Skin Biopsy

What is a Skin Biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope to help diagnose inflammatory conditions.

What are the benefits of a Skin Biopsy?

A skin biopsy helps confirm a diagnosis when the cause of inflammation or pain is unclear. The extended benefits of a skin biopsy are:

Accurate Diagnosis
– Allows direct microscopic examination of the skin tissue
– Helps confirm or rule out suspected conditions such as autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammatory skin disorders

Guides Treatment Decisions
– Knowing the exact cause of a skin lesion can help choose the most effective treatment
– Can prevent unnecessary or ineffective therapies

Minimally Invasive
– Done in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia
– Quick procedure (often less than 15 minutes) with minimal downtime

Low Risk
– Safe with minimal complications when performed by a trained professional

How does a Skin Biopsy work?

A skin biopsy works by taking a small sample of skin tissue and examining it under a microscope to help identify what’s causing a skin problem.
1. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce infection risk.
2. A local anesthetic (lidocaine) is injected to numb the area—this stings briefly but makes the procedure painless.
3. A small circular blade (like a tiny cookie cutter) removes a deeper core of skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and sometimes fat.
4. The area is then covered with a sterile dressing.
5. The skin sample is sent to a pathology lab, where it is examined under a microscope.
6. Results usually return within two weeks.

How to prepare a Skin Biopsy?

The first step to determine your eligibility to receive a skin biopsy is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.

– Medical Clearance (if needed)
If you have heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or infections, your provider may require clearance from your primary doctor or specialist.

What to expect after the procedure?

Skin biopsy is usually performed in under 15 minutes with the patient’s ability to go home the same day after a short recovery period.

Following the biopsy, there may be some discomfort and stiffness at the site, which typically improves with rest and ice. We recommend our patients go home and rest.