TOTAL BODY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Total Body Photography (also known as TBP or whole body imaging) is the process of taking 32+ high quality images of your skin from head-to-toe.
It is not a replacement for a full skin check examination, but is a useful tool used alongside routine clinical skin checks to improve the detection of early skin cancers for high risk individuals, particularly those with a large number of moles that are difficult to monitor over time.
Catching melanoma early significantly improves outcomes and TBP gives your doctor an objective baseline to compare against at future visits.
TBP can be done as a one-off baseline or regularly (usually annually):
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Baseline TBP creates a full record of your skin’s surface. In the future, your doctor can compare your skin to the TBP photographs to check if any lesions of concern are new or have changed over time.
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With regular/annual TBP, we compare sets of images with a clinician-operated and AI-assisted analysis to highlight new and changing lesions early, as well as using them as an aid during clinical examination like for baseline TBP.
Total body photography is useful for those with a high risk of skin cancer, such as those with:
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A high number of atypical or unusual looking moles.
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Fair skin that sunburns easily.
Total body photography may not be suitable for:
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Pregnant women, due to the bodily and skin changes during pregnancy.
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People with very dense body hair, which can make it harder to accurately photograph lesions.
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People with large areas of extensive tattoos, which can obscure lesions.
The cost of TBP is $200 and is not usually covered by health insurance.
FAQ's
How do I prepare for my TBP appointment?
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Please remove any jewellery, make-up and fake tan.
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Tie up long hair.
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Ensure your skin is clean. Consider moisturising your skin on the morning of your appointment to avoid dry/scaly skin, which can impair image quality.
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Avoid sports bras and bike shorts. Wear practical and comfortable underwear.
Who will be taking my photos?
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A nurse dermoscopist will be taking your images, please point out any lesions of concern you have and these can be assessed at the time.
Can I access my images?
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Yes, you can request access by giving the nurse your email address which will then send you a link to your DermEngine account.
How do you keep my images safe and secure?
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Your images are stored securely through DermEngine, a purpose-built medical imaging platform used by skin cancer clinics worldwide. Your data is encrypted, stored in compliance with New Zealand privacy legislation and is never shared without your consent.
Do I need a referral?
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No referral is required, you can book directly with us. If you are unsure whether TBP is right for you, our team can advise you during your initial skin check consultation.
What happens if something suspicious is found?
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Any lesions of concern identified during your TBP appointment will be assessed by the nurse at the time. If further evaluation is needed, you will be referred to one of our doctors for a full clinical assessment. We will always clearly explain what we have found and what the next steps are.
Is the appointment uncomfortable?
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TBP is entirely non-invasive and pain-free. You will be photographed in your underwear in a private room by a trained nurse. Your comfort and privacy will be our priority throughout the process.