What to Expect at Your First Appointment

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Visiting a skin clinic can feel daunting, so we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you know exactly what to expect when you come to DermLab. From the moment you arrive, through your consultation and examination, to diagnosis and long-term care, our focus is on clarity, comfort, and trust. Whether you’re here for a skin cancer check, a medical concern, or cosmetic treatment, you’ll be guided every step of the way.

Step 1: Arriving at DermLab

When you walk into DermLab, you’ll notice we’ve designed the clinic to feel calm and private. We know patients may feel nervous before a skin cancer check or cosmetic consultation, so the environment matters.

You’ll be welcomed by our reception team, who will:

• Confirm your appointment details

• Ask you to complete or update a short medical history form

• Provide a gown if a full skin check is planned

Our waiting area is designed for comfort and confidentiality, with minimal wait times.

Step 2: Sharing Your Story

Your clinician — a Dermatologist or a GP Skin Cancer Doctor with advanced dermatology training — will begin by asking about your history. This helps us understand the bigger picture:

• Previous skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, hair loss)

• Family history of melanoma or skin cancers

• Your sun exposure habits and lifestyle

• Medications and allergies

This information is crucial. For example, a family history of melanoma changes how closely we examine your moles, while medications like immunosuppressants increase your risk of certain skin cancers.

📖 Link: Medical Dermatology

Step 3: The Examination

The examination depends on why you’ve come to DermLab:

• Full Skin Check — a head-to-toe examination using dermoscopy, a specialised magnifier and light that shows structures beneath the skin. This is the gold standard for detecting melanoma and other skin cancers early.

• Targeted Check — focusing on a single mole, lesion, or area of concern.

• Problem-Specific Exam — if you’ve booked for acne, psoriasis, or another condition, the examination focuses there.

Examinations are always respectful and professional. For full checks, you’ll undress to underwear and wear a gown for privacy.

📖 Links: Skin Cancer Checks | Skin Cancer Surgery | Medical Dermatology

Step 4: Diagnosis & Discussion

We believe in clear, jargon-free communication. Once the examination is complete, your clinician will:

• Explain any findings

• Show you what looks concerning (and what doesn’t)

• Outline possible diagnoses and next steps

• Answer your questions fully

If treatment is needed, options may include:

• Biopsy for diagnosis

• Simple excision (for many non-facial cancers)

• Mohs surgery (for facial or delicate cancers where precision is vital)

• Medical treatment for inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis

• Monitoring if something is safe but worth keeping an eye on

📖 Link: Skin Cancer Surgery

Step 5: Next Steps and Ongoing Care

DermLab offers more than a one-off diagnosis. We build a care plan suited to you. This might include:

• Regular skin cancer checks for high-risk patients

• Long-term management plans for conditions like psoriasis or eczema

• Cosmetic procedures under local anaesthetic for safe, day-stay results

• CO₂ laser treatments for scarring, sun damage, and skin quality

📖 Links: Cosmetic Surgery | Laser Dermatology

Why Choose DermLab?

1. Specialist-Led Team
   Dermatologists and GP Skin Cancer Doctors trained through the ACD-partnered programme work together, ensuring every patient is seen by a clinician with specific skin expertise, under Dermatologist oversight.

2. Skin Cancer Expertise
   New Zealand has the world’s highest rates of skin cancer. At DermLab, we provide advanced detection, biopsies, excisions, and Mohs surgery for high-risk facial cancers.

3. Safe Cosmetic Options
   From blepharoplasty to autologous fat transfer and hair transplantation, all cosmetic procedures are performed under local anaesthetic, reducing risk while achieving natural results.

4. Advanced Technology
   Our CO₂ laser can improve scarring, reverse age-related changes, treat acne scars, and even reduce the risk of new skin cancers on sun-damaged skin.

📖 Links: Mohs Surgery | Cosmetic Surgery | Laser Dermatology