Your first skin imaging appointment can feel unfamiliar, especially if you have never had mole mapping, total body photography or digital dermoscopy before. The good news is that preparation is usually simple. You do not need to do anything drastic, and small things such as wearing make-up, forgetting nail polish or not knowing exactly which mole concerns you should not stop you from attending.
A skin imaging appointment is designed to create a careful record of your skin and assess lesions that may need closer attention. At Skintel, the process combines full-body photography, detailed imaging of selected lesions and medical review. Where a lesion remains uncertain after clinical examination and dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy—also called optical biopsy—may provide additional non-invasive diagnostic information. It does not replace surgical biopsy when tissue diagnosis is clinically required.¹˒²
This guide explains what to do before your appointment, what happens on the day and what comes next.
The short version: how to prepare
For most people, the practical steps are simple:
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Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove or adjust.
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Avoid heavy make-up, fake tan or body make-up where possible.
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Make a note of any new, changing, itchy, bleeding or painful spots.
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Bring relevant pathology reports, previous skin photographs or referral information if you have them.
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Do not cancel because you forgot a minor preparation step.
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Let the team know if you have concerns about privacy, photography, mobility or a particular area of skin.
You do not need to shave body hair, remove all moisturiser or arrive knowing the name of every mole you are worried about. The appointment is designed to help assess your skin systematically.
Before your appointment
Make-up, fake tan and skin products
If possible, arrive without heavy foundation, concealer, fake tan, body make-up or heavily pigmented skin products. These can make it harder to assess the natural colour and surface of the skin or to obtain clear photographs.
If you wear make-up and have a concerning spot on your face, it is particularly helpful to remove make-up from that area before your appointment. Light moisturiser is usually not a problem, but avoid thick, reflective or tinted products if you can.
Do not worry if you have already applied skincare products or make-up. Please still attend. The melanographer can explain whether anything needs to be removed for a particular image or examination.
Nail polish
Nails can occasionally form part of a comprehensive skin examination because pigment changes can occur beneath or around the nail. If you have a dark streak, changing mark or other concern on a nail, remove nail polish from that nail if practical before your appointment.
You do not need to cancel if you have forgotten. Nail polish is not automatically a barrier to skin imaging. It is simply useful to have the nail visible when it needs to be assessed.
Hair and scalp
The scalp can be an important area to examine, especially if you have noticed a scaly, tender, bleeding or changing spot. You do not need to cut, shave or alter your hair before the appointment.
Try to avoid excessive hair fibres, thick sprays or heavily pigmented styling products if you are concerned about the scalp, as these can make close examination more difficult. Normal hair products are not a reason to postpone your visit.
What to wear
Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing. You may be asked to remove or adjust clothing so that clinically relevant skin can be photographed and examined, but privacy and dignity should be maintained throughout.
You can generally remain in underwear or use a gown or drape, depending on the assessment and your preferences. You will be given privacy to change where required. Only skin that needs to be assessed should be exposed at any one time where possible.
If you have questions about clothing, draping or photography, ask the team before or during your appointment.
What should you bring?
You do not need to arrive with a large folder of records. However, the following can be useful if you have them:
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a referral letter or referral details;
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previous pathology reports;
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photographs showing how a lesion has changed;
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previous mole-mapping or skin imaging images;
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a list of medicines, particularly immune-suppressing medicines;
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information about previous melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma;
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a brief family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.
If you do not have these documents, still attend. The team can begin the assessment and your referring clinician may provide additional records later if needed.
Make a note of changing spots
Before you come in, take a moment to think about any lesions that have concerned you. It can help to note:
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a spot that is new;
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a mole that has changed in size, shape or colour;
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a lesion that looks different from your other moles;
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a spot that bleeds, crusts, itches, hurts or does not heal;
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a patch that has become darker, more raised or more irregular.
You do not need to identify every mole yourself. The purpose of a comprehensive skin imaging appointment is to assess the skin systematically. Your notes simply help ensure that your own concerns are included in the discussion.
If you notice a rapidly changing, bleeding, painful or otherwise concerning lesion before your appointment, seek prompt medical assessment rather than waiting if the appointment is not soon.³˒⁴
Your medical and skin cancer history
At your first appointment, you may be asked about previous skin cancers, biopsies, treatment, family history and relevant health conditions. This information helps the clinician understand your level of risk and decide which imaging may be useful.
Questions may cover:
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previous melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma;
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previous biopsies or pathology results;
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family history of melanoma;
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significant sun exposure or severe sunburn;
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immune suppression caused by medicines or medical conditions;
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the number and type of moles you have;
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any recent change in your skin.³˒⁴
You do not need to know every detail perfectly. Share what you know, and bring records if they are easily available.
What happens when you arrive at Skintel?
Skintel’s current process is designed to assess both the overall pattern of your skin and individual lesions that may need closer attention.¹˒²
While each appointment is tailored to the person and the referral question, the pathway may include:
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Discussion of your relevant history and skin concerns.
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Full-body assessment and total body photography.
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High-resolution digital dermoscopy of selected lesions.
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Reflectance confocal microscopy for suitable lesions that remain uncertain after clinical examination and dermoscopy.
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Review of the imaging by an accredited skin cancer doctor.
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A diagnostic report and recommendations provided to your referring or treating clinician.¹˒²
Not every person needs every stage. In particular, reflectance confocal microscopy is selective rather than routine for every mole.
Total body photography and mole mapping
Total body photography creates a baseline record of your visible skin. Standardised images are taken from several positions so moles, freckles and other skin features can be documented by location.⁵˒⁶
At future appointments, these images can be compared with the baseline to help identify new lesions or visible changes in existing lesions. This can be particularly helpful if you have many moles, atypical moles, a previous melanoma or lesions in difficult-to-see areas such as the back.⁵˒⁶
Skintel uses digital mole-mapping technology to organise the images and link selected close-up photographs to the body map. The technology does not diagnose melanoma by itself. Images must be assessed by trained clinicians in the context of your history and examination.
Digital dermoscopy
Dermoscopy is a close-up examination using magnification and specialised polarised light. It helps clinicians see pigment patterns, blood vessels and structures within the upper layers of skin that are not easily visible to the naked eye.⁷˒⁸
At Skintel, selected lesions can be photographed at high magnification using digital dermoscopy. These images are linked to the mole-mapping record, helping document the lesion’s appearance and location for medical review and later comparison.
Dermoscopy is non-invasive and usually painless. The device may rest gently on the skin or be held just above it. Digital dermoscopy does not mean that a lesion is necessarily suspicious; it is often used to create a reliable detailed record.
Reflectance confocal microscopy and optical biopsy
Reflectance confocal microscopy, or RCM, is an additional imaging technique used for selected lesions that remain uncertain after clinical examination and dermoscopy. It is sometimes called an optical biopsy because it uses a low-power laser to create highly magnified images of structures within living skin.⁹˒¹⁰
RCM is non-invasive. No skin is removed, and there are no needles, cuts or stitches. It may provide additional diagnostic information at approximately cellular-level resolution when a lesion is difficult to classify.
Not every patient needs RCM, and not every lesion is suitable for it. RCM also does not replace a necessary surgical biopsy. If tissue diagnosis is clinically required, biopsy and histopathology—the laboratory examination of tissue removed during biopsy—remain essential.⁹˒¹⁰
Your skin imaging is reviewed by two clinicians
At Skintel, the imaging workflow involves melanographers and accredited skin cancer doctors. Melanographers are registered nurses trained in dermoscopy. They perform the imaging assessment, examine the skin during the imaging process and capture detailed total body and lesion images.¹˒²
An accredited skin cancer doctor then reviews the images and findings, interprets the diagnostic information and prepares the clinical report.¹˒²
This does not guarantee that every skin cancer will be detected. It does mean that your assessment includes both systematic imaging and medical review rather than relying only on a single visual impression.
