Procedure: Keep original bandage on the site(s) ideally for 24 hours. It is preferable to keep the area dry during this period. Once you begin showering, leave the dressing on in the shower while allowing it to get wet.

Immediately following your shower, remove the wet bandage and cleanse the area with a mild liquid soap and water solution (Soft soap, Dial, etc) being certain to remove all old ointment/drainage from the surface.

Rinse and dry the area with a clean Q-tip or gauze pad.

Apply a thin layer of Vaseline, A&D ointment, or Polysporin to the wound. (Do not use Neosporin).

Reapply a small airtight dressing over the wound. It’s very important to keep the area moist with ointment and sealed on all sides. Your biopsy site will heal faster and better than if you allow a scab to form.

Repeat this procedure every 24 hours until the area is healed. This usually takes 7-14 days. It is normal for biopsies on the legs to take longer to heal.

Additional Information: After your biopsy you can expect some mild discomfort. This is highly variable among patients and is also dependent upon the location of your biopsy. Some areas are more sensitive than others. You may take a non-aspirin pain reliever as needed.

You should expect some mild swelling, redness, and bruising around the biopsy site. This will resolve in a few days.

Bleeding is rare after a shave biopsy. If bleeding does occur, then sit or lie down and apply firm constant pressure to the wound for 20 minutes. If the bleeding has not stopped, repeat for 20 additional minutes. If it persists, call our office.

Once the wound has completely healed over, begin using sunscreen to prevent darkening of the scar.

Reactions: Allergic reactions to the bandage/tape material and antibiotic ointments are extremely common and are most often confused with infections. 48-72 hours after surgery wound becomes red and very itchy and can develop small blisters

Stop the antibiotic ointment and change to plain Vaseline ointment. Use a bandage that is made from a different material than the one you’ve been using.

When to call:

• If you have increased swelling or bruising.
• If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
• If you have increased redness along the incision.
• If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
• If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
• If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees.
• If you have any yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
• If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.