TREATMENTS
Shave biopsy & excision
A thin sliver is sliced from the surface of the skin, leaving deeper levels of the skin intact.
- Minimally invasive
- Stitches not required
- Can remove raised moles and other lumps
Shave biopsy or excision is a minor procedure where a thin sliver of skin is shaved horizontally. It can be used to diagnose an unknown or suspicious lesion, or to completely remove a raised mole or other benign lesion.
Benefits of shave biopsy:
- Quick and easy procedure that can often be performed during an initial skin consultation.
- Suitable in areas where excision might be technically difficult, e.g. on the scalp or lower leg.
- Less risk of scarring than excision biopsy.
- Less aftercare required and fewer complications than excision biopsy.
- Cheaper than other cosmetic removal techniques such as radiofrequency surgery or ablative laser.
Diagnosing skin lesions
Shave biopsy is used to obtain a sample of a suspicious skin lesion for a skin pathologist to examine and provide a diagnosis. Your doctor is then able to decide if the lesion needs further treatment, and what the best treatment should be.
Cosmetic mole removal
Shave biopsy is a quick and relatively inexpensive way of flattening unwanted raised moles and other lesions such as seborrhoeic keratoses. This procedure also has the benefit of providing a diagnosis of the removed lesion.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
How it’s done
- The doctor injects local anaesthetic into the skin to make it numb.
- They then use a razor-like blade to shave off a thin layer of skin from the top. This sliver of skin is removed, leaving a small patch of “raw” skin behind.
- The doctor applies pressure (or may use cautery or topical aluminium chloride) to the area to minimise bleeding, and then places a dressing over the wound.
How to prepare
Get best results and minimise scarring by being well-prepared.
Shave around the area to be biopsied to a distance of about 5cm. This makes it easier for the surgeon to see the lesion to be biopsied, but also allows an adhesive dressing to stick to the skin.
Don’t apply make-up or skin care products to the area.
After the procedure
For 2-3 days, don’t put the area under water and avoid sweating if possible. Don’t wash with soap or apply any active products.
The wound will heal gradually from the bottom. This may take several weeks.
Learn more about shave biopsy and excision aftercare.
Side effects and warnings
There is a risk of bleeding. If the doctor has wrapped the wound with a crepe bandage, it must be left in place until the next day to minimise bleeding risk.
There is a risk of scarring following this procedure. Application of tape or silicone gel, wound massage and LED light therapy may help reduce this risk.
Shave biopsy wounds often take several weeks to heal, especially on the lower leg.
Bleeding occurs with almost all surgical procedures. It can usually be managed with firm pressure and it settles within a few hours.
More infoWound infections are relatively unusual. If you think you have an infection, it's best to have your wound assessed by a doctor or nurse.
More infoAbnormal scars may be raised, hard and discoloured, or thin and soft. They are common after skin procedures, but can usually be treated to improve their appearance and associated discomfort.
More info
Conditions treated
Level up your skin health
Know more about your skin health and how it can be improved with our range of skin cancer checks and aesthetic treatments.
Get started