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Punch Biopsy of Skin Lesion

A punch biopsy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with your skin.

What is a punch biopsy?

A punch biopsy involves removing a small piece of skin using a circular blade called a punch.

What are the benefits of a punch biopsy?

Your doctor may be concerned about a skin lesion, which is a lump or spot on or just below your skin, or they may need to confirm the cause of a skin rash or eruption.

If a problem is found, the healthcare team will discuss the appropriate treatment with you. If the biopsy is normal, the healthcare team will reassure you.

Are there any alternatives to a punch biopsy?

A blood test or scan may give more information and show that you have a problem. However, a biopsy will help to find out exactly what is causing the problem and will help your doctor to recommend the best treatment for you.

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Your doctor will stretch your skin to make it easier to use the punch to remove a sample of tissue. The amount of tissue removed is usually less than 4 millimetres in diameter and about 1.5 millimetres deep.

They will either close the hole with stitches or use a dressing.

How soon will I recover?

After a short while you will be able to go home.

You should be able to return to work the next day unless you are told otherwise.

Do not have a hot bath for 2 to 3 days. Do not do strenuous exercise for the first week and not until the biopsy area has healed.

Results from the biopsy will not be available for at least a few days so the healthcare team may arrange for you to come back to the clinic for these results. The healthcare team will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.

Regular exercise should improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

What complications can happen?

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection of the surgical site (wound)
  • Unsightly scarring of your skin
  • Wound breakdown

Consultants who provide this treatment

Mr Dean Boyce - Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Mr Dean Boyce

Mr Ahmed Emam - Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Mr Ahmed Emam

Mr Jonathan Cubitt - Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgeon

Mr Jonathan Cubitt

Mr Thomas Bragg - Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Sarcoma Surgeon

Mr Thomas Bragg

Mr Fred Schreuder - Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Mr Fred Schreuder

Mrs Kavitha Saw - Consultant ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon

Mrs Kavitha Saw

,
Mr Madhav Kittur - Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Madhav Kittur

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