BSC News

UV protection at the beach

With summer approaching and many of us heading down to the beach to cool off, be sure to use proper sun protection! Be aware, a beach umbrella alone is unlikely to provide sufficient sun protection due to reflected and indirect UV exposure. Be sure to use sunscreen every 2 hours and seek the shade where possible.

Skin Cancer Awareness Week Education Session

Do you want to know more about prevention, detection and management of Skin Cancers? Skin Cancer Awareness Week runs from 19th – 25th November, as part of this we are holding an education session for the community on Wednesday 22nd November from 9am-11am. Guest speakers include Mr Tim Collins from Ego Sun Sense speaking about the different sunscreens, and our very own dermatologist Dr Raymond Cocciolone on the detection and management of skin cancers. Bring a friend and come along to our information session. With 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, prevention and detection is vital. We look forward to seeing you at this event.
RSVP: Friday 3rd November by calling: 03 5303 0190 OR email: reception@ballaratsurgicentre.com.au. *Contact and attendee details required*

The warmer weather is upon us!

Now that winter is over and the layers are coming off, have you noticed any spots that may have appeared or changed over winter? If you are concerned about any spots and would like to get them checked, grab a referral from your GP and call us on 03 5303 0190 to make an appointment with one of our dermatologists. Specialising in the detection and management of skin cancers.

Health effects of UV radiation on the eyes and proper sun protection

Do you know the long term effects of UV exposure on your eyes?

Repeated exposure of UV radiation to the eyes causes both short-term and permanent eye damage. The most common short-term impact of UV exposure to the eye is acute photo keratropathy, akin to sunburn of the cornea, which can cause inflammation. More long-term damage can include cataracts and macular degeneration. Exposure to UV radiation over long periods can result in more serious damage to the eyes including squamous cell cancers on the surface of the eye and skin cancer around the eyes.

To protect your eyes from UV exposure be sure to check the label on sunglasses to determine the level of UV protection provided. Darker tinted or polarised lenses may reduce glare, however the darkness or colour of the lens does not indicate the level of UV protection. Cancer council Australia recommends wearing close-fitting, wraparound style sunglasses that meet the Australian and New Zealand standard for sunglasses – Categories 2,3 and 4.

Courtesy of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

If you have any concerning spots that you are worried about, please contact us on 03 5303 0190 to book an appointment with one of our dermatologists.

Stylists against Skin Cancer?

Have you had your haircut recently? Your hairdresser could be your next best friend. Hair professionals know every inch of their clients’ head and can easily serve as a link between the community and dermatologists by identifying suspicious skin growths during the course of their work.

Courtesy of the American Society for Dermatological Surgery – June 17

To book an appointment for your Skin Cancer check with Dr Rohan Crouch or Dr Raymond Cocciolone, Call (03) 5303 0190 or (03) 5303 0188

50th Annual Meeting of Australasian College of Dermatologists

On the 6th May 2017 our very own Dr R Cocciolone spoke at the 50th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian College of Dermatologists at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. His presentation included two new surgical approaches that were developed here at the Ballarat Surgicentre and at Dr Rohan Crouch’s Melbourne practice at Ashwood. 

The first technique improves the surgical outcome when operating on fragile skin – Surgical Pearls; and the second relates to a reduction in scar length during facial surgery – Burrows free A to T advancement flap. 

The team congratulates you on all of your efforts. Well done.

“As the leaves go bare, don’t forget your skin care!”

As the season changes we often become complacent with regard to applying our sunscreen. Just because we cannot feel the temperature does not mean that the UV index is not damaging our skin.  Remember to always apply sunscreen for prevention and to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

Welcome Back!

The team at the Ballarat Surgicentre would like to welcome everyone into the new year and we hope you all had a safe and happy Christmas.

Some very exciting times ahead this year for the Ballarat Surgicentre, as we are always growing as a business and the rise in patients continue, Dr Raymond Cocciolone will soon be opening up Thursdays for MOHs and Fridays for consults as part of our Specialist Skin Cancer Centre. This is a very exciting time for us all here as the business is forever growing and developing.

Refer a Friend Month

October is ‘Refer a Friend Month’ Simply tell a friend about us, have them get a referral from their GP, book and appointment in October with us, and get them to state ‘your name’ to be in the draw to win 1 of 2 hampers!

Winner announced 2nd November.

The Countdown Begins!!!!

On Monday 8th February, the Ballarat Surgicentre will start its new surgical list. How Exciting!

Watch this space as new Specialties join our growing business.