Punch Biopsy
A punch biopsy is a quick and simple surgical procedure where a small, circular sample of skin is removed under local anaesthetic and analysed by a specialist laboratory. It can help your consultant diagnose a wide range of skin conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
At a glance
- Consultation required
- Self Referral
- Next-day availability
- Paediatric Patients Aged 0+ Seen
- Health insurance
- Self-Pay Available
What is a punch biopsy?
Many skin conditions can be diagnosed through a physical examination by simply looking at and feeling the affected area. However, some changes in the skin — such as unusual growths, moles, or persistent lesions — require closer investigation through a biopsy and laboratory testing. In these cases, a punch biopsy is an effective and reliable way to collect a small sample of skin for detailed analysis.
A punch biopsy uses a round-tipped cutting tool (the punch) to remove a small, full-thickness sample of skin (typically around 3mm in diameter), which is then sent for microscopic analysis. This allows your consultant to make a precise diagnosis and decide whether further treatment is needed.
Your consultant may recommend a punch biopsy if:
a skin lesion, rash, or patch has features that need confirmation or clarification
a prior, less invasive test hasn’t provided enough information
your consultant needs a more detailed tissue analysis to decide the best treatment path
Punch biopsy is often used to check for cancerous or pre-cancerous changes in irregular moles or skin growths, but it can also help diagnose a wide range of other skin conditions, including rashes, skin tags, blistering disorders, and actinic keratosis. A punch biopsy is also a key diagnostic test used to confirm small fibre neuropathy (SFN), a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects the small nerve fibres in the skin.
At Welbeck, our consultant dermatologists specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions. Within our state-of-the-art Skin Health centre, you’ll have seamless access to expert dermatologists, specialist surgeons, and advanced pathological analysis — all working together to provide world-class, integrated care. Your punch biopsy will be carried out in our outpatient Surgery Centre, where you’ll receive dedicated care and rapid results, ensuring the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
Paediatrics
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 0+. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
More information
Your consultant dermatologist will begin by gently injecting a small amount of local anaesthetic to fully numb the area before the biopsy. Once the skin is numb, a specialised punch tool is used to remove a tiny sample of skin for testing. The incision is very small, and in most cases, only 1 or 2 fine stitches are needed to close the wound. A small dressing is then applied to keep the site clean and dry while it heals.
The procedure is quick and straightforward, usually taking just 5 to 10 minutes, and you can go home soon after. Biopsy results are typically available within 2 to 3 days, and your consultant will arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings with you and explain any next steps in your care.
In general, skin surgery is a safe procedure. However, every surgical procedure will carry some risks:
Risks of a punch biopsy include:
pain
bleeding
infection
scarring
swelling and bruising
No specific preparation is needed prior to having a punch biopsy. You should continue to eat, drink, and take any medications as normal unless advised otherwise by your consultant. If the biopsy is being taken from an easily accessible area, such as the arm or leg, it’s helpful to wear loose clothing that can be easily rolled up.
You may feel some tenderness or numbness around the site for a few days and have mild bruising — this is normal. You’ll be given information on how to care for the wound at home and when any stitches will need to be removed. You can usually return to light daily activities straight away, but your consultant will give you specific advice on this, depending on the site.
You should keep the wound clean and dry and avoid baths and strenuous activity while the wound is still closing. It typically takes between 2 to 3 weeks for the biopsy site to heal completely. Following the procedure, you’ll be left with a small straight-line scar, usually around 4 to 8mm in length, which will usually reduce in colour and size over several months.
Please contact our Skin Health centre or Surgery Centre for pricing.
At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book a punch biopsy, you must be referred by either your GP or a dermatologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Our specialists
Dr Mia Jing GaoConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Cristina PsomadakisConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Derrick PhillipsConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Rachael Morris-JonesConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Bryan McDonaldConsultant Dermatologist- Dr Genevieve OsborneConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Wedad AbdelrahmanConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Anshoo SahotaConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Sandy McBrideConsultant Dermatologist
Our locations
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Frequently asked questions
If your biopsy results show cancerous or abnormal cells, your consultant will explain this to you in your follow-up appointment. You’ll receive clear information about the findings and recommended next steps. At Welbeck, your care will be managed promptly and seamlessly — your consultant will coordinate any additional tests, surgery, or onward referrals to the appropriate specialists. Throughout this process, our team will ensure you’re fully supported, understand your options, and feel confident about your treatment plan.
Yes, punch biopsies can be performed on most areas of the body, including the face, limbs, and torso. However, your consultant will carefully assess the location to ensure the procedure is suitable. In delicate areas, such as around the eyes or lips, alternative methods may be considered to protect both function and appearance.
In most cases, you can drive yourself home immediately after the procedure, as only a small area is numbed. However, if the biopsy is performed near a joint — such as on your hand or foot — or if you feel any discomfort or stiffness, it’s best to arrange for someone else to drive. Your consultant will advise you based on your biopsy site.
Occasionally, a biopsy may not provide a definitive diagnosis. If this happens, your consultant will discuss the next steps, which may include further testing, a repeat biopsy, or additional imaging. At Welbeck, our dermatology and pathology teams work closely together to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnosis and an appropriate, timely treatment plan.