The WHATs, WHYs, and HOWs of Skin Biopsies If you’re experiencing troublesome or chronic skin problems, your doctor will likely request a skin biopsy. Here’s what you need to know about this common procedure. What’s Involved? Skin Biopsy Methods A skin biopsy is a process for removing and examining skin cells. It helps doctors understand skin diseases. Three types of biopsies exist:

•  Shave (razor-like tool removes a portion of epidermis and dermis)
•  Punch (small circular tool removes a portion of epidermis, dermis, and top fat layer)
•  Excisional (small knife excises a small area or abnormal-looking mass)

Why Skin Biopsies are Useful A skin biopsy helps the doctor diagnose and treat skin infections, moles or other suspicious growths, actinic keratosis, and skin cancer. If you take blood thinners, have allergies, or are on medications that suppress your immune system, inform your doctor. Biopsies are generally very safe, but occasionally bleeding, bruising, or infections occur. How Biopsies Work Before any biopsy, you will be prepped and the targeted area will be anesthetized. Biopsies usually take about 15 minutes. Punch and excisional biopsies generally require sutures, and wounds heal in about 3 weeks. AAIR  wants you to understand all our skin procedures. Have further questions? Contact us.