Biopsy After-care
During a skin biopsy, your dermatology professional removes a small sample of skin. If you've just had a skin biopsy, proper aftercare is essential.
Biopsy After-care
A thin layer of your skin has been removed as a specimen sample. You DO NOT have stitches, and a bandage has been placed on the wound. Tomorrow you may remove the bandage. You may shower at this time, clean the area gently with soap and water, and apply vaseline and a clean bandage. Keep the biopsy area clean and moist with vaseline for the next week. After one week, keep the area uncovered yet still moist with vaseline until the area is healed. Letting the area dry out may result in a poor cosmetic outcome.
Punch Biopsy
A small core of skin tissue has been removed as a specimen sample. You DO have stitches and a bandage has been placed on the wound. Tomorrow you may remove the bandage. You may shower at this time, clean the area gently with soap and water, and apply vaseline and a clean bandage. Keep the biopsy area clean and moist with vaseline until the area is healed. Letting the area dry out may result in a poor cosmetic outcome.
NOTE: Biopsy results may take up to 7 to 10 business days to be received. If the result of your biopsy is benign (non-cancerous) or biopsy result is malignant (cancerous) a phone call will be made to you to schedule further treatment. If you have not heard from us in 2 to 3 weeks, please call our office.
If you experience an emergency after clinic hours, please go to the nearest urgent care center or hospital emergency room.