Frequently Asked Questions
Greater Confidence.
Your questions,
clearly answered.
Choosing a skin scan is an important decision, and it’s natural to want clarity before you look. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our scans, the technology we use, and what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.
Who is at risk of skin cancer?
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but your risk is higher if you:
- Spent your childhood in New Zealand
- Have a large number of moles
- Have suffered from sunburn
- Have fair skin that burns easily and does not tan
- Have blue eyes
- Have fair or red hair
- Have been diagnosed with melanoma in the past
- Have a family history of melanoma
- Previous skin cancers (BCC, SCC)
If any of these apply to you, regular monitoring is especially important.
How do I prepare for my 3D Total Body Photography appointment?
To prepare for your total body imaging, there are some things you can do to help ensure your images are as clear and useful as possible:
- Ensure your skin is clean when you come in for your appointment
- Don’t apply any thick or oily creams
- Thoroughly remove any makeup, lipstick, paint or dirt
- Remove your jewellery
- Ensure your long hair is tied up and away from the face and neck
- Wear underwear you are happy to have images in (a disposable option is available) with skin-toned or neutral colours without patterns or a bikini for women.
- If you have dark or heavy body hair, clipper it short (grade 1 or 2) where possible
- Avoid waxing or shaving (except the face if regularly shaved) within 1 week prior to your appointment
- Avoid laser hair removal and fake tan for 4 weeks prior to your appointment
Is there any radiation? Is the imaging safe?
3D Total Body Photography is entirely safe. It uses sophisticated flash photography and computer software. Please advise if you have a history of epilepsy.
There is no radiation, no UV, and no medication involved. There are no moving parts to the 3D imaging machine, and you are not closed in during the imaging.
How long does the appointment take?
Usually, it takes 30-40minutes for the 3D Total Body Photography process and your skin check time. If you are just having 3D Total Body Photography it takes approximately 15 minutes.
It takes 1 seconds to take the images and few minutes to prepare you for your 3D images. The software needs about 5 minutes to stitch your 3D avatar and the artificial intelligence to assess lesions.
High magnification images are then taken with a special digital dermatoscope if you are having the complete package. The time needed for this is variable, depending how many irregular or “atypical” moles you have.
The files are securely encrypted and you will be emailed a link to access your avatar and images.
Is it safe to use Artificial Intelligence?
Yes as we just use the advanced AI software as an aid to clinical examination. The Vectra WB 360 provides us with a high resolution 3D avatar or digital skin twin of you and the AI supports our full body skin check. Some areas are difficult to capture (ears, soles of feet, scalp, between fingers and toes) so these will be checked as part of your full body examination by us or your referring skin specialist. The AI software can analyse both macro and dermoscopic images plus very accurately track changes over time.
Why choose Skinscape 360 over other mole mapping systems?
The Vectra WB 360 is the most advanced skin cancer technology in New Zealand. The
machine takes 1 second to capture your entire exposed skin surface then 5 minutes to create your avatar or digital skin twin. All other systems such as Molemap, Skin Tracker or Dermengine are only 2D and take much longer. All modern systems utilise AI as an aid but the Vectra WB360 is much more accurate especially in detecting change or new lesions during follow up.
What if I have a Skin Specialist already?
Yes you can access the Vectra WB 360 and have Total Body Photography. We run a shared care model where you have the scan then go back to your Skin Specialist for review and management.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can make an appointment via:
- Email hello@skinscape360.co.nz
- Call 09 869 3080
Is this covered by insurance?
At this time Total Body Photography is not covered by insurance companies. However we are working with the major health insurance companies to cover TBP as in the long run there will be earlier diagnosis, less cost and better outcomes.