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The Skin Doctor

A focused 20-minute appointment for specific concerns. Not everyone needs a full head-to-toe skin check at every visit — sometimes you just have one or two spots you're worried about. Our Targeted Skin Spot Check is a doctor-led appointment for patients who want up to three skin spots thoroughly assessed, using the same high-end digital dermatoscopy we use in our full skin checks.

Skin check

Targeted Skin Spot Check (Up to 3 Lesions)

A focused 20-minute appointment for specific concerns. Not everyone needs a full head-to-toe skin check at every visit — sometimes you just have one or two spots you're worried about. Our Targeted Skin Spot Check is a doctor-led appointment for patients who want up to three skin spots thoroughly assessed, using the same high-end digital dermatoscopy we use in our full skin checks.

Portrait of Dr Christopher Irwin

By Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA

Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy

Quick definition

A Targeted Skin Spot Check is a 20-minute, doctor-led appointment for patients who want up to three specific lesions thoroughly assessed — a new mole, a changing freckle, or a lesion that is not healing — without committing to a full head-to-toe examination on that visit. We use the same high-end digital dermatoscopy as our full skin checks (Canfield D200evo / VEOS, 15× to 200× magnification, polarised and non-polarised lighting, DermaGraphix® body-mapping integration), focused on the lesions that concern you most. Not a substitute for routine full skin checks — especially for patients with a history of skin cancer, large mole counts or strong family history. Available at both Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek.

Not everyone wants or needs a full head-to-toe skin check at every visit. Sometimes you just have one or two spots you are worried about — a new mole, a changing freckle, or a lesion that is not healing. The Targeted Spot Check is designed exactly for that — a focused 20-minute appointment using the same high-end imaging we use in full skin checks, but targeted at up to three lesions of concern.

Advanced imaging with the D200evo and VEOS digital dermatoscopes

During this appointment, your doctor uses the VISIOMED / Canfield D200evo or VEOS systems — a high-resolution digital dermatoscope developed specifically for advanced skin lesion imaging.

In simple terms, this device is a specialised camera for moles and skin spots, offering:

  • 15× to 200× magnification — allowing your doctor to see structural details in the skin that are invisible to the naked eye
  • Standardised lighting using both cross-polarised and non-polarised modes, which reduces glare and enhances pigment and vessel patterns in the lesion
  • A live touch-screen display, so images can be previewed, refined, saved and reviewed instantly during your consultation
  • Clinical and close-up images captured in high resolution for reliable documentation of each spot

All images are integrated into our DermaGraphix® body-mapping software, allowing your doctor to link each close-up image to its exact location on your body and compare images over time if follow-up is needed.

When the spot check is the wrong appointment for you

This 20-minute spot check is not a substitute for routine full-body skin checks, especially if you have:

  • A history of melanoma or other skin cancers
  • Numerous moles or extensive sun damage
  • A strong family history of melanoma
  • Significant immunosuppression or prior solid-organ transplant

If your risk profile or your lesions suggest that a broader examination is safer, your doctor may recommend booking a comprehensive full skin check at Ivanhoe or full 3D-imaging skin check at Diamond Creek at another time.

Targeted spot checks are available at both Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek — book via the panel in the sidebar.

What to expect

  1. History and discussion

    Your doctor asks which spots are worrying you and takes a short history — how long each lesion has been present, how it has changed, and your personal and family history of skin cancer.

  2. Clinical examination of up to three lesions

    The doctor examines up to three skin spots in detail, looking at size, shape, colour and borders, and how they compare to the surrounding skin.

  3. Digital dermatoscopic imaging

    Each spot is imaged with the D200evo digital dermatoscope at high magnification with specialised lighting. Images appear instantly on the device display and on our computer screens for detailed review. Several images may be taken for each lesion (different angles or lighting modes).

  4. Explanation and recommendations

    Your doctor explains what they see in straightforward language and discusses whether each spot appears benign and can be safely monitored, should be reviewed again at a defined interval, or requires biopsy or removal for further testing.

  5. Documentation and follow-up

    Dermatoscopic images and clinical notes are stored securely in your record. If a lesion is being monitored, future images can be compared side-by-side to look for even subtle changes over time.

Results timeline

  • During the appointment Each of your up to three spots reviewed with you on screen and a clear plan agreed.
  • 7–14 days Biopsy results (if taken) discussed by phone or follow-up.
  • As advised Re-imaging at a defined interval if a spot is being monitored; otherwise return for routine skin check at the recommended interval.

Ideal candidate

  • Patients with one to three specific spots of concern (a new mole, a changing lesion, or a non-healing area).
  • People who prefer not to have a full body examination on that particular day.
  • Patients who have had a recent full skin check but want a new lesion checked sooner.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this a substitute for a full skin check?
    No. The targeted spot check is for up to three specific lesions and is not a substitute for routine full-body skin checks — especially if you have a history of melanoma or skin cancer, numerous moles or extensive sun damage, strong family history, or significant immunosuppression. If your risk profile suggests a broader examination is safer, your doctor may recommend booking a comprehensive full skin check at another time.
  • How long is the appointment?
    20 minutes, focused entirely on up to three lesions of concern. This is shorter than a full skin check (which is approximately 1 hour, including 40 minutes with the doctor) because we are not examining the rest of your skin — only the spots you have nominated.
  • How do I prepare?
    Choose the up to three spots you most want checked and note how long each has been present and any changes you have noticed. Remove makeup, nail polish or fake tan over those areas. Bring any previous pathology results related to skin cancers or biopsies if available.
  • What if I bring more than 3 spots of concern?
    We will assess your top three lesions in detail within the 20-minute appointment. If you have multiple concerns or it becomes clear during the visit that a broader examination is needed, your doctor will recommend booking a comprehensive full skin check (at Ivanhoe with 2D imaging or at Diamond Creek with VECTRA WB360 3D) at another time.
  • Will my spot be biopsied at this appointment?
    Sometimes. If a lesion looks suspicious clinically or dermoscopically, your doctor may recommend a biopsy at the same visit. Biopsy is performed under local anaesthetic. Results are typically discussed by phone or follow-up appointment in 7–14 days. If a biopsy is not advised, you will leave with a clear monitoring plan or all-clear.
  • What is the difference between this and a full skin check?
    A full skin check is a comprehensive head-to-toe examination with whole-body imaging (2D at Ivanhoe, optional 3D at Diamond Creek) and takes approximately 1 hour including 40 minutes with the doctor. The targeted spot check is a focused 20-minute appointment for up to three specific lesions only — no whole-body examination. Use the spot check for specific concerns; use the full skin check for routine surveillance and patients at higher risk.
  • Where can I book?
    Targeted spot checks are available at both Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek. Book via the booking panel in the sidebar.
  • Do I need a referral?
    No referral is required. You can book directly via the booking panel in the sidebar. 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. DermNet — Melanoma overview, risk factors and surveillance.
  3. DermNet — Dermoscopy in skin cancer diagnosis.

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