Shave Biopsy

Here’s what to expect during your shave biopsy: 

1. You may need to take off your clothes and put on a gown. 

2. The area of your skin that’s being biopsied will be cleaned.

3. A local anaesthetic will be injected into the area so you don’t feel anything during the procedure.

4. Your dermatologist will use a sharp, razor-like blade or scalpel to remove a thin sample from the surface of your skin. 

5. Your dermatologist will apply a surgical dressing to the area. A medicine may also be applied to the skin to stop any bleeding.

A shave biopsy normally takes between 10 and 15 minutes. You’ll be able to go home after your procedure.

A shave biopsy is a very safe procedure. However, after the procedure, there is a slight risk of:

• bleeding

• bruising 

• infection 

• keyloid scar (thick, raised scarring), which is more common if the biopsy was done on your back, chest, or neck, or if you are of South Asian, Chinese, African Caribbean or Black African origin

Most shave biopsies don’t require any preparation.

Your dermatologist will find out more about your medical history before your shave biopsy. They’ll want to know if you have a bleeding disorder, have experienced heavy bleeding after procedures in the past, or take any medications that thin your blood. Your answers will inform whether you need to do anything different in the run-up to your procedure.

It’s normal to feel some mild pain after your procedure. Over-the-counter painkillers can help to manage this. 

You won’t be able to drive home on the day of your procedure. Your dermatologist will tell you when you can resume driving. 

A follow-up consultation will be scheduled for you within 1 week of your procedure. This is so your dermatologist can discuss your results with you. 

Your wound is likely to be red and raised for a few weeks after a shave biopsy. You’ll need to clean it at least once a day. You should try to avoid bumping the area and any exercise or activity that stretches your skin. 

Your dermatologist will tell you when it’s safe to take a bath or go swimming again. If you follow their advice, your wound should take around 2 to 3 weeks to heal over. The colour and size of any scarring should improve within a few months.

Please contact our Skin Health centre for pricing information.

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 shave 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 would like to schedule a consultation with a 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.