic

We are at Unit 1/1065 Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe, near the Rose Street corner. The underground car park is accessed from Rose Street. Street parking is also available on Heidelberg Road, Salisbury Avenue and Buchanan Street; the Heidelberg Road frontage has a 4:30–6:30pm clearway.

Darebin Station on the Hurstbridge line is a short walk away. The clinic is convenient for Ivanhoe East, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Alphington and Fairfield. See our Ivanhoe map, opening hours and directions.

2D imaging and the combined 3D pathway

IntelliStudio 2D total-body photography creates a set of standardised photographs. Digital dermatoscopy gives your doctor a magnified view of individual spots during the examination. (4)

For the Advanced High-Risk Program, a VECTRA® WB360 3D scan at Diamond Creek is combined with 2D imaging and the doctor examination at Ivanhoe. The Diamond Creek scan needs to take place at least four hours before the Ivanhoe appointment, and can be on an earlier day. This scan-only visit does not include a doctor consultation at Diamond Creek.

Speak with the clinic about coordinating these appointments and read the combined 3D and 2D preparation guide. Your doctor advises whether this pathway and repeat imaging are appropriate for you. You can also book a full skin check at Diamond Creek.

2D imaging at Ivanhoe

Standardised photographs provide a record for comparison over time.

What to expect

  1. Risk and history review

    We discuss your personal and family history of skin cancer, previous biopsies or excisions, and any concerns you have.

  2. 2D Vectra® total-body mapping

    A trained imaging assistant captures a set of standardised, high-resolution photographs of your skin in underwear. These images create your baseline "map" so we can track new and changing spots over time.

  3. 40-minute, head-to-toe doctor examination

    Immediately after your 2D images are taken, you see your skin cancer physician for a detailed, 40-minute full-body examination. Every mole, freckle and lesion is examined from scalp to soles, including between the toes and under the nails.

  4. State-of-the-art digital dermatoscopy

    Your doctor uses a high-resolution digital dermatoscope. The magnified image is displayed live on large HD computer screens, so you can see what we see.

  5. Secure image storage and change detection

    Lesions we are watching closely are photographed and linked to your 2D map. At future visits, new images are compared to old ones so we can detect even subtle changes.

Results timeline

  • On the day All findings explained; benign lesions reassured, suspicious ones photographed or biopsied.
  • 7–14 days Biopsy results (if taken) discussed by phone or follow-up appointment.
  • Annual (or sooner) 2D imaging and doctor examination repeated each year — or more often for higher-risk patients.

Ideal candidate

  • Patients wanting a thorough, doctor-led skin check with high-quality 2D imaging.
  • People with some moles or sun damage, but not necessarily very high-risk.
  • Patients needing ongoing annual surveillance without a history of melanoma.
  • High-risk patients (via the Advanced Program with VECTRA® WB360 3D in Diamond Creek).
  • Patients without active infection, open wounds or photosensitivity disorders affecting the area to be examined.

Frequently asked questions

  • How much does a skin check cost?
    Current appointment fees, Medicare rebates and booking deposits are explained on our skin check services and fees page. Full checks have different appointment lengths for fewer or more than 100 spots.
  • Can I book a check of one particular spot?
    A Targeted Skin Spot Check is a focused 20-minute appointment for up to three spots. A full skin check includes a head-to-toe examination. Call the clinic if you need help choosing.
  • What are the two Ivanhoe skin-check pathways?
    Option 1 (Thorough Ivanhoe Skin Check) is 2D total-body mapping plus a 40-minute doctor examination at Ivanhoe. Option 2 (Advanced High-Risk Program) adds VECTRA® WB360 3D mapping at our Diamond Creek clinic in addition to the 2D mapping and doctor examination at Ivanhoe — giving you both the 3D 'map' and the more frequent 2D change-detection.
  • How long is the appointment?
    Approximately one hour in total, including around 40 minutes with your skin cancer doctor. The remainder covers 2D imaging, change of clothes, and discussion of findings.
  • When is the Advanced High-Risk Program recommended?
    For patients with a previous melanoma, multiple non-melanoma skin cancers, very large numbers of moles (often 100+), strong family history of melanoma, or significant immunosuppression. The 3D baseline at Diamond Creek combined with annual 2D and doctor examination at Ivanhoe is the most comprehensive surveillance pathway we offer.
  • For the high-risk pathway, can both appointments be on the same day?
    Yes. The Diamond Creek 3D scan should be booked at least 4 hours before your Ivanhoe appointment to ensure the file is processed and transferred. The scan can also be on a different day if you prefer.
  • What is the difference between 2D and 3D mapping?
    2D photography (our Ivanhoe pathway) is a set of standardised high-resolution flat photographs — excellent for tracking change at well-imaged angles and the most practical approach for annual surveillance. 3D (Diamond Creek, VECTRA® WB360) captures almost your entire skin surface — including curves, sides and hard-to-photograph areas — in a single capture and lets your doctor virtually 'lift' each spot. 3D is the gold standard for high-risk surveillance; 2D is the most efficient approach for ongoing annual checks.
  • How often should I have a skin check?
    Most adults benefit from an annual full skin check. Higher-risk patients — previous melanoma, multiple non-melanoma skin cancers, strong family history, large numbers of moles, or significant immunosuppression — often need 3 or 6-monthly checks. Your doctor will advise the right interval for your risk profile.
  • How do I prepare for my appointment?
    Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, fake tan, nail polish or heavy moisturisers. Bra is optional during mapping. Avoid jewellery that gets in the way. A detailed preparation guide is on our Vectra 2D Ivanhoe preparation page and linked from your booking confirmation.
  • Do I need a referral?
    No referral is required. You can book directly using the booking button on this page. Both clinics — Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek — follow the same booking pathway. If you have a referral from your GP or specialist for our records we welcome it, but it is not required to book or to be seen.

References

  1. Skin cancer — types, prevention and early detection.
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare — Cancer Data in Australia.
  3. DermNet — Melanoma overview, risk factors and surveillance.
  4. DermNet — Total body photography for melanoma surveillance.

Related

Medically reviewed by Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA · Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy