How long
Usually about 15 minutes, including numbing the area. The biopsy itself takes a few minutes.
How to prepare
- Tell your provider about blood thinners, allergies (including to lidocaine or adhesive) and if you are pregnant.
- No special preparation is usually needed.
Recovery
Most people return to normal activities right away. A shave biopsy heals in about one to two weeks; a punch biopsy with stitches may need the stitches removed in one to two weeks. Biopsy results usually take about 7 to 10 days. We’ll contact you when they’re ready.
Aftercare
- Keep the bandage on for the first day, then clean gently once a day.
- Apply petroleum jelly and a bandage until healed.
- Call if you notice signs of infection: spreading redness, warmth, pus or fever.
When to call us
Call your location if you have bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure, signs of infection (spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever), or anything that worries you.