Treatments

Skin Biopsies at Skintel

A skin biopsy involves taking a small sample of skin tissue and sending this sample to the laboratory for histological analysis. It is undertaken, when required, to confirm the diagnosis of a skin lesion or condition. Local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the area before taking the skin sample.

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The Different Biopsy Type

Different types of biopsies can be taken depending on a few factors, such as lesion type and location. Your dermatologist will recommend which option is most suitable for the area of your body needing sampling while making the impact on you and your lifestyle as minimal as possible. If you have a preference for the type of skin biopsy you would like, you are more than welcome to let your dermatologist know about this.

Punch Biopsy

A punch biopsy procedure involves a tool that takes a cylindrical piece of skin followed by stitches to close the wound. You will generally need to return to the clinic approximately one week later to have these stitches removed. The main advantage of a punch biopsy procedure is that it can sample deeper layers of skin. However, you must look after the wound to minimise the risk of the stitches coming apart.

Your dermatologist may end up removing the whole lesion from the sample for very small lesions. This is sometimes referred to as a punch excision.

Illustration of punch biopsy before and after.

Shave Biopsy

A shave biopsy involves taking a superficial shave of skin to confirm the diagnosis. It is used when a deeper assessment of the lesion is unnecessary. The main advantage is that stitches are not usually required because the tissue sample is taken superficially, so you won’t need to return to the clinic. The wound heals like a graze and has a minimal impact on your normal activities. In many cases, a shave wound heals without scarring.

Curettage (or Scrape) Biopsy

A curettage is very similar to a shave; however, a different removal instrument called a “curette” is used. Like a shave, the main advantage of curettage is that it only removes superficial tissue and closing the wound with stitches is generally not required. It heals like a graze and is particularly useful in concave areas where it is difficult to use a shave biopsy blade.

Diagram of a curettage skin biopsy.

Incisional Biopsy

An incisional biopsy takes a thin, deep, and long sliver of a lesion to sample the entire cross-section of a lesion. It is beneficial for pigmented lesions in cosmetically sensitive or difficult areas. This provides a reliable assessment while avoiding the full removal of the lesion in case this later proves unnecessary. An incisional biopsy can be thought of as a mini-excision. 

Ordinary stitches will be placed to close the wound. This requires you to look after the wound, and you will need to return to the clinic about a week later to have the stitches removed.

Diagram of an incisional skin biopsy.

Contact Us

Schedule an appointment with our dermatologists today for a full skin check or to assess the skin you are concerned about. Unlike other clinics, we don’t offer spot checks – if one lesion is of concern, it is not uncommon for different areas of the body to also have concerning lesions that you may not be aware of. Skintel offers comprehensive skin care and surgical procedures only when it’s needed. Call our friendly team or leave a message on our contact page.

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Your Questions Answered.

At Skintel, a skin biopsy is performed by our qualified dermatologists. The area to be biopsied is numbed with a local anaesthetic, and a small piece of skin is removed using a special tool. Our specialists ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the process. The procedure is usually quick and relatively painless. We offer all types of skin biopsies, including punch, shave, curettage, and incision.

Yes, a skin biopsy is considered a safe procedure when performed by a trained professional. Complications are rare but may include infection, bleeding, or scarring. Your dermatologist will discuss potential risks with you before the procedure and provide you with all the aftercare information you need for an optimal recovery.

While our dermatologists complete the biopsy procedures, all biopsies are sent to Awanui labs for expert pathological analysis. The time frames for results vary between 1 and 5 weeks, depending on the labs. Rest assured, you will be contacted about your results as soon as they are reported back to us. Your dermatologist will discuss the results with you and provide guidance on any necessary treatment.

After a skin biopsy, it is normal to experience some redness, swelling, or minor discomfort at the biopsy site. Your dermatologist will provide instructions on how to care for the area and when to expect the results. If you have any concerns or notice signs of infection, contact Skintel immediately.