Ask the Doc

Elizabeth Anderson Responds:

There are two different types of skin biopsy: shave biopsy and punch biopsy. With both types the skin is numbed with a local anesthetic, which feels like a quick bee sting. After that the procedure should be painless. A shave biopsy is a superficial "scrape" of the skin, similar to what you might accidentally do using your razor. For a punch biopsy we use a small "cookie-cutter" to take a plug of skin and the site is closed with stitches. Any time you cut the skin there is always a risk of scarring. However, scarring after a biopsy is typically very minimal. The location, size, and type of biopsy can all affect any potential scarring.

-Dr. Anderson

Answer Published on 11/23/2008 at 5:43 PM