Shave biopsy

A shave biopsy is used to remove raised benign lesions such as moles. Local anaesthetic is injected which stings for a few seconds but then the procedure is painless. The lesion is then shaved off with a scalpel and the underlying skin is cauterized. It will look like a small burn on the skin. As it heals the skin may look red or paler but after a few months the skin normally re-pigments. No stitches are used with this technique.

A shave biopsy is performed in the minor procedure room in the out-patient department. It takes about 30 minutes.