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VEOS handheld skin imaging device examining a patient's shoulder for skin lesions.

Total Body Photography – What Is It and What to Expect

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Whole Body Photography at Body Scan Skin Cancer Clinic

At Body Scan Skin Cancer Clinic on the Sunshine Coast in Kawana, we use the Canfield IntelliStudio photography system to capture high resolution images of your skin to assist with monitoring moles and skin lesions over time.

The images provide your skin clinician with a detailed record of your skin and can help identify new or changing lesions at future appointments. The artificial intelligence incorporated into the software can be applied to help identify lesions of note.

Total body photography is also known as total body imagining, mole mapping, whole body skin imaging or melanoma surveillance photography. Full body photography does not replace a standard skin examination by a skin clinician.

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Who Would Benefit from Total Body Photography?

Not everyone requires whole body photography. It may be beneficial for individuals at higher risk of skin cancer, including those with:

  • Many moles (high naevus count).
  • Multiple large, irregular moles.
  • A personal or family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma.
  • Significant sun/ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
  • A history of multiple peeling or blistering sunburns.
  • A weakened immune system (immunosuppression).
  • Fair skin prone to sunburn.
  • A known genetic melanoma syndrome.
Patient undergoing Total Body Photography using the Canfield IntelliStudio skin imaging system.
Front view of the Canfield IntelliStudio automated Total Body Photography camera system.

Reasons Not to Undergo Full Body Photography

Total body imaging may not be suitable or necessary for everyone.

Reasons not to undergo melanoma surveillance photography include:

  • No risk factors.
  • Cost.
  • Unable to stand up unsupported with arms raised.
  • Limited life expectancy.
  • Photosensitive epilepsy.
  • Not wanting your photos stored indefinitely and/or concern for data storage and cybersecurity.
  • Planning to travel away and unable to follow up serial photography and skin examinations.

Preparing for Your Total Body Imaging Appointment

To help us capture the clearest and most comprehensive images possible:

  • Have no makeup and no fake tan.
  • Please have a recent shower to remove grime and foreign material from your skin.
  • Remove jewellery, watches and wearable devices prior to your appointment with our skin clinician.
  • Wear clothing that can be quickly removed. You are required to wear underwear. Please wear brief-style underwear. Avoid boxer shorts or other underwear that covers a larger area of skin.
  • If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie so your hair can be secured away from your neck, shoulders and back.
  • If you have significant body hair, trimming or clipping may help improve visibility of the underlying skin.
Clinician reviewing detailed skin images with a patient using the IntelliStudio imaging system.
Clinician operating the Canfield IntelliStudio system to capture full-body skin images of a patient.

What to Expect During Your Skin Imaging Appointment

Your photographer will explain the total body imaging process and answer any questions before you begin. A consent form needs to be completed at your first mole mapping appointment.

You will be asked to remove your outer clothing, jewellery and glasses as required for the melanoma surveillance photography. Underwear will remain on at all times.

You may be asked whether you would like to remove your bra for the photographs. This is optional.

You will be guided into a series of positions while the images are captured. There will be several bright flashes during the full body photography process.

Once your images have been checked, additional close-up photographs may be taken of particular moles or lesions if your skin clinician deems it is required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Total Body Imagining

Is there any radiation?

No. Full body photography uses digital cameras and does not expose you to radiation.

How long does the whole body photography appointment last?

Expect 40 minutes. It may be quicker if you are prepared, do not have many skin spots, and there are no significant findings.

Can I stop the mole mapping process at any time?

Yes. Please let your skin photographer know at any time if you are uncomfortable, need a break or would like the photography to stop. Fees will still apply.

What happens to my skin imaging photos?

Your images form part of your clinical record and are handled and stored in accordance with Body Scan Skin Cancer Clinic’s privacy and information-handling procedures.

Do I need a referral?

No. You do not need a referral to have whole body photography done at Body Scan Skin Cancer Clinic in Kawana.

Do I need a skin check as well?

Yes. Your melanoma surveillance photography appointment will include a full skin examination by one of our qualified dermal therapists or nurses. This way, you will only need to see a skin doctor if lesions of concern are identified.

Will the mole mapping photography appointment include a skin doctor consultation to undertake biopsies, prescriptions and referrals?

No. If a doctor consultation is desired or recommended, you will need to arrange this afterwards. You are welcome to see a skin doctor at Body Scan Skin Cancer Clinic (our usual fees apply) or if you prefer to see a doctor outside of our clinic, we can email you a report indicating significant findings from the full body imagining appointment.

How much is total body photography?

The current total body photography cost will be displayed on our website and on a notice in our reception. There is no Medicare or DVA rebate for photography. Cost will include GST.

Some private health funds may provide a rebate for this service. We cannot process this claim for you, which means you will need to lodge the claim with an invoice and proof of payment to your private health fund.

How are my photographs and other information handled?

Whole body photography is performed as part of your skin health assessment. The photographs will include identifiable images of your body and are considered personal and health information. To obtain clear and comprehensive photos and allow as much of the skin as possible to be photographed, you may be asked to remove your bra. Underwear will remain on at all times.
Photographs of your skin and body will be taken and may be used by your treating healthcare professionals to:

  • Document the appearance and location of skin lesions and moles.
  • Assist with monitoring your skin for new or changing lesions over time.
  • Compare images taken at future appointments.
  • Assist with your ongoing clinical assessment and care.

Full body photography is a monitoring and assessment tool and does not replace skin examinations by a qualified healthcare professional or guarantee the detection of skin cancer. The mole mapping only includes unobscured skin, with common blind spots including hair bearing skin, genitals, body folds, palms and soles. Please advise your skin clinician during your skin check if you have lesions to examine these areas.

The skin imaging photography system uses bright flashing lights during image capture. Please advise the clinic if you have photosensitive epilepsy or any other condition known to be triggered by flashing lights.

What should I know about total body imaging and privacy?

Your photographs and personal information are handled as follows:

  • Your images and information will be accessible to your clinical team at Body Scan Skin Cancer Clinic in Kawana.
  • Canfield Scientific Inc. may access information where required to operate, maintain and support its system.
  • Your information will not be sold or distributed for unrelated purposes without your consent, except where required by law.
  • Electronic storage and communication systems use security measures to protect personal information; however, no electronic system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
  • Your images will be permanently stored on the secured software used to take your personal body imaging and clinical photos for medical purposes.
  • Reports with significant findings and recommendations may be emailed to you, and it is therefore your responsibility to provide a secure and monitored email address for such information.
  • When required, a complete file containing all photos can be made available to you via a password protected USB drive. There will be costs associated with this including the USB, administration time and postage. Please understand that complete files are too large to be emailed or file shared.
  • You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the full body photography procedure and the storage and use of your images.
  • Your consent remains in effect unless you withdraw it by notifying the clinic. Withdrawal of consent will not affect information that the clinic is legally required to retain.