These instructions are intended to support proper healing after a shave biopsy. Please follow your physician’s specific instructions if they differ from the information below.
First 24 Hours
Keep It Protected
- Keep the dressing clean, dry, and in place.
- Do not shower, bathe, swim, or soak the area.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or activities that may cause bleeding.
- A small amount of spotting on the bandage may be normal.
After 24 Hours
Clean Gently
- Remove the dressing gently.
- Wash the area once daily using mild soap and water.
- Pat dry with a clean towel; do not rub.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly unless otherwise instructed.
- Cover with a clean bandage if needed.
Days 4–14
Support Healing
- Continue gentle daily cleansing.
- Keep the wound slightly moist with petroleum jelly.
- Avoid picking, scratching, or removing the scab.
- Most biopsy sites heal within 2–4 weeks depending on size and location.
- Mild itching, pinkness, or tenderness during healing is common.
What Is Normal?
- Mild redness around the biopsy site.
- Mild discomfort for several days.
- A scab forming over the wound.
- Slight clear or pink drainage during the first few days.
- A pink scar that gradually fades over several months.
When to Contact Our Office
- Increasing redness spreading beyond the biopsy site.
- Increasing pain after the first few days.
- Thick yellow, green, or foul-smelling drainage.
- Fever or chills.
- Significant swelling.
- Persistent bleeding despite pressure.
- Any concern that the wound is not healing properly.
If Bleeding Occurs
- Apply firm, continuous pressure with clean gauze for 20 minutes without lifting to check the wound.
- If bleeding continues, repeat for another 20 minutes.
- If significant bleeding persists, contact our office or seek urgent medical attention.
Pathology Results
- The tissue sample has been sent to a pathology laboratory for examination.
- Results may take several weeks and occasionally longer if special stains or expert consultation are required.
- Some lesions require review by subspecialty dermatopathologists before a final diagnosis can be issued.
- Please do not assume that no news is good news.
- Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments and ensure your contact information is up to date.
Important Limitations of a Skin Biopsy
- A biopsy samples tissue for diagnostic purposes and does not always remove an entire lesion.
- Additional treatment, surgery, repeat biopsy, or monitoring may be required depending on the pathology result.
- Occasionally, pathology interpretations may change after additional testing or expert review.
- Clinical and pathological findings are interpreted together when determining diagnosis and management.
Scarring & Cosmetic Outcome
All skin biopsies heal with some degree of scarring. Scar appearance varies depending on skin type, body location, wound care, sun exposure, and individual healing characteristics.
Protect the area from sun exposure during healing and use sunscreen once the wound has fully healed.
Questions or Concerns?
Please contact our office if you are concerned about your biopsy site, healing, bleeding, or your pathology results.
SimcoDerm Medical & Surgical Dermatology Centre
705-503-6333