Excisional Biopsy
An excisional biopsy is a simple surgical procedure in which an entire area of abnormal skin tissue — such as a lump, skin lesion, or suspicious swelling — is removed for analysis.
At a glance
- Consultation required
- Self Referral
- Next-day availability
- Paediatric Patients Aged 0+ Seen
- Health insurance
- Self-Pay Available
What is an excisional biopsy?
An excisional biopsy is a surgical procedure where a surgeon removes an entire area of abnormal skin tissue, sometimes along with a small margin of healthy tissue. The tissue is then sent to a specialist laboratory where a pathologist studies it under a microscope to determine whether it’s benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Your consultant will then use the pathologist’s report to advise you on any next steps or treatment needed.
There are a number of reasons to have a skin excisional biopsy, such as:
a lump or lesion has been detected on imaging or by examination and needs full removal for diagnosis
a prior needle or core biopsy did not provide a definitive result
to remove a benign tumour or a skin cancer
to improve the cosmetic appearance of an area on the skin
to relieve symptoms (if a cyst or lesion is tender, prone to being knocked or often infected)
At Welbeck, our consultant dermatologists specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions. Within our state-of-the-art Skin Health centre, you’ll have seamless access to expert dermatologists, specialist surgeons, and advanced pathological analysis — all working together to provide world-class, integrated care.
Your excisional biopsy will be carried out in our outpatient Surgery Centre, where you’ll receive dedicated care and rapid results, ensuring the procedure is as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
Paediatrics
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 0+. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
More information
On the day of your procedure, you’ll be welcomed into a private room and asked to change into a gown or uncover the area where the biopsy will be performed.
Before the procedure begins, your consultant will mark the area of skin to be removed and talk you through each step, answering any final questions you may have. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll lie on the procedure bed and your consultant will administer a local anaesthetic using a small injection under the skin. The area will quickly become numb, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure, though it’s normal to notice a sensation of gentle pressure or pulling. Our team will monitor you throughout to make sure you remain comfortable.
At the end of the procedure, the incision may be closed with either dissolvable stitches, which naturally dissolve over 2 to 4 weeks, or non-dissolvable stitches, which are usually removed after 1 to 2 weeks, depending on where they are. Your wound will then be dressed, and our team will provide clear instructions on how to care for it at home.
The surgery typically takes between 15 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the size and location of the biopsy. Once it’s complete and the dressing is in place, you’ll have time to rest and recover from the anaesthetic in private, comfortable surroundings before going home the same day. Your consultant will let you know if you can go home by yourself or if you’ll need someone to collect you, depending on your specific procedure.
Your tissue will be examined by a pathologist, and your consultant will discuss the results with you in a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.
In general, skin surgery is a safe procedure. However, every surgical procedure carries some risks:
Risks of excisional biopsy include:
pain
bleeding
infection
scarring
swelling and bruising
Your consultant will give you specific advice on how to prepare for your treatment. If you’re having the procedure under local anaesthetic, you’ll usually be able to eat and drink as normal beforehand. If a general anaesthetic is planned, you’ll be asked to fast (have no food or drink) for a specified time before the operation.
Skin surgery is usually straightforward, with most people recovering within 1 to 2 weeks. Allow yourself time to rest after the procedure — this helps your wound heal properly. You can normally return to light daily activities or office work within a few days, but should avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and sports until your consultant confirms it’s safe, usually once the stitches are removed.
Your wound will be dressed before you leave, and you’ll receive instructions on how to care for it at home. This usually involves keeping the dressing dry for 5 to 7 days. Some stitches dissolve naturally over 2 to 4 weeks; others need to be removed after 1 to 2 weeks. Mild swelling, bruising or discomfort is common and can be eased with paracetamol — avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding.
Complications are uncommon but may include minor bleeding, infection, scarring, or swelling. If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure for 15 minutes with a clean cloth. If it continues, or your wound becomes red, painful or swollen, get in touch.
Please contact the Skin Health centre or Surgery Centre for pricing.
At Welbeck, our consultant 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 an excisional 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 Welbeck 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.
Our specialists
Professor Hiva FassihiConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Natalie AttardConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Wedad AbdelrahmanConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Emma CraythorneConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Suchitra ChinthapalliConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Ien ChanConsultant Dermatologist
Dr John FergusonConsultant Dermatologist
Dr Kapil BhargavaConsultant Dermatologist & Dermatologic Surgeon
Dr Rakesh AnandConsultant Dermatologist
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Frequently asked questions
If your biopsy results show cancerous or abnormal cells, your consultant will explain this to you in your follow-up appointment. You’ll receive clear information about the findings and recommended next steps. At Welbeck, your care will be managed promptly and seamlessly — your consultant will coordinate any additional tests, surgery, or onward referrals to the appropriate specialists. Throughout this process, our team will ensure you’re fully supported, understand your options, and feel confident about your treatment plan.
Yes, certain areas of the body need extra care after surgery. If the procedure is on your face or head, avoid bending down or straining, as this can increase swelling around the wound. Try to wear slip-on shoes on the day of your procedure and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least a week.
If your surgery is on a limb (especially the hand, foot or lower leg), some swelling is normal. Keeping the affected area elevated as much as possible will help reduce this. Your surgeon may provide a sling to support your arm or hand. Depending on the site and extent of your procedure, you may need to temporarily limit some activities. Your consultant will give you personalised guidance before your surgery to help you recover safely.
Not always. An excisional biopsy is suitable for removing many small or clearly defined skin lumps. However, if a lump is large, deep, or close to important structures such as nerves or blood vessels, your consultant may recommend a different approach — for example, a core biopsy, or a staged surgical removal. Your surgeon will assess the size, depth, and location of your lump during your consultation and advise on the safest and most effective method for diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, in some cases, an excisional biopsy can be performed for cosmetic reasons — for example, to remove a benign mole, cyst, or lump that’s causing concern or affecting your confidence. Before proceeding, your consultant will assess the area to ensure it’s safe to remove and will explain what to expect, including the likelihood of scarring. Your surgeon will talk to you about your goals and provide advice on whether an excisional biopsy or another minor skin procedure would give you the best cosmetic result.