Skin Biopsies

Shave Biopsy

A shave biopsy is a procedure where a thin layer of skin called the epidermis and dermis is removed with a small flexible blade to be sent away and examined under a microscope for diagnosis. A small injection of local anaesthetic will be given to numb the area. Sutures are usually not needed after this procedure.

A dressing is applied and the wound is to be keep dry for 2 days unless advised otherwise by the doctor. 

It is normal to have mild redness and swelling at the biopsy site.

Results are usually back within a week.

​The wound will usually heal within 7-10 days.
​If there are any concerns always contact the clinic on 9467 2655 for advise.

Punch Biopsy

A punch biopsy can be used to investigate a variety of skin conditions.

This procedure is where a small round piece of tissue between 2mm-8mm, is removed using a sharp hollow circular instrument called a punch, after a small injection of local anaesthetic has been given to numb the area. 
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This is rotated down through the epidermis and dermis into the subcutaneous fat.
The biopsy site is usually closed with 1-3 non-absorbent sutures and generally produce minimal scarring. 

A dressing is applied and the biopsy area needs to be kept dry for 2-3 days, unless advised otherwise by the doctor. The sutures will need to be removed 1-2 weeks post procedure depending on biopsy location. Most biopsy sites heal within 2-3 weeks. Results are usually back within a week.

Ellipse Excision

An ellipse excision of the skin is performed to remove cysts, dysplastic nevi, skin cancers, such as Basal-cell Carcinomas (BCC) and Squamous-cell Carcinomas (SCC) and Melanomas for which, in most cases, a diagnosis has already been established via a previous shave or punch biopsy.

A margin will be drawn around the lesion/tumor being removed. This is based on the diagnosis, size and depth of the lesion/tumor, Generally it is recommended that a margin area of 3-5mm for BCC and SCC, and a 1-2cm margin for a melanoma be excised.

A small injection of local anesthetic will be given to numb the area. The entire lesion/tumor is then removed in one go. The wound with be brought together with either/or internal sutures (simply dissolve over time) and/or external sutures which will need to be removed 1-2 weeks post procedure.


An ellipse excision produces a cosmetically acceptable linear scar, which is why it is the most common technique used to excision skin tumors/lesions.

You may experience some swelling, soreness or pain following the procedure, the doctor may recommend icing the area as well as taking pain medication to minimize the discomfort.