PROCEDURES

PUNCH BIOPSY

This is a surgical procedure to remove a small section of the skin comprising of the epidermis, dermis and superficial fat using a circular tool. A punch biopsy is done for histological analysis to help determine the diagnosis.

WHAT DOES THIS PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

The area is numbed with local anaesthesia before Dr Spengane begins. Once numbed, she will use a circular tool to remove a punch-sized piece of skin, extending into the deep dermis and subcutis. The size may vary between 2–6 mm in diameter. However, 3 - 4 mm is the most common size. Afterwards your dermatologist may close a punch biopsy wound with stitches; however, in most cases, the wound is small enough to heal without stitches.