TRUST THE CARE OF YOUR PRECIOUS SKIN TO THE EXPERTS! CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM AT SKIN MEDIC TODAY AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.
Skin Medic is a private billing practice. Our fees vary depending on the service, examination, procedure or time required. These fees reflect the costs, time and skills required to sustain a quality service without government funding.
We appreciate that there are patients or clients whose financial circumstances limit their ability to meet private fees, and we continue to provide an affordable service to enable everyone to access our clinic.
Skin Medic also offer clients and patients a convenient way to pay for their health and skincare needs by offering access to Southern Cross Easy Claim, ZIP, Q Card, Farmers Card, Afterpay, Eftpos, Credit Card Facilities and Online Payments.
What To Expect Prior To Booking An Appointment
1. Referrals
No referral is required from your GP, Nurse Practitioner or Registered Nurse.
2. Private Clinic
We are an independent, physician-led clinic serving multiple locations across the Manawatu-Whanganui region. We operate privately and are not affiliated with any specific medical group, PHO, or DHB.
3. Special Interests
We are not a general dermatology specialist clinic. Our special interests include skin cancer medicine, minor surgery, facial aesthetics and selective laser treatments.
4. Our Goals
We strive to provide the most appropriate and evidence-based treatments for skin cancer and facial appearances. Our non-invasive facial aesthetic treatment goals are to achieve subtle and natural-looking results. Outcomes and benefits may differ from person to person. Specific results are not guaranteed.
5. Examinations
Our skin cancer lesion directed dermoscopic examinations and medical aesthetic consultations are performed by an accredited physician. However, we also regularly offer full body skin cancer checks performed by a specialist skin cancer nurse based in Levin.
6. Diagnoses
The majority of skin lesions are readily diagnosed by a combination of clinical history and dermoscopic examination, but in a small number of cases, a biopsy or excision for histopathology and other laboratory investigations can be an invaluable tool.
7. Initial Consultation
A preliminary consultation with the attending physician or registered nurse is required before any treatment can be provided. A consultation fee applies. This session is essential to assess patient expectations, discuss realistic outcomes, and review the safety and effectiveness of the proposed treatments.
If a patient’s expectations are unrealistic and could compromise their safety or satisfaction, we have a responsibility to decline treatment. We may then offer alternative options or referrals when appropriate to uphold ethical standards and protect both the patient and our practice.
8. Offer or Quote Validation
Upon acceptance of a quote or offer, our team will proceed with the services outlined in the estimate. Please note that the quote is valid for 30 days from the date of issue; after this period, a new consultation will be required. Any additional services not previously discussed or included in the estimate will be subject to separate charges.
9. Cooling Off Period
Please note that a ''cooling-off'' period of 3-7 days may be applicable (after the patient has had an initial consultation), before a procedure or surgery can be booked.
10. Aftercare
It’s best to skip gym or exercise on the first 2 days after getting injectables or laser treatments, and avoid NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications may promote bruising and slowdown healing.
11. Repeat Prescriptions
We do offer repeat prescription requests pending a review by the prescriber to determine whether the medication or topical is suitable. Repeat prescriptions need to be reviewed at least annually (in some cases more frequently, depending on the condition). A fee will be charged.
12. Waiting Period
Injectables can migrate and paralyse muscles or cause swelling in undesired locations, if disturbed too much immediately after injection. We recommend waiting for 3 days after Botulinum Toxin and 7 days after Dermal Filler or Laser treatments before getting another facial treatment.
13. Services Outside Our Scope
At Skin Medic, we focus on delivering specialised care in skin cancer detection, minor surgery, and natural-looking aesthetic treatments. However, there are certain services we do not currently provide.
General Dermatology: We do not manage ongoing or complex skin conditions such as chronic leg ulcers, varicose veins, severe or adult acne, active rosacea, eczema, rashes, itching, atopic dermatitis, allergies, hair loss, nail conditions, warts, sexually transmitted infections, or psychodermatological disorders. For these concerns, we recommend consulting your GP or requesting a referral to a general dermatology specialist.
Cosmetic Surgical Procedures: We do not perform mole removal for cosmetic purposes, scar revision procedures, or lipoma removal. Cosmetic surgical services are best managed by a general surgeon (Palmerston North) or a specialist plastic surgeon (Wellington).
Aesthetic Services & Philosophy: We do not provide body contouring, beauty therapy, or gender-affirming treatments. Our aesthetic philosophy is centred around subtle, natural enhancements. As such, we do not offer procedures that create highly exaggerated facial features — including heavily augmented lips, extreme brow lifts, contoured nose tips, sharp jawline sculpting, or “cat eye” effects using injectables.
Patients Under 16: We do not offer treatment for children under the age of 16. We recommend seeing your GP or seeking referral to a paediatric surgeon, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon with experience in treating younger patients.
14. Conditions Of Trade
For your convenience, a summary of our updated Conditions of Trade can be found at the bottom of this web page. We encourage you to review these changes to stay informed about our current terms and policies.
Skin Cancer Medicine Services
1. Lesion-Directed Dermoscopic Examination of (1-3 lesions)
Our Lesion-Directed Examination involves the dermoscopic assessment and imaging of 1-3 specific lesions of concern and formulation of a management plan to address your concerns.
No invasive treatments or minor surgery will be performed without prior consultation. This policy is consistent with our evidence-based practice guidelines.
