How a Full Body Scan for Skin Cancer Actually Works

Booking a skin check is an important step for your health, but for many people, the unknown can feel intimidating.

Do you need to prepare beforehand? What should you wear? How does the technology work? And what actually happens during the appointment?

These are some of the most common questions we hear from patients.

At Avatar Imaging, we've designed the process to be straightforward, comfortable, and focused on providing a detailed record of your skin using advanced 3D imaging.

If you're considering a skin check, here's exactly what to expect.

Why Choose a Full Body Scan for Skin Cancer?

One of the biggest challenges with skin monitoring is remembering what your skin looked like months or years ago.

Has that mole always been there?

Did that spot change colour?

Is that mark new?

A full body scan creates a detailed visual record of your skin that can be reviewed over time, helping identify changes that may otherwise be difficult to track.

At Avatar Imaging, our imaging system captures your skin from multiple angles to create a comprehensive baseline record. This allows doctors to:

• Assess visible lesions across the body

• Compare scans from different appointments

• Identify new spots or areas of change

• Support ongoing skin monitoring

For many patients, having an objective record of their skin provides greater confidence and peace of mind.

Learn more about our VECTRA® WB360 3D Whole-Body Scan

How To Prepare For Your Skin Check

Preparing for your appointment is straightforward, and there are only a few things to keep in mind before you arrive.

If this is your first visit to Avatar Imaging, you'll receive a digital intake form before your appointment. This helps our medical team better understand your skin history and any relevant health information before your scan.

To ensure the clearest possible images, we recommend:

• Avoiding laser treatments for at least 3 weeks before your appointment

• Avoiding fake tan for at least 2 weeks before your appointment

  
  

These simple steps help ensure your images provide an accurate baseline for future comparison.

If you've recently had laser treatment or applied fake tan, don't worry. Simply let our team know before your appointment.

Patients often ask whether they need to stop medications or whether factors such as pregnancy, pacemakers, or existing skin conditions affect the scan.

The answer is no.

The imaging process is completely non-invasive, involves no radiation, and does not require any changes to your medications or daily routine.

What To Wear To Your Appointment

Your comfort is important to us.

For the most comprehensive images, we recommend removing clothing during the scan, as clothing can obscure visible areas of skin.

However, you will have options.

You may choose to:

• Wear disposable underwear provided by the clinic

• Wear your own underwear

• Use a robe before and after imaging

  
  

For women, removing bras is generally recommended to allow for more complete image capture.

A private changing room is provided, and our technicians will guide you through each step of the process.

What Happens During a Full Body Skin Cancer Scan?

When you arrive, our reception team will welcome you and show you to our waiting area while your appointment is prepared.

Once ready, you'll be taken to a private room to change before the imaging session.

The centrepiece of the experience is the VECTRA WB360, one of the most advanced systems available for full-body skin imaging.

The VECTRA WB360 3D Imaging Process

Inside the imaging suite, your technician will guide you into position using a simple posing guide.

Once you're correctly positioned, the imaging process begins.

The VECTRA WB360 captures 92 high-resolution images in just three seconds.

Yes — the actual image capture takes only a few seconds.

These images are then combined to create a detailed 3D representation of your skin that can be examined from multiple angles.

Patients are often surprised by how quick and straightforward the process feels.

Importantly:

• The scan involves zero radiation

• There is no physical contact during imaging

• The process is completely non-invasive

The resulting images provide a comprehensive visual record that supports more accurate monitoring over time.

What Happens After The Scan?

Once your images have been captured, you'll return to the changing room and get dressed.

Your personalised 3D avatar will then begin rendering, which typically takes around five minutes.

Before leaving, you'll receive your scan images on a password-protected USB device.

Many patients find this useful for becoming more familiar with their skin and performing self-checks between appointments.

Your doctor will then review the images and prepare a clinical report, which is typically provided within approximately two weeks.

The report will identify any areas requiring closer examination and outline any recommended next steps.

Is There A Follow-Up Examination?

Depending on the findings, some patients may be recommended for a follow-up examination.

During this visit, a more detailed assessment can be performed using a dermatoscope to examine selected lesions at a much higher level of detail.

Additional images may be captured and included as part of your clinical record.

A follow-up report is then provided, allowing you and your healthcare team to make informed decisions regarding any further investigation or treatment if required.

How Long Does The Scan Take?

Many people expect the process to take much longer than it actually does.

In reality, most appointments take approximately 30 minutes from arrival to completion.

The imaging itself takes only a few seconds, while the remainder of the appointment is spent preparing, changing, and ensuring you understand the process.

Most patients leave feeling reassured by how efficient and comfortable the experience is.

Experience Advanced Skin Imaging At Avatar Imaging

Understanding what happens during a full body skin cancer scan often removes much of the uncertainty surrounding the process.

At Avatar Imaging, we combine specialised 3D imaging with expert clinical review to support proactive skin health and ongoing monitoring.

For a limited time, patients booking a 3D Full Body Skin Cancer Scan before June 30, 2026 will also receive FREE VISIA™ Deep-Layer UV Analysis before official launch.

While the 3D scan focuses on documenting visible skin lesions across the body, VISIA™ analysis provides additional insight into facial skin health.

It can help assess:

✔ Hidden UV damage

✔ Pigmentation and sun damage

✔ Complexion and skin type

✔ Overall skin health concerns

These insights can help support a more personalised understanding of your skin and guide future treatment recommendations.

Learn more about the current offer here:

https://www.avatarimaging.com.au/skin-cancer-scan-offer-free-visia

Because better skin health starts with understanding what you can see — and what may still be hidden beneath the surface.