Does skin imaging hurt?
No. Total body photography and dermoscopy are non-invasive and should not hurt. RCM is also non-invasive and generally involves only gentle contact with the skin.¹˒⁷˒⁹
There are no needles, cuts or surgical removal involved in these imaging techniques. If a lesion later needs biopsy, that is a separate medical procedure arranged by your referring clinician as clinically appropriate.
Skintel is a diagnostic skin imaging service. It does not provide treatment for skin cancer. If biopsy, excision or other treatment is recommended, your referring or treating doctor will discuss and arrange the next step.
How long does a skin imaging appointment take?
The time required varies according to the type of assessment, the number of lesions requiring detailed imaging and whether additional imaging is clinically appropriate.
A comprehensive appointment that includes total body photography and multiple dermoscopic images will generally take longer than a brief assessment of one lesion. Your booking confirmation or the Skintel team can provide the most accurate information for your appointment type.
What happens after your appointment?
After the imaging session, the images are reviewed by an accredited skin cancer doctor. A diagnostic report is then prepared and returned to your referring or treating clinician with relevant findings and recommendations.¹˒²
Possible outcomes may include reassurance, a recommendation for routine follow-up, repeat imaging at an appropriate interval, further assessment of a particular lesion or a recommendation that your treating clinician arrange biopsy or treatment.
Skintel provides diagnostic imaging and reporting. Your GP, dermatologist, skin cancer doctor, surgeon or other treating clinician remains responsible for discussing treatment options, arranging biopsy where needed and coordinating ongoing management.
Common preparation worries
“I forgot to remove my nail polish. Should I cancel?”
No. Please still attend. Nail polish may need to be removed only if a particular nail needs assessment. The team can explain whether this is relevant.
“I wore make-up or moisturiser.”
Do not cancel. Heavy make-up, fake tan and body make-up can make some images less clear, but the team can advise whether anything needs to be removed from a particular area.
“I do not know which mole I am worried about.”
That is okay. You can describe where it is, show a photograph if you have one or explain what change you noticed. A comprehensive assessment is designed to examine the skin systematically.
“I do not have old photographs or pathology reports.”
Please still attend. Previous records are useful when available, but they are not required to begin an assessment.
“I have a lot of moles.”
This is one reason total body photography and digital dermoscopy may be useful. Baseline images can make future comparison more reliable.⁵˒⁶
“I feel embarrassed about undressing.”
This is a common concern. Tell the team. Your privacy, consent and dignity matter, and you can ask questions about gowns, draping and which areas will be photographed.
Ready for your first skin imaging appointment?
Preparing for your first appointment does not need to be complicated. If you would like a comprehensive skin imaging assessment, Skintel can provide total body photography, digital dermoscopy and, where clinically appropriate, additional non-invasive diagnostic imaging.
To arrange an appointment, book your skin imaging appointment at Skintel.
Medical disclaimer
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a new, changing, bleeding, painful or otherwise concerning skin lesion, seek prompt medical assessment rather than waiting for a scheduled imaging appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for a mole mapping appointment?
Preparation is usually simple: wear comfortable clothing, avoid heavy make-up or fake tan where possible, note any changing spots and bring relevant previous reports or photographs if you have them. You do not need to shave body hair, remove all skincare products or know the location of every mole. If you forget a preparation step, attend anyway and ask the team for guidance.
What should I wear to a full body skin check?
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove or adjust. You may be asked to change into underwear, a gown or use draping depending on the assessment, but privacy and consent should be respected throughout. Choose whatever makes you feel comfortable, and ask questions if you are unsure about clothing, photography or the areas being examined.
Do I need to remove make-up before a skin check?
It is helpful to avoid heavy make-up, fake tan, body make-up and thick tinted products because they can affect the skin’s natural appearance and make photography less clear. However, you should not cancel if you are wearing make-up. If a facial spot needs close examination, the team can explain whether make-up needs to be removed from that area.
