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.
Shave Biopsy
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.
Lake Havasu City: (928) 963-9333/ Fort Mohave: (928) 963-9191 / Parker: (928) 963-9191
Quartzsite: (928) 963-9333 / Queen Creek: Coming Soon!
If you experience an emergency after clinic hours, please go to the nearest urgent
care center or hospital emergency room.