Biopsy Site Care Instructions
The day of your biopsy:
Leave the bandages in place and keep the site dry until the following day.
Beginning the day AFTER your biopsy:
1) Remove bandages. Our bandages are extra-adherent. You may want to remove the bandage in the shower once soaking wet.
2) Wash site with soap and water.
3) Pat dry with a clean towel.
4) Apply a thin layer of plain Vaseline ointment to the biopsy site. Avoid applying to the normal surrounding skin.
5) Cover with a Band-Aid.
6) Repeat once a day until there is no longer an open wound. The site should healing in 10-14 days but may take longer if the biopsy was performed on the hand, lower legs or foot.
*If your biopsy is in a hard to reach area or hair-bearing area such as the scalp, you may not be able to place a Band-Aid. At a minimum, ensure you are keeping the site clean.
What to avoid:
Submerging the site in bath water or swimming without a water-proof bandaid.
What to Expect
Common symptoms
Mild pain/discomfort: You may use Tylenol per the bottle instructions, as needed. Do NOT use Tylenol if you have known liver disease.
Spotting of blood: A small amount of bleeding is normal.
Oozing of clear fluid: A small amount of straw-colored, clear fluid is normal.
Scarring: Expect a permanent scar at the biopsy site. It is impossible to perform a biopsy without creating a scar, however, the appearance of the scar can greatly vary depending on the biopsy method and your skin’s healing ability. It may range from a barely noticeable flat pink, white or brown scar to a prominent, raised, pink or brown scar. Scars generally improve for up to 1-2 years then remain unchanged.
*If you experience any of the following symptoms, please call our office.
Infection: Severe swelling, greater than 1cm of surrounding redness, foul-smelling milky fluid with or without a fever.
Bleeding that will not stop: If blood soaks through your bandage, remove bandage and apply firm, direct pressure with a clean towel or gauze for 30 minutes (set a timer). If the bleeding persists, please call our office.
Laboratory Processing and Billing
Your biopsy specimen(s) will be sent to a PATHOLOGY WATCH for processing and interpretation.
You will receive a separate bill from this laboratory, if you have a payment responsibility based on your insurance coverage. For billing questions regarding your pathology bill, call PATHOLOGY WATCH at 877-463-5434, ext 2.
Biopsy results