Skin Cancer Checks & Treatments in New Plymouth
Early detection saves lives. Don't wait.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and Taranaki's outdoor lifestyle means UV exposure is a fact of life for most of us.
At iDerm, skin cancer assessment and diagnosis is led by Dr Lisa Connelly, giving you the most accurate, specialist-led evaluation available in the region.
There's a difference between a skin check
and a specialist skin check.
Many skin checks are performed by GPs or non-specialist clinics. At iDerm, your full body skin check is performed by Dr Lisa Connelly, a board-certified dermatologist with over 20 years of experience assessing and diagnosing skin cancer. That depth of expertise means suspicious lesions are less likely to be missed, misdiagnosed, or unnecessarily removed.
Dermoscopy (the use of a specialised magnifying tool to examine lesions at a deeper level) is standard practice at every iDerm skin check. It's a level of assessment that makes a meaningful difference to diagnostic accuracy.
Full Body Skin Check
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and early detection is everything. A full body skin check with Dr Connelly is a thorough, head-to-toe examination using a dermatoscope to carefully assess moles, lesions, and any areas of concern across the entire body, including commonly overlooked areas like the scalp, behind the ears, and between the toes.
-
Most checks take 10–15 minutes. Dr Connelly will examine every area of your skin systematically, using a dermatoscope to assess moles and lesions more closely where needed. If anything looks concerning, she may photograph or biopsy the area on the same day. So you leave with answers, not another appointment.
-
Annual checks are recommended for anyone with fair skin, a history of significant sun exposure, numerous moles, or a personal or family history of skin cancer. If you've noticed a new or changing spot, don't wait for your annual check — get it looked at sooner.
Single Lesion Check: $220.00
Full Body Skin Check: $385.00
Skin Cancer Surgery & Excisions
When a skin lesion requires surgical removal, you're in expert hands with Dr Connelly. All procedures are performed in clinic, with specimens sent to pathology to confirm diagnosis and ensure clear margins. Where possible, biopsies are carried out on the same day as your skin check.
-
Surgical excisions are performed in our New Plymouth clinic. The lesion and a small margin of surrounding tissue are carefully removed and the specimen is sent to a laboratory for pathological analysis. Results confirm the diagnosis and whether the margins are clear, giving you and Dr Connelly the information needed to determine next steps.
-
Typically some tenderness, bruising and swelling at the site, wound care instructions, suture removal timeframe, and follow-up appointment to discuss pathology results.
Biopsies
A skin biopsy is a quick, straightforward procedure used to diagnose conditions that can't be confirmed visually. A small skin sample is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis, giving Dr Connelly the information needed to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the right treatment path.
-
At iDerm, Dr Connelly performs both punch and shave biopsies depending on the nature and location of the lesion. A punch biopsy uses a small circular blade to remove a cylindrical skin sample including deeper layers — ideal for diagnosing inflammatory conditions and suspected skin cancers, and closed with one or two small sutures. A shave biopsy removes a thin, superficial sample using a small blade and requires no sutures — most commonly used for raised or protruding lesions. Both procedures are quick and performed under local anaesthetic.
-
Following your biopsy, some tenderness, mild swelling, and bruising at the site is completely normal and will settle over the following days. We'll provide you with full wound care instructions before you leave the clinic — keeping the area clean and protected will support healing and minimise scarring.
If sutures are required, these are typically removed within 7–14 days depending on the location of the biopsy.
Pathology results are generally returned within 1–2 weeks. Once we have your results, we'll be in touch to discuss findings and next steps — whether that's a follow-up appointment, further treatment, or simply peace of mind.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a clinically proven, non-surgical treatment that selectively destroys abnormal or damaged skin cells, leaving surrounding healthy skin intact. At iDerm, PDT is used to treat a range of conditions from precancerous lesions to acne and sun-damaged skin.
-
A light-activated medication is applied to the targeted area, where it is absorbed preferentially by abnormal cells, making them highly sensitive to light. The area is then exposed to a carefully controlled red or blue light source, which triggers a reaction that selectively destroys the damaged cells while leaving healthy surrounding skin unaffected.
-
PDT is most commonly used to treat actinic keratoses (precancerous sun damage), superficial basal cell carcinoma, and superficial squamous cell carcinoma. It can also be an effective option for acne and more generalised sun-damaged skin, making it a versatile treatment for patients with significant UV exposure history.
-
Following PDT, it's normal to experience some swelling, crusting, scabbing, and temporary darkening of the treated area as your skin heals. In some cases mild blistering may occur. These are all signs that the treatment is working — the skin is clearing damaged cells and regenerating beneath. Most reactions settle progressively over 1–2 weeks.
Sun avoidance is absolutely critical following PDT. The treated skin will be highly sensitive to light in the days after treatment — keep the area covered and avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. We'll provide you with full aftercare instructions before you leave the clinic
What to Expect
Your skin check appointment
When you arrive, Dr Connelly will carry out a thorough head-to-toe examination using a dermatoscope to assess moles, lesions, and any areas of concern. Your appointment will take 20-30 minutes. You'll be asked to remove your clothing and lie under a sheet — Dr Connelly will uncover one area at a time to ensure your comfort and privacy throughout.
If something looks concerning
If Dr Connelly identifies a lesion that warrants closer attention, she may photograph it for monitoring or recommend a biopsy on the same day. Where possible, we aim to carry out any necessary procedures at the same appointment — so you leave with answers, not another booking.
Your results
If a biopsy is taken, pathology results are typically returned within 1–2 weeks. Once we have your results, we'll be in touch to discuss findings and next steps — whether that's a follow-up appointment, further treatment, or simply peace of mind. You're never left waiting without support.
When did you last have your skin checked?
If you can't remember, it's time. Book a full body skin check with Dr Connelly today.
-
★★★★★
The iDerm team are awesome. I went in for a full body skin check and ended up needing to have a mole removed. I was re-booked quickly and the procedure went very smoothly. Lisa and her team were professional, yet kind and sympathetic to the concern I was feeling. The clinic also has a great range of sunscreens that aren't greasy and have solid water resistance, which is a necessity as a surfer - no stinging eyes. Would highly recommend Lisa and her team.
Blanton Smith
Via Google -
★★★★★
Thanks Lisa and Jess for the wrap-around care that you’ve given our family. From mole removal to Acne treatment to cosmetic procedures you have listened and taken the time to get the whole picture. I have always felt confident that we are getting the best medical care, and you’re able to offer so much more than a GP solution.
I highly recommend iderm.Marita Green
Via Google