Appointment takes about 20 min with an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor or a specialist Registered Nurse.
Prescriptions and online/digital copies of the reports are provided at no additional cost.
Cryotherapy can be provided on the day. If any lesions need to be removed, we'll arrange further management at a later date.
We will always contact you ahead of time to ensure you don't miss an appointment.
2. Full Body Skin Cancer Examination
For patients with a confirmed history of melanoma or other excised skin cancers, we provide post-treatment follow-up and ongoing long-term surveillance.
A Full Body Skin Cancer Examination, lasting approximately 45 minutes, is conducted exclusively by a Registered Skin Cancer Nurse at our Levin clinic. All images captured during the exam are reviewed, and the final report is authorised by Dr Louw (an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor).
Digital copies of the reports are provided at no additional cost. If any lesions need to be removed, we'll arrange further management at a later date.
Other Services Available:
Post-Treatment Follow-up (6 monthly) & Longterm Surveillance (annually) for previously confirmed Malignant Melanoma performed by a Registered Skin Cancer Nurse
Biopsies & Minor Surgery performed by an accredited doctor (prior consultations required)
Field Treatments & Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for actinic keratosis and sun damage
Cosmetic Assessment (Face, Neck and Hands only)
Botulinum Toxin Injections (Facial areas only)
Dermal Fillers and Skin Boosters for Face and Neck
Fractional CO2 Laser Rejuvenation
Laser Tattoo Removal (Small Tattoos Only)
Laser Sunspot Removal
Laser Fungal Nail Treatment
Carbon Laser Facial
Vascular Diode Laser for Facial Telangiectasia
RF & Electro-cauterization
HIFU treatments of the Face and Neck
Microdermabrasion
Chemical Peels (Medium Peels Only)
Diode Laser Hair Reduction (Service not available)
Brow & Lash Enhancements (Service not available)
Waxing (Service not available)
Satellite Clinics in Palmerston North and Wanganui.
Satellite Clinic: Palmerston North (Anigma Laser & Dermal Therapy)
Currently based at Anigma Laser & Dermal Therapy, 358 Albert Street, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North. Doctor visiting days are every 2nd Wednesday. Phone: Anigma 06-3554440 or Skin Medic 06-2102255 to confirm dates and times.
Services available in Palmerston North:
Currently Lesion-Directed Dermoscopic Examinations, Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Filler and Skin Booster Injections and Advanced Laser Treatments are performed by a medical practitioner.
Satellite Clinic: Wanganui (The Edge Beauty Studio)
Currently based at The Edge Beauty Studio, 45 Victoria Ave, Wanganui. Doctor visiting days for injectables are once every 3 weeks on a Monday/Friday. Phone: The Edge Beauty Studio 06-3487557 or Skin Medic 06-2102255 to confirm dates and times.
Services available in Wanganui:
Currently Only Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Filler and Skin Booster Injections are performed by a medical practitioner.
No skin cancer screenings, biopsies & minor surgeries are performed in Wanganui (See Levin Clinic).
No other Aesthetic or Laser Treatments are provided by Skin Medic in Wanganui since these are provided independently by The Edge Beauty Studio.
** Conditions of Trade **
We as a private independent business strive to accommodate all persons irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or vaccination status. All fees must be paid on the day of consultation. We accept Cash, EFTPOS, Credit Cards, Q Cards, Afterpay, ZIP and Farmers Finance Card.
Southern Cross Easy-claim is also a convenient way for Southern Cross members to claim for eligible healthcare services at the time of purchase. If you do not have a valid claim you will need to pay for services as per normal. All listed fees, protocols and policies are subject to change without notification. A 24-hour Cancellation Policy applies to all services.
A thorough initial assessment of all clients or patients are required before we can offer any quote or treatment. No invasive treatments will be performed without prior consultation with a doctor. There is also a mandatory "Cooling Off'' period of between 3-7 days, depending on the nature of the treatment.
Our aim is to offer our clients or patients clear, honest communications and evidence-based recommendations. This includes photography, digital dermoscopic images, descriptive explanations and further education. We abide by a very strict Privacy Policy. We maintain the security of personal health information at all times and ensure that this information is only released with your expressed consent or where it is required by law.
Best practice determines that we assess each individual case on a face-to-face basis and not solely rely on opinions, recommendations or suggestions of others. This policy is consistent with our evidence-based practice guidelines. Although we make every effort, we cannot guarantee anything or results, and we may reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to withdraw a product or service on our service menu.
If a patient’s expectations are unrealistic and could compromise their safety or satisfaction, we have a responsibility to decline treatment professionally. We will make sure to clearly explain the reasons, prioritizing their well-being, and we may offer alternative options or referrals when appropriate to uphold ethical standards and protect both the patient and our practice.
Some prices, fees and/or quotes may be available on application. Please note: additional fees may apply for other services e.g. follow-ups, suture removal appointments, repeat prescriptions, extra dressings, reports and referrals. These will be discussed upon the day of registration. Any consultations longer than the allocated times will be charged an additional fee. No animals or plants are allowed on the premises due health risks and allergies it presents to staff members and other patients/clients.
We are able to provide all patients/clients with a chaperone or support person should the need arise. If you have any special needs, we are unable to accommodate, we will gladly recommend alternative providers to help address your relevant issues. More information is available on request for Onsite Visits.