Skin biopsy
Shave, punch or excisional biopsy
A biopsy takes a small sample so a diagnosis is made on evidence rather than appearance. It takes minutes under local anesthetic, and it is the most important test in dermatology.
What it treats
Is this for you?
- Changing or suspicious moles
- Growths of unclear origin
- Rashes that have not responded to treatment
- Confirmation before Mohs or excision
- Hair loss of uncertain cause, with a scalp biopsy
How it works
What is actually happening.
The technique is chosen for what is being ruled out. A shave biopsy removes the top of a raised lesion with a fine blade. A punch biopsy takes a small round core through the full thickness of the skin, ideal for rashes and flat lesions, and is closed with a stitch or two. An excisional biopsy removes a whole small lesion. In every case the aim is to give the dermatopathologist what they need while leaving the smallest mark.
Dr. Nawas calls with the result herself, usually within a week, and explains what it means and what, if anything, comes next.
Your visit
What the appointment is like.
Examine
Dermatoscopy first; many lesions can be cleared without a biopsy.
Numb
A small injection of local anesthetic; the sting lasts seconds.
Sample
Shave, punch or excision, one to five minutes.
Results
A dressing goes on, and Dr. Nawas calls you with the pathology.
Before and after your appointment
Simple preparation, simple recovery.
Before
- No special preparation. Continue your medications and mention blood thinners.
- Tell Dr. Nawas about allergies to lidocaine, tape or antibiotics.
Afterward
- Keep the dressing on for 24 hours, then clean daily and apply petroleum jelly with a fresh bandage.
- Stitches, if used, come out at 7 to 14 days.
- A small pink mark fades over months; sunscreen helps.
Pricing
Published in advance, like everything else here.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Skin biopsyShave or punch, per site | $300 |
The pathology laboratory may bill separately for reading the sample. Original Medicare is accepted for medical and surgical dermatology, and many Medicare Advantage PPO plans can be billed out of network. We do not bill commercial insurance: you receive an itemized superbill with the diagnosis and procedure codes to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. How insurance, superbills and financing work here.
Good to know
Questions patients ask.
Will it leave a scar?
A shave leaves a flat pale spot; a punch leaves a small line. Both fade.
How soon will I know?
Usually within a week. Dr. Nawas calls with every result, benign or not.
Does insurance cover it?
Original Medicare is accepted. With commercial insurance you receive an itemized superbill to submit.
Related procedures
Often planned together.
Next step
Ready when you are.
Answers about a spot that worries you, usually within a week.
New to ZN Dermatology? Choose a consultation appointment: the spot is examined, and if it needs a biopsy it is done at that same visit, so there is no separate procedure day.