Should I remove nail polish before a skin cancer check?
Nail polish only needs to be removed if the nail itself requires assessment, such as when there is a dark streak, changing mark or other concern. It is not a reason to cancel your appointment if you forget. Let the melanographer or clinician know if you have noticed a change in or around a nail.
Do you have to undress for mole mapping?
You may need to remove or adjust clothing so that clinically relevant skin can be photographed and examined, but privacy and dignity should be maintained. You can usually remain in underwear or use a gown or drape. Intimate areas should only be examined with clear consent and when clinically appropriate.
How long does mole mapping take?
The length of a mole-mapping appointment varies according to the type of assessment, number of moles and whether selected lesions need detailed dermoscopy or other imaging. The Skintel team can provide a more specific estimate for your appointment.
Can I wear deodorant or moisturiser to a skin check?
Light moisturiser or deodorant is usually not a reason to postpone a skin check. If a product interferes with photography or close examination of a particular area, the team can advise you on the day. Avoid heavily pigmented body products, fake tan or thick cosmetic coverage where possible.
Should I bring previous mole-map photos?
Bring previous mole-mapping images, pathology reports or photographs of changing spots if they are easy to access. They may help provide context, especially if a lesion has changed over time. However, they are not essential. You should still attend even if you do not have old records.
Is skin imaging painful?
No. Total body photography, digital dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy are non-invasive imaging methods and should not be painful.¹˒⁷˒⁹ RCM may involve gentle contact with the skin, but it does not involve needles, cutting or stitches. Any separate biopsy or treatment is arranged by your treating clinician if clinically required.
What happens if a suspicious mole is found?
If a lesion needs more attention, it may be documented with high-resolution dermoscopy, assessed with RCM if clinically appropriate or recommended for biopsy by your treating clinician.⁹˒¹⁰ Skintel provides diagnostic imaging and a report; your GP, dermatologist, skin cancer doctor or surgeon discusses treatment options and arranges further management where needed.
Conclusion
Preparing for a first skin imaging appointment is mainly about making the assessment easier and ensuring your concerns are heard. Comfortable clothing, a note of changing lesions and any useful previous records are helpful, but you do not need perfect preparation to attend.
At Skintel, comprehensive imaging may include total body photography, digital dermoscopy and, for selected uncertain lesions, reflectance confocal microscopy. Your images are reviewed by a melanographer and an accredited skin cancer doctor, with findings reported back to your treating clinician.
The most important step is to attend if you have concerns—and to seek prompt medical advice if a lesion is new, changing, bleeding, painful or otherwise worrying.
References
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Skintel. The Skintel skin check. Melbourne: Skintel; 2026.
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Skintel. About us. Melbourne: Skintel; 2026.
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Cancer Council Australia. Check for signs of skin cancer. Sydney: Cancer Council Australia; 2026.
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Cancer Council Australia. Early detection of skin cancer position statement. Sydney: Cancer Council Australia; 2026.
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Tzellos T, Kyrgidis A, Zouboulis CC. The value of total body photography for the early detection of melanoma: a systematic review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021;35(2):230-237.
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Ji-Xu A, Dinnes J, Matin RN. Total body photography for the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol. 2021;185(2):302-312.
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Kittler H, Pehamberger H, Wolff K, Binder M. Diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy. Lancet Oncol. 2002;3(3):159-165.
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Menzies SW, Emery J, Staples M, et al. Impact of dermoscopy on the clinical diagnosis of melanoma in primary care: results of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2009;339:b3112.
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Longo C, Ragazzi M, Rajadhyaksha M, et al. Reflectance confocal microscopy: an effective tool for diagnosing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;79(2):247-257.
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Dinnes J, Bamber J, Chuchu N, et al. Reflectance confocal microscopy for diagnosing cutaneous melanoma in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;12(12):CD013190. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013190.pub